“I felt like a dysfunctional human”: a young author talks about her asexuality

Gauthier Delomez (comments collected by Louise Garcia) / Photo credits: FABIAN SOMMER / DPA / DPA PICTURE-ALLIANCE VIA AFP 06:28 a.m., February 25, 2024

Sexuality appears to occupy a less and less important place in the lives of young people.

An Ifop study shows that almost a third of 18-24 year olds had no sexual intercourse last year.

This may be due to asexuality, a phenomenon that Anna Mangeot, author of a book on the subject, deciphers.

How can we explain the phenomenon of asexuality, a new trend which consists of not developing sexual desire?

15% of French people would be concerned, just like Anna Mangeot, 25, who recounts the discovery of her asexuality in her book

Asexual: intimate and moving journey of a woman who loves without making love

.

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Nearly a third of 18-24 year olds have not had sex in 2023

“The fact of not having desire and not having a sex life or very little, today, is still seen as something sad,” she explains at the microphone of Europe 1. According to a study by Ifop, almost a third of French people aged between 18 and 24 say they have not had sexual intercourse in one year, compared to only 5% in 2006.

“When we are asexual, we do not miss the fact of feeling desire, of wanting to have sex, as such since we do not feel the lack of something we do not know.” relates Anna Mangeot.

“There are going to be people like me who feel no desire, no libido, no attraction under any circumstances. And, there are going to be plenty of people who consider themselves to feel a desire or an attraction that is far from the norm,” notes the young author.

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“You can find a sexuality that is unique to you”

Anna Mangeot says she felt “extremely bad for years” because of her asexuality.

“I felt like a dysfunctional human. I was truly a broken thing,” she reflects.

According to the author, “when you are in a relationship with enough trust, you can find a sexuality that is unique to you.”

And Anna Mangeot explains: "In my case, people always assume that my boyfriend is asexual and it seems crazy to them that he is not. Three hours in the arms of my lover, smelling his scent, to caress his arms, to please me with his kisses on the neck... Why, ultimately, could this not be considered sexual intercourse?" she asks.