Intimacy and identity negotiation in online asexual communities: beyond normative assumptions

The study highlights the crucial role of asexual communities in challenging traditional conceptualisations of intimacy, which have historically viewed physical closeness and sexual attraction as inherently linked. Specifically, the analysis focuses on how AVEN (Asexual Visibility and Education Network) members experience physical closeness, also examining the intersection of asexuality and kinks. Through a sentiment analysis conducted on 3,436 comments posted on the AVEN online community, undertaken using Natural Language Processing (NLP) tools, recurring themes and predominant emotions expressed by users were identified. The findings, enriched by data from 16 AVEN members semi-structured online interviews, emphasise the individualised nature of intimacy preferences among members of the asexual community, where physical closeness often serves as an emotional rather than sexual medium. The results challenge conventional intimacy frameworks, advocating for a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of human connections, supporting the development of a more liveable environment for asexual individuals.