Asexuality is a little-studied sexual identity that rarely—if ever—is correctly depicted in popular culture. The general assumption is that those who identify as asexual have no interest in sex or pursuing sexual experiences. And yet, according to a new study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior, half of asexual women and three-quarters of asexual men surveyed reported having sexual fantasies and masturbating.

The study proposes that instead of the asexual participants' fantasies channeling deep, dark sexual desires they wish to act on, the fantasies channel deep, dark desires that end there—no action sought. The disconnect needs more research, but something is keeping the asexual participants (351 in total) from turning sexual fantasy into lived reality.

The study also asked the asexual participants what they fantasized about. According to Science of Us, their responses often took place in the third-person. "I sexually fantasize about fictional male couples and their romantic and sexual relationships and events," a 19-year-old woman told researchers.

A 35-year-old woman said:

I enjoy watching other people enjoy their sexuality. I like the role of being strictly a voyeur but I love being the cause of them enjoying their sexuality. Although I am very excited by these situations I wouldn't call it sexual excitement. Although my body is clearly aroused by it, I have no desire to attend to that arousal.

Again, there's a disconnect. But what's clear is that the disconnect between sexual and asexual people isn't as cut and dry as (very limited) science assumed.

From: Esquire US