In a world that often equates romance and sexual attraction with the human experience itself, asexuality can feel like a quiet, misunderstood identity. An asexual person, often abbreviated as “ace,” is someone who experiences little to no sexual attraction to others. It’s a diverse and valid sexual orientation, not a disorder or a choice.
For decades, a lack of representation meant many asexual people felt isolated or broken. Today, thanks to brave public figures openly identifying as ace, visibility is growing. These celebrities are helping to shatter stereotypes, educate the public, and show others in the asexual community that they are not alone.
Here are some of the public figures who have shared their asexual identity with the world.
1. Yasmin Benoit
Model, Activist, and Asexual Icon
Yasmin Benoit is arguably the most prominent asexual activist in the public eye today. As a successful lingerie and alternative model, she directly challenges the pervasive stereotype that asexual people are uninterested in sex, romance, or fashion. Benoit is fiercely outspoken, co-founding the UK’s first Asexual Awareness Week and tirelessly campaigning for asexual inclusion in LGBTQ+ spaces, research, and legislation. Her work has been featured in major publications, making her an indispensable voice for the modern ace movement.
2. Cavetown (Robin Skinner)
Singer-Songwriter and Musician
Beloved in the indie and bedroom pop scenes, Cavetown’s music resonates with a generation navigating identity and mental health. In a 2021 YouTube video, he opened up about his identity, stating he is “on the asexual spectrum and… on the aromantic spectrum.” His casual, honest disclosure to his millions of fans was a monumental moment for ace and aro youth, demonstrating that your identity doesn’t define your capacity for creating profound, emotional art loved by all.
3. David Jay
Activist and Founder of AVEN
While perhaps less of a traditional “celebrity,” David Jay’s contribution to asexual visibility is immeasurable. He founded the Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN) in 2001, creating the first major online hub for the global asexual community. His advocacy has included speaking at Pride events, giving TED Talks, and appearing in countless documentaries and articles. Jay’s work laid the foundational groundwork for the awareness we see today.
4. Angela Chen
Award-Winning Journalist and Author
As the author of the groundbreaking book Ace: What Asexuality Reveals About Desire, Society, and the Meaning of Sex, Angela Chen has become a leading intellectual voice on the topic. While she is a journalist first, her public identification as asexual and her deeply researched exploration of the identity have educated countless readers and critics. Her work is essential for anyone seeking to understand asexuality beyond a simple definition.
5. Tim Gunn
Fashion Mentor and Television Personality
Best known for his role on Project Runway and his iconic catchphrase “Make it work,” Tim Gunn publicly came out as asexual in a 2021 interview. He discussed having never felt sexual attraction and realizing later in life that there was a word for his experience. As an older, well-respected public figure, Gunn’s openness helps break the myth that asexuality is a “new trend” or only for the young.
The Impact of Representation
The significance of these individuals speaking out cannot be overstated. They combat harmful myths by simply existing in the public sphere:
- Myth: Asexuality is a medical condition. These figures show it is a natural and healthy variation of human sexuality.
- Myth: Asexual people can’t be in relationships. Many ace people have fulfilling romantic relationships (alloromantic), while others do not (aromantic).
- Myth: Asexual people are “prudish” or avoid sex. While some are sex-repulsed, others are indifferent or may engage in sex for various reasons. Asexuality is about attraction, not action.
Their visibility provides a lifeline to those questioning their identity, especially young people who may have never heard the term. It says, “You exist, you are valid, and there is a whole community for you.”
The journey toward full understanding and acceptance is ongoing. But with each public figure who shares their truth, the narrative around love, attraction, and human connection becomes richer, more inclusive, and far more interesting.