Sexual orientation

[coyote]

But is asexuality a sexual orientation? By the very definition sexual orientation is about being attracted sexually, physically, emotionally to some or the other or both. If so, I am not sure that asexuality is a sexual orientation. PS: Have had this discussion with many asexuals (admittedly non-FTM), and someone is yet to convince me that asexuality is a sexual orientation.

I use the term only because it's becoming widely accepted, but I have no problem adhering to your definition and simply saying I lack sexual orientation altogether. I used to call myself non-sexual or say "I'm nothing" before I heard of asexual being used to describe a complete absence of sexual attraction.

[Jav]

I use the term only because it's becoming widely accepted, but I have no problem adhering to your definition and simply saying I lack sexual orientation altogether. I used to call myself non-sexual or say "I'm nothing" before I heard of asexual being used to describe a complete absence of sexual attraction.

@Coyote Have you begun the HRT? Are you in a country where you need to get a psych evaluation to qualify for the HRT? If so, I am just wondering how the shrink-age institution deals with asexual transsexuals. I am sure it would come up with the whole "asexual because in deep denial of one's sex" thing. So curious. Be glad to hear if you've had any troubles with such institutions being an asexual FTM. PS: Of course, I believe that one's gender identity is separate from one's sexual orientation, but we do experience our bodies in a sexed way, through sexualisation, so somehow they do get mixed up to a certain degree. Your thoughts and experiences?...

[coyote]

Jav... Yeah, I've been on T since last November. I'm in Canada and I was required to have a psych evaluation first, yes. I really expected the asexuality thing to be an issue that would hinder my receiving approval for HRT, but it wasn't at all. I figured I'd be misunderstood and be forced to work extra hard to "prove myself" and defend my position, but it never happened. I was honest about it from the get-go and it was never brought into question in terms of validating my gender identity. The most that was said was HRT can increase sex drive and it's possible I may develop sexual desire/attraction despite experiencing none before. However, that hasn't happened, and when I report my changes (or lack thereof) to my endocrinologist, she simply accepts what I say and doesn't question it. Everyone on board (endo, GP, psych, etc.) seems genuinely interested in learning from my personal experiences with the whole process as opposed to forcing previously held beliefs on me. I honestly can't complain about the way I've been treated at all.

[JohnAlex]

But is asexuality a sexual orientation? By the very definition sexual orientation is about being attracted sexually, physically, emotionally to some or the other or both. If so, I am not sure that asexuality is a sexual orientation. PS: Have had this discussion with many asexuals (admittedly non-FTM), and someone is yet to convince me that asexuality is a sexual orientation.

Well I think this is about as pathetic as the atheists who claim that atheism is not a religion.  To me, it's like, who cares?  It drives me crazy when people get obsessed with detailed and being technically/logically correct when everyone already knows what you mean.

When I ask someone, "what religion are you?"  And they respond with, "Atheist."  That answered my question.  And I don't think that have to be implying that atheism is a religion to answer that question like that.   They could be more specific and say, "I don't have a religion.  I am atheist."  But they got the same point across in less words with the first answer.
And if I was to make a list of world religion, I would include atheism because it goes in that category.  It's not going to have a category all on it's own.  It's all a part of beliefs about god.

And similarly to sexual orientation, When I ask someone, "What is your sexual orientation?"  And they reply with "asexual."  That answered my question.  They didn't need to say anymore.
And asexuality would still go in the category of sexual orientation.

[Cowboi]

Well I think this is about as pathetic as the atheists who claim that atheism is not a religion.  To me, it's like, who cares?  It drives me crazy when people get obsessed with detailed and being technically/logically correct when everyone already knows what you mean.

Well if we do want to be technical about it one of the dictionary definitions of asexual is to lack interest in or desire for sex. So.... if someone feels that way why wouldn't asexual be their orientation? What else would they be? Non-practicing? lol

If there was another word for it that was commonly used I'd get the idea of it not being considered a sexual orientation, but there isn't. Asexual is the word we commonly use in this situation and it also happens to be one of the definitions of the word, so I don't see how it isn't a valid orientation to begin with.

[Jav]

However, that hasn't happened, and when I report my changes (or lack thereof) to my endocrinologist, she simply accepts what I say and doesn't question it. Everyone on board (endo, GP, psych, etc.) seems genuinely interested in learning from my personal experiences with the whole process as opposed to forcing previously held beliefs on me. I honestly can't complain about the way I've been treated at all.

@Coyote That's really totally fantastic, and of course this sort of accepting/learning attitudes/practices can only be found in Canada (no offence to folks from other countries, esp good ol' US of A). Love your country, mate: got married there to my ex wife  in 2005. I am really glad that the institutions are opening up to such an extent.

@JohnAlex and @Cowboi No offence was meant, and none was taken by Coyote himself here. I am just looking at the definition of "sexual orientation" from the accepted international legal documents, which, note, are still evolving. So let's see in a few years, shall we.