Emma Bolch

Asexual Representations in Fiction: Gender, Race, Disability, and Creating More Nuanced Intersectional Possibilities

Started Mar. 24, 2026

Abstract or project description

If I saw an asexual character in one of my TV shows as a kid, I probably would have found out I was asexual sooner. Unfortunately, most asexuals' experiences are similar as they have to rely on informal Internet research to find out their lack of sexual attraction. To address this problem, this research focuses on the depiction of asexual characters in film, TV shows, books, and other media. This study analyzes gaps in the current research on good and bad representations of asexual characters, arguing that additional dimensions of asexuals’ identity need to be more fully fleshed out, specifically regarding their gender, race, and dis/ability. I propose a critical re-framing of representations considered “bad” because, I argue, some aspects of the representations are needed, even though their portrayals are unfortunately flat and stereotypical. I propose taking a more nuanced approach: rather than disposing entirely of flawed characters / representations, I argue that there is a great need for elements of their portrayal (disability, [add more examples]) to be re-envisioned and enriched. As a case in point, I focus on the intersection and conflation of autism and asexuality, noting harmful aspects of their conflation as well as more productive possibilities for their portrayal. This study concludes with the author’s creative writing exploration of what a more enriched and realistic representation could look like, based on the author’s lived experiences and addressing the intersection of (an?) underrepresented gender(s), race(s), and disability.

My research questions are:

RQ1B: What elements of flawed characters / representations are realistic and need to be re-envisioned and enriched in order to validate and reflect the lived experience of asexual people?

RQ2: Regarding autism and asexuality: What are the harmful aspects of their conflation as well as more productive possibilities for their portrayal?

RQ3 {for your creative writing} : What could a more enriched and realistic representation look like, based on the author’s lived experiences and addressing the intersection of (an?) underrepresented gender(s), race(s), and disability?