1-2% of the population identifies as asexual, yet this identity remains largely misunderstood and underrepresented in both media and society. In this enlightening episode, Yasmin Benoit, a pioneering advocate for the asexual and aromantic communities, opens up about her personal journey, the challenges of visibility, and her passionate fight for acceptance and understanding.
Yasmin Benoit is a British model, asexual activist, writer, and speaker. Described as the "unlikely face of asexuality" by Cosmopolitan Magazine, she quickly became a leading voice for the community after publicly coming out in 2017.She started the #ThisIsWhatAsexualLooksLike movement for diverse asexual visibility and representation and co-founded International Asexuality Day (April 6). Soon after, she was included on the Attitude101 Influential Figures List as a "trailblazer" in "The Future: Under 25" category and made the Visible100 List as a Community Campaigner.
What You'll Learn:
The Challenges of Asexual Representation: Insights into Yasmin's personal experiences with coming to terms with her asexuality and the additional layers of complexity introduced by her race.
Navigating Misconceptions: How societal misconceptions and stereotypes about asexuality and black identity have impacted Yasmin's journey and advocacy work.
The Importance of Visibility: The critical role of representation in media and advocacy in educating the public and supporting those within the asexual community.
Intersectionality of Identity: An exploration of how being black and asexual intersects, complicating the public's perception and acceptance of asexual identity.
Personal Growth and Acceptance: Yasmin's path to embracing her identity amidst external pressures and misconceptions.
Advocacy and Education: Yasmin's efforts to educate others about asexuality through public speaking, social media, and participation in documentaries and reports.
Quotable Moments:
[33:42] "I would have been able to come out successfully a lot sooner if I had been white for sure...even in the most liberal of circles they're like, 'but not you though.'"
[35:40] "I had to grow more confident in my complexion and my appearance and my features...I had to like grow my confidence in that respect and realise that my blackness was not something that made me less good-looking."
[43:12] "It's literally just a type of sexual orientation; it's just like one aspect of who you are and it's not an unfortunate thing. It's not something you need to respond sympathetically to or feel sorry for them."
Links & Resources:
Stonewall Asexual Report: To gain a deeper understanding of asexuality and its representation in the UK, Yasmin recommends checking out the Stonewall asexual report for comprehensive insights and data.
