Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Date of Degree

2-2026

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Program

Women's and Gender Studies

Advisor

Red Washburn

Subject Categories

Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Keywords

asexuality, queer theory, digital ethnography, coalitional politics, compulsory sexuality, amatonormativity

Abstract

This study explores the radical political potential of Asexuality and Aromanticism within queer theory, emphasizing their roles in destabilizing normative constructs of sexuality and romantic relationships. Employing mixed methods, including literature review, digital ethnography of online communities, and analysis of graphic narratives, the research examines how these identities challenge systemic systems such as compulsory sexuality, amatonormativity, and racialized discourses. Findings reveal that Asexual and Aromantic communities utilize flexible definitions and taxonomies to assert their identities, disrupt hegemonic gender and sexual norms, and foster coalitional politics that advocate for systemic change. The study underscores the importance of recognizing Asexuality and Aromanticism as integral to queer activism, offering new theoretical frameworks for understanding human intimacy beyond traditional paradigms.  Ultimately, this work gestures towards a reimagined societal framework wherein the diverse experiences of love, desire, sex, and intimacy are valid and supported, advancing the discourse on Asexuality and its potential to transform contemporary societal constructs.

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