The Invisible Orientation audiobook cover - An Introduction to Asexuality

The Invisible Orientation

An Introduction to Asexuality

Julie Sondra Decker

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The Invisible Orientation
Defining Asexuality+
Romance & Relationships+
Misconceptions & Stigma+
Medicalization & Pathologizing+
Social Pressure & Abuse+
Community & Advocacy+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 7
According to the book, how is asexuality primarily defined?
  • A. The complete absence of a physical sex drive or inability to become aroused.
  • B. A sexual orientation characterized by a lack of sexual attraction to anyone.
  • C. A conscious choice to abstain from sexual activity for personal or religious reasons.
  • D. A temporary phase of low libido caused by physical or mental health issues.
Question 2 of 7
Why might an asexual person engage in sexual activity or masturbation?
  • A. Because physical behavior does not define sexual orientation, and they may still desire stress relief, endorphins, or to please a partner.
  • B. Because they are actively trying to cure their asexuality and develop sexual attraction over time.
  • C. Because all asexual people eventually experience a late-blooming phase of sexual attraction.
  • D. Because they are attempting to hide their orientation from the LGBT community.
Question 3 of 7
How does the book describe the relationship between romance and asexuality?
  • A. Asexual people are entirely incapable of experiencing romantic love and are always aromantic.
  • B. Asexual people can only form romantic relationships with other asexual individuals.
  • C. Asexual people can experience romantic feelings and build deep intimacy through partnership, trust, and non-sexual physical affection.
  • D. Romance for asexual people is strictly defined by running businesses together or raising children, without any physical contact.
Question 4 of 7
Which of the following is a common, condescending misconception society holds about asexual people?
  • A. That they possess an unusually high sex drive that they are trying to suppress.
  • B. That they are overly aggressive and dominant in the dating scene.
  • C. That their lives are incredibly complex and difficult to understand.
  • D. That their orientation is just an immature 'phase' or that their lives are 'uncomplicated' without sex.
Question 5 of 7
How do some medical professionals and individuals inappropriately react to someone identifying as asexual?
  • A. By immediately accepting it and including an 'Asexual' checkbox on all medical forms.
  • B. By demanding hormone checks or suggesting the orientation is the result of past trauma or abuse.
  • C. By diagnosing them with a specific genetic disorder unique to the asexual community.
  • D. By assuming they are simply waiting until marriage and encouraging them to stay celibate.
Question 6 of 7
What image has become a popular symbol of asexuality on the internet?
  • A. A tailless dog
  • B. A lit candle
  • C. A piece of cake
  • D. A white rose
Question 7 of 7
According to the book's final actionable advice, what is the best way to support an asexual person who comes out to you?
  • A. Simply acknowledge their existence, listen to them, and be respectful without offering unsolicited advice.
  • B. Give them advice on how to gradually introduce sexual intimacy into their relationships.
  • C. Encourage them to seek therapy to uncover any hidden sexual desires they might be repressing.
  • D. Help them find a partner who is also asexual so they don't have to deal with relationship complexities.

The Invisible Orientation — Full Chapter Overview

The Invisible Orientation Summary & Overview

The Invisible Orientation (2014) provides a helpful introduction to asexuality, including valuable information on both what it is and what it is not. You’ll also learn about how people experience this sexual orientation, the difficulties that come with it, and why there is no need to cure it, condescend to it or consider asexual people as being any different from you or me.

Who Should Listen to The Invisible Orientation?

  • Anyone interested in how sexual attraction works
  • Adults who are wondering about their sexual orientation
  • Sociologists interested in the variety of human life

About the Author: Julie Sondra Decker

Since 1998, Julie Sondra Decker has helped raise awareness of asexuality by providing interviews and insight to such mainstream media as The New York Times and Marie Claire. Decker is also a webcomic artist and a writer of science fiction and fantasy. Being aromantic and asexual, she currently lives, happily single, in Florida.

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