Can Someone Be Both Asexual and Polyamorous?

Yes, and they can do it in many different ways.

• Asexuality has historically been stigmatized but, for most asexual people, is a positive identity and not evidence of malfunction.
• Some asexuals want multiple partners with whom they may have sexual or romantic relationships but often have emotional intimacy.
• Some asexuals prefer monogamy and do not want to have an allosexual partner who has other partners.

While the general public tends to assume that sexuality is the primary component of polyamorous relationships, research finds something quite different. Findings from my longitudinal study of polyamorous families with children indicate that polyaffectivity is far more important for sustained polyamorous relationships. Other researchers have also found that communication, negotiation, and meeting emotional needs are more important than sexuality when it comes to long-term polyamorous relationships. Recent research shows that some polyamorous relationships do not include sexuality at all.

Can Someone Be Both Asexual and Polyamorous?