Asexuality and Aromanticism with Yasmin Benoit

Listen to "Asexuality and Aromanticism with Yasmin Benoit" on Spreaker.

In this episode, Hannah is joined by Yasmin Benoit, who is a model and asexuality activist. Yasmin discusses asexuality, aromanticism, and their meanings and misconceptions. She and Hannah talk about the difference between attraction, arousal, desire, and the sex drive, as well as asexual and aromantic representation in the media. Finally, Hannah and Yasmin discuss ace and aro inclusion in the LGBTQ+ community, and answer some listener questions.

Read the episode transcript here!

SHOW NOTES

What we chat about…

Yasmin’s definitions of asexuality and aromanticism
How did Yasmin first realise she was asexual and aromantic? Was it difficult?
What would Yasmin say when people asked her about her sexuality before she had first come across the words asexual and aromantic?
When did Yasmin first come across the term asexual?
What are the most fulfilling relationships in Yasmin’s life?
Some common misconceptions that Yasmin has come across about asexual and aromantic people
Does Yasmin ever date?
The concept of orientations for platonic relationships
Is there a distinction for Yasmin between not experiencing sexual attraction and wanting to be sexual or express sexuality?
Lingerie modeling while asexual
Do asexual people watch porn or masturbate? What’s Yasmin’s general response when people ask these questions?
Separating sexual arousal, desire, and drive
How does Yasmin feel about media representation of asexuality? Does she struggle to find characters in books and movies to relate to?
Was there a coming-to-terms process for Yasmin with her asexuality and her aromanticism?
Does Yasmin feel included in Pride and as part of the LGBTQ+ community? Does she identify as a part of that community?
How and why did Yasmin start the This Is What Asexuality Looks Like campaign?
Misconceptions and stereotypes about what asexual people “should” look like
What does Yasmin think are the biggest challenges that asexual and aromantic people are facing?
Has Yasmin seen any positive examples of ace people being in relationships with non-ace people? Or has she found that asexual people tend to date other asexual people?
The different reasons for having sex
What can people do to support and understand their asexual friends?
Is liking the idea of sex but not the act of it a sign that you might be asexual? (30:25)
How does Yasmin feel about the promotion of sex as if it were required for overall wellness? (31:55)
Does telling people that you’re ace/aro change people’s perceptions of you? (34:10)
What was coming out to Yasmin’s family like? How do you even explain asexuality or aromanticism to a family member or friend? (35:10)
What are two things Yasmin wishes people knew about asexuality and aromanticism?