Typed and cleaned up a mini-zine I made a while ago for an ace week zine making event. Made in reaction to my continued frustration what is often seen as "acceptance" and the DSM.
Printable mini-zine here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CI-eKcPG61ezopxGcqYtYTYpkDelT3r5/view?usp=sharing
For folks not familiar with mini-zines here are instructions on how to fold them: https://docpop.org/2018/01/how-to-make-mini-comics-my-guide-to-cutting-and-folding-an-8-page-zine/
Cover: Asterisk Acceptance. What does asexual acceptance actually mean?
Page 2: Asterisk acceptance: accepting something by adding exceptions to existing assumptions rather than challenging the assumptions.
This shows up all the time when people try to include asexuality. While often well meaning, it falls short of actual acceptance.
Page 3: Examples include:
We are all sexual beings*
*except for some asexuals
A strong romantic relationship needs sex to thrive*
*except for some asexual relationships
Sexual attraction is a core part of being human*
*except for asexual people
Page 4: This even shows up in medical spaces.
The DSM, the text used for defining and diagnosing mental disorders in Canada and the USA, has two diagnosis that can often apply to asexual people.
In the most recent version of the DSM, DSM-V, these are Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (FSIAD) and Male Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (MHSDD).
Page 5: Both of these diagnoses have exceptions for people who identify as asexual.
But is that enough? What about the person who’s never heard “asexual” before? What about the doctor that doesn’t believe them? What about those whose asexuality isn’t lifelong? Does this exception help them?
Asterisk acceptance fails because it doesn’t question the underlying assumptions. It only adds exceptions to the rule. It continues to alienate, obscure and other those that it places in the list of exceptions.
Not only does asterisk acceptance hurt asexual people, it closes the possibilities asexuality brings to non-asexual people.
How much stronger could consent be if “no” was always an option?
What types of connection and pleasure exist beyond sex?
What do we want sex to mean for us and our relationships? Are there more ways of accessing that meaning?
Last Page: Real acceptance must happen at the root. ]
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