First Advisor
Aaron Roussell
Date of Award
Winter 3-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Sociology and University Honors
Department
Sociology
Language
English
Subjects
Asexual, discrimination, outness
Abstract
Asexuality is sexual orientation defined by those who experience little to no sexual attraction. Despite asexuality being as common as red headedness or left handedness, it has been severely overlooked in research and conversations. Because many people are not aware of the existence of asexuality, it has not been directly attacked by anti-queer campaigns. Still, there have been some recent shifts in this dynamic as asexuality becomes more visible. I conducted a linear regression on the 2022 Ace Community Survey results. I analyzed the effect of theoretically important variables on the outness of asexual respondents. Results indicated an importance on age, race, national origin, age first identifying as asexual, and neurodiversity as important control variables on the outness of asexual people. Negative experiences did correlate to higher levels of outness, but asexuality as a more negative impact on mental health displayed lower levels of outness. Lastly, I consider current policy and where gaps can be filled to best serve the needs of the asexual community.
Recommended Citation
Stravens, Lizzie, "Understanding the Experiences and Visibility of Asexual People and Guiding Policy to Effectively Protect Asexuality" (2026). University Honors Theses. Paper 1769.