Angela Tucker's non-judgmental documentary considers the possibility that asexuality may be a sexual orientation like heterosexuality or homosexuality, rather than a choice, such as celibacy. Dr. Anthony Bogaert, a Brock University psychology professor, says that previous studies focused only on sexual attraction to men and women, so he offered "neither" as an option on a survey, which was selected by 1% of the respondents—a statistically notable proportion. Of the asexual subjects profiled here, some have had sex, and some haven't, but none have enjoyed it. David Jay, a San Francisco activist, says he's never felt sexual desire, and sees no reason to keep his nature a secret, although his use of the phrase "I came out to my parents" (as asexual) sounds a bit strange. During the two-year film shoot, Jay organizes a group to march in the city's annual pride parade, a move that sex columnist Dan Savage finds pointless. Swank Ivy, who has posted a series of videos to YouTube, shares Jay's lack of sexual interest, and agrees that publicity can only help to de-stigmatize their situation. Other asexuals wonder about the link between autism and asexuality. Throughout, Tucker works in clips from vintage educational films and celebrity interviewees, such as Morrissey, who opts for the word “celibate” over “asexual.” As for Jay, the film's primary subject, his situation turns out to be more complicated, since he longs for children and emotional intimacy, but struggles with finding a path to accomplish these goals. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)
(A)Sexual: A Minority No Longer Silent
(2012) 74 min. DVD: $350. Filmakers Library. PPR. ISBN: 978-1-4631-1571-5. Volume 28, Issue 2
(A)Sexual: A Minority No Longer Silent
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