International Asexuality Day was founded in 2010 and takes place annually on 6 April to raise awareness of asexuality. This includes demisexual, grey-asexual and other ace identities. Some organisations also mark Ace Week, which takes place in October.
The University’s staff survey in October 2024 included asexuality as an option in its sexual orientation question for the first time thanks to the advocacy of asexual staff members.
Fray McNulty, an asexual member of staff at Sussex, said: “Asexuality is a spectrum and people can be ace and romantically attracted to different genders. It’s just there is no sexual attraction - that also doesn't mean every ace person doesn't have sex. Which is a common misconception. Some ace folks do - because sexual attraction and libido are also different. Or for varying other reasons.
“There are also aromantics who don't experience romantic attraction, which apparently has an awareness week around Valentine’s Day! Both fall under the Ace umbrella but are distinct things.
“It’s quite fascinating when you dive into the ace spectrum - my journey is relatively recent having not known it was a thing until my 30s! Hence thinking it’s important to spread the knowledge!”
Additional reading and resources
Support for staff and students
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Staff members who identify as LGBTQIA+ can join our LGBTQ+ Staff Network by contacting lgbt-staff@sussex.ac.uk. The LGBTQ+ Staff Network arranges events and activities through the year. Many of their events are open to all staff, and some events are also open to students.The LGBTQ+ Staff Network is fully open to and inclusive of asexual and aromantic members.
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Students who identify as LGBTQIA+ can join the Students’ Union’s LGBTQ+ Society and contact the Students’ Union officers for support or information.
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Students can also find a number of resources and support at the Student Centre and on the Sexuality and Gender Support and Information web pages.
- The University of Sussex is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for every member of its community. If you or someone else has experienced behaviours such as bullying, harassment, a hate incident, sexual violence, domestic abuse or discrimination, you can let us know using Report and Support.