Not as Alien as You Think: How Media Representation (and Lack Thereof) Affects Asexuals

Kelsey Anderberg

Authors

Kelsey Anderberg University of Washington Tacoma

Keywords:

LGBTQ, queer, asexual, ace, media, representation, erasure

Abstract

This article addresses the misrepresentation and erasure of asexual people in the media and how that treatment can harm asexual people. The article discusses the differences between sexual and romantic attraction, erasure in the media, how disability and asexuality are often wrongfully linked together, and how all of these issues can culminate in trauma, coercion and corrective rape of asexual individuals.

Author Biography

Kelsey Anderberg, University of Washington Tacoma

Kelsey Anderberg is a pre-major at the University of Washington Tacoma. She intends to declare the Communication Major and hopes to be an author and journalist. Kelsey was on the Dean's list for both the Winter and Spring quarters of 2026. She enjoys creative writing, cosplay, Disney (specifically the theme parks) and collecting fashion dolls. She chose to write this essay because as someone who identifies as asexual, she is no stranger to the alienation and erasure asexual individuals face. She hopes that this paper can spread awareness of asexual people's existence and how ace erasure in the media can negatively impact asexual people's lives.

Course: TCORE 101

Instructor: Corinne Manning

Not as Alien as You Think

How Media Representation (and Lack Thereof) Affects Asexuals

Authors

Keywords:

Abstract

Author Biography

Kelsey Anderberg, University of Washington Tacoma

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