New Dimensions, New Directions: Asexualities and Aromanticism in the 21st Century

This article offers an overview of the state of the field for asexualities and aromanticism and suggests new directions for research. Our goal is to inspire feminist scholars of sexualities to incorporate asexualities and aromanticism into their own research and push the field forward. We begin by describing the development of asexual and aromantic concepts, with an eye toward the social and political context in which they emerged. We then turn our attention toward intersections between asexuality, aromanticism, and other social inequalities, including sexism, racism, and ableism. Next, we examine asexuality and aromanticism in relation to social institutions: medicine, labor, education, and families/relationships. Finally, we offer questions for scholars to consider regarding the relationship between asexuality, aromanticism, and broader LGBTQIA+ communities. We conclude by offering specific resources to support scholars of asexuality and aromanticism, including secondary quantitative data and mentorship communities.