Invisible Desires: Uncovering Asexual Histories and the Erasure of Non-Sexual Identities in Historical Narratives

This study explores the historical erasure of asexual identities and the invisibility of non-sexual lives in traditional narratives, addressing how such identities have been misunderstood and marginalized over time. Historically, asexuality has been pathologized and excluded from mainstream discourses on sexuality, often dismissed as a phase or condition needing correction. This marginalization is perpetuated by society’s adherence to monosexual norms, which prioritize sexual attraction, thereby sidelining asexual and other non-normative identities. Employing queer theory, gender studies, and intersectional frameworks, the study examines diverse historical and cultural perspectives, challenging binary understandings of sexuality and advocating for a more inclusive representation of non-sexual identities. A systematic literature review was conducted. Thematic coding and methodological appraisal were used to extract patterns related to archival erasure, cultural representation, and intersectionality. It critically examines how asexuality has been historically overlooked in key theoretical frameworks and archival practices, while also tracing contemporary efforts, such as online activism and inclusive scholarship, that seek to validate asexuality as a legitimate and diverse orientation. By bridging historical analysis with emerging asexual perspectives, this study contributes to a more inclusive understanding of identity, intimacy, and representation, advocating for the integration of asexual narratives into broader discourses of sexuality and human experience.