Asexual Representation in Fiction

Abstract

This study focused on the appearance of asexual characters within fictional literature and media. These appearances, or representation, were analyzed in terms of whether they show asexuality and asexual people in a positive or negative light, and whether they were problematic or helped to foster understanding of asexuality and asexual people. To accomplish this, the research includes an explanation of asexuality and asexual people, and explains the importance of representing minority groups in fiction. I find that representation of asexuality has limitations, though this representation does exist in current fictional literature and some media. I also find that existing representation of asexuality is mostly positive and fosters understanding of asexuality and works to dispel myths about asexuality and asexual people. Keywords: asexuality, asexual people, fiction, representation, sexual orientation