Finding Asexual Characters: Recommendations From You!
For Asexual Awareness Week 2023, we ran a week-and-a-bit-long series of stories detailing some of our asexual readers’ experiences with coming into their asexuality and navigating a sexually charged society as an asexual person. Finding asexual characters in queer media spaces is a challenge indeed. So, as part of this series, we asked these folks who their fave asexual characters are!
We’ve compiled them all here for your navigational ease.
It’s no surprise that characters from the various works of Alice Oseman featured heavily among their recommendations with three of their characters showing up repeatedly during our interviews.
Here are our readers’ recommendations of asexual characters providing outstanding representation on screens and in books.
Tori from Heartstopper
The character of Tori features in both the Heartstopper comics and the on-screen adaptation available to stream globally on Netflix. Portrayed on screen by Jenny Walser, the character of Tori is Charlie Spring’s (Joe Locke) brother in both the graphic novel universe and on-screen too.
She is the protagonist and narrator of Alice Oseman’s novel Solitaire where she plays the role of best friend to Becky Allen for most of the novel.
She is a very introverted and sardonic teenager who eventually comes out as asexual in volume five of the Heartstopper series. She is a favorite in the Heartstopper universe and is loved by fans all around the world.
Aled from Heartstopper
Finding asexual characters in Alice Oseman’s world is easy peasy, as there are several examples of asexuality within their pages of works. The character of Aled is found within the comics and novels of the Heartstopper universe. He identifies as demisexual, which is a sexual identity belonging to the asexual umbrella. Demisexual people only experience attraction to people in which they have a deep emotional connection. Things like physical appearance and first impressions don’t play into demisexual attraction.
Aled can be found in the Heartstopper comics as well as in Nick and Charlie. He also appears in Radio Silence as one of the two protagonists of this story. He is the creator of a sci-fi podcast. He is dating Daniel Jun in this universe as well, demonstrating a positive representation of how asexual characters can and do enjoy love and relationships, just like non-asexual people.
Isaac from Heartstopper
Isaac is a character that does not appear in the Heartstopper comics but was created especially for the screen adaptation of the story. Played by Tobie Donovan, Isaac stole the hearts and minds of fans all around the world as soon as Heartstopper splashed onto screens globally. Although his asexual storyline is only mildly hinted at in season 1 of the show, in season 2 it is spotlighted front and center.
It’s unclear where exactly on the ace spectrum Isaac is going to lay but as season 2 comes to a close, viewers find themselves watching on as Isaac turns down a romantic relationship with James (Bradley Riches) because, although he has feelings for the boy, he isn’t interested in romance, doesn’t want any physical relationship with the boy, and needs time to work out how he feels about himself.
But in a move so healthy and wholesome, instead of spiraling about his newfound identity, Isaac actively researches everything he can about asexuality in order to educate himself and become at peace with himself.
Loveless by Alice Oseman
Loveless is the story of Georgia, a young girl who starts college never having kissed a person or even having a crush on anyone before. As folks around her throw themselves into the woes and turmoils of young love, Georgia begins to look at herself and ask herself why romance is so unappealing to her.
This begins her self-discovery of her asexuality and her journey of healthy self-acceptance. Georgia lands in the aromantic asexual arena of the asexual banner. This means she feels little to no romantic attraction to others, is uninterested in romantic relationships, and can even be repulsed by romance as well.
Folks all around the globe have reported that Georgia has been instrumental in their own levels of self-comfort regarding their asexuality and has become a comfort character for many.
Todd Chavez from Bojack Horseman
When we asked our readers about their journeys and finding their fave asexual characters, Todd Chavez (voiced by Aaron Paul) came up a lot! Todd is a positive depiction of an asexual character. Written as emotional and kind, the Bojack Horseman writers expertly address many misconceptions about asexuality through this character.
After he comes out in the show, Todd dates a female character who is also asexual. They don’t last too long though because they realize that their asexuality is the only thing that brings them together, and this is not enough to bring about a happy union, so they separate. It’s a healthy story arc with positive depictions of these issues.
Bojack Horseman has six seasons and is available to stream on Netflix.
Koisenu Futari
When finding asexual characters in queer media spaces, it’s important to represent asexual characters from all around the globe. One of our lovely readers suggested folks take a look at Koisenu Futari. This is a Japanese production that spans eight episodes and the title translates to ‘two people who can’t fall in love’. Koisenu Futari is the story of two aromantic asexual characters.
The show was developed with the idea to specifically represent the tenants of asexuality, as Japanese film and television is so often focussed on romantic attachments between people. In his research on this subject, the director stumbled across the concept of asexuality and thus Koisenu Futari was born.
The Romantic Agenda by Claire Kahn
This is Claire Kahn’s debut novel and it features an asexual character in the lead role. This is a varied depiction of asexuality because the main character, Joy, is actually romantically interested in other people. And yes, this is possible for asexual people! There are several asexual people in this story, which makes it a layered and complex dive into the ace world, for sure.
The narrative features some sex-positive talk as well, which is also something that asexual people can be, even if they aren’t interested in sex for themselves.
What folks have reported enjoying about this story is that it shows asexual people engaging in relationships that extend beyond platonic spaces. Asexual people can love and do enter into relationships of a wide and varied nature. Finding asexual characters who do this is sometimes a challenge for ace folks, so this book is heralded as a fave among many.
The two following recommendations didn’t come from readers but from our Editor. Lea H read these two books a few years ago and was completely sold on the various representations of asexuality on display. They were both written several years ago and should be heralded for their groundbreaking depictions of this sexual identity.
Upside Down by N.R. Walker
We will never get tired of talking about this book! Jordan is a socially awkward book nerd who just can’t stop talking when he’s nervous – and the things that come out of his mouth are nothing short of hilarious. He’s gay, has a gay bestie, and he has a really complicated relationship with sex.
Upside Down is his journey into discovering that his relationship with sex can actually be categorized by the asexual banner, another label that he is not thrilled to add to the plethora he already claims.
But then he meets Hennessy, who is also asexual, and Jordan is smitten. He didn’t think he could have love and a loving relationship without all the sex stuff attached to it. Meeting Hennessy changes Jordan’s life and his understanding and acceptance of himself.
If you’re looking for an ace journey that will have you laughing and crying at the same time, this is the story for you!
Blank Spaces by Cass Lennox
This is another story where someone who has decided they can’t have a relationship because of their complex relationship sex, learns about the idea of asexuality and their whole world is changed.
Vaughn stopped dating because he just can’t deal with all the sex stuff that comes with it. But then he meets Jonah – who also happens to be the local hoe – and he just can’t stop thinking about him. Jonah is all about sex. Sex all day, with as many people as possible, sometimes all at the same time. What on earth could a guy like Vaughn, who shies away from sex wherever possible, see in a guy like that?
Well, they say opposites attract right? In this case, it couldn’t be more true. What readers love about this story is that it’s really just about love, and at the end of the day, their love conquers everything else. They work out how to have a relationship where Vaughn’s desire to stay well away from all things sex is met, and Jonah gets to keep having all the sex he wants.
This is such a captivating read, and we keep coming back to it over and over. Do yourself a favor and read Blank Spaces
