Depathologizing asexuality: A qualitative case study in Chile
Sexuality, when evaluated through traditional paradigms—such as the Freudian framework that conceptualizes the sexual drive as a lifelong, teleological process—has historically been examined against normative benchmarks that exclude non-normative experiences. To address this gap, this exploratory qualitative case study examined how self-identified asexual individuals in Chile define their sexuality and navigate structural barriers, including medicalized pathologization (e.g., the categorization of low sexual desire as a clinical dysfunction in the DSM-5). Drawing on semi-structured interviews with two asexual individuals residing in Santiago and Coquimbo, and contrasting their narratives with international literature, this study aims to enhance empirical visibility within the Chilean context, where research on asexuality remains virtually non-existent. Participant recruitment challenges underscored the pervasive social invisibility surrounding asexual identities in allonormative cultures. The findings challenge rigid conceptualizations of asexuality as a total absence of desire, demonstrating that participants experience low-intensity or context-dependent sexual attraction while prioritizing romantic gestures and profound emotional bonds over genital activity. Regarding community, participants valued educational spaces and peer networks that fostered mutual understanding and validation. Crucially, neither participant exhibited clinical distress, indicating that asexuality is best conceptualized as a fluid spectrum. These insights advocate for a depathologized framework of human sexuality and emphasize the necessity of disseminating comprehensive, non-stigmatizing information—an essential condition for mental health professionals to deliver affirmative care and honor subjective diversity.
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