Asexuality has always existed, says Yasmin Benoit, but in recent years, it has gained focus in public debates. In this conversation, Yasmin explores what it means to be asexual. We talk about epistemic injustice, the male gaze, labels, and essentialism.

You can see Yasmin Benoit live, debating 'Singles, Sex and Society' alongside Aline Laurent-Mayard and Edward Davies at the upcoming HowTheLightGetsIn Festival, on May 24th-27th. Check out the incredible line-up of speakers and festival programme here.

You have risen to fame with your work for the LGBTQIA+ community and with Stonewall, Pride. You work with many people in the asexual community alongside being asexual and aromantic yourself. What does it mean to be asexual, and how has your involvement in the community informed your understanding of asexuality? How do people in the community define ‘asexuality’ as a label, and do you think this label changes when it reaches people outside of the community?

I have always used the most general and widely accepted definition, which is experiencing little to no sexual attraction towards anyone, regardless of their gender. In my involvement with the LGBTQAI+ community, I have been able to explore how this fits within the spectrum and how romantic orientation also fits within that.