Allosexism

Allosexism is the system of attitudes, structures, and discrimination that favors people who experience sexual attraction (allosexual people) and marginalizes asexual people. It rests on allonormativity, the assumption that everyone naturally feels sexual attraction and that sexual desire is necessary for a full life. This assumption is built into media, relationships, sex education, and even some LGBTQ+ spaces. In practice, allosexism can invalidate asexual identities, erase ace experiences from representation, and pressure asexual people into sexual activity they do not want. The term is used within the asexual and aromantic communities to name a pattern of exclusion that often goes unrecognized because it feels like common sense.