An Ace Theory of Relationships: Asexuality and Narratives of Relationship Norms

Abstract

Asexuality studies is an emergent transdisciplinary field with many gaps to fill. This thesis aims to address asexual individuals’ own stories and perspectives on relationships and the norms that surround them. Utilizing semi-structured interviews and the theory of queer phenomenology the thesis sets out to give space to often overlooked and underrepresented points of view. The material gives rise to two main themes, that of an asexual perspective on norms, as well as that of language, both as a tool for resistance and self-identification, but also as something that creates uncomfortable restraints.