The insidious practice of conversion therapy has long inflicted harm upon LGBTQIA+ individuals, aiming to change their sexual orientation or gender identity under the false pretense of ‘curing’ them. While considerable global attention has focused on efforts to eradicate conversion therapy targeting gay and transgender individuals, the experiences of asexual individuals subjected to these harmful practices have often gone unnoticed. This article delves into the disturbing phenomenon of asexual conversion therapy in Asia, shedding light on its origins, prevalence, and the approaches different countries are taking to curtail this harmful practice.
The Alarming Reality of Asexual Conversion Therapy in Asia
Asexual conversion therapy involves attempting to change an individual’s asexual orientation or identity through various psychological, emotional, and sometimes even physical interventions. These interventions often include psychotherapy, counseling, religious rituals, and even physical treatments. The goal is to force individuals to conform to societal norms and expectations regarding sexual orientation and relationships.
Pathologizing Asexuality: A Historical Context
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) has undergone several iterations that reflect the changing perceptions of human sexuality. Asexuality has not escaped the influence of these shifts. Originally classified as “inhibited sexual desire disorder” and later as “hypoactive sexual desire disorder” (HSDD), asexuality was framed as a dysfunction in sexual desire. It’s important to note that the word “asexual” was conspicuously absent in these definitions. Only in the DSM-V was there a step towards recognizing asexuality, indicating that if a person identifies as asexual, the diagnosis and treatment do not apply.
The Illusion of Treatment: A Damaging Approach
Drawing parallels with the historical pathologization of homosexuality, attempts to pathologize asexuality are concerning. Such efforts overlook an individual’s inherent sexual orientation and attempt to attribute it to external causes, such as trauma. Just as conversion therapy was harmful for gay individuals, it is likely detrimental for asexual individuals. Such attempts to change sexual orientation not only undermine an individual’s identity but can also lead to psychological distress and long-lasting harm.
Forced Into ‘Conversion Therapy’: The Asian Experience
Across Asia, there have been distressing accounts of asexual individuals being coerced or pressured into undergoing conversion therapy. This practice is typically driven by a combination of factors, including cultural norms, societal expectations, and the desire to protect family honor. Religion does play a role, but it is not the primary driver in the Asian context as it is in other regions.
Asexual conversion therapy in Asia is not solely driven by religious motivations, unlike other parts of the world. While religion does play a role, a survey indicated that protection of perceived family honor and cultural reasons were the primary driving factors, identified by 89% and 80% of respondents respectively, as opposed to the 22% who identified religion as a key driver. This highlights the complex interplay of cultural dynamics in perpetuating these harmful practices.
Shockingly, the perpetrators of asexual conversion therapy in Asia are often medical and mental health professionals, with private medical providers accounting for 72% and mental health providers for 68% of reported cases. This stands in stark contrast to Africa and Latin America, where religious leaders and institutions are the primary perpetrators.
Statistics: Asexual Conversion Therapy in Numbers
Globally, the prevalence of asexual conversion therapy remains concerning. In many regions, asexual individuals continue to be subjected to these practices against their will. In Asia, the numbers are particularly alarming, with a significant portion of respondents reporting their experiences with asexual conversion therapy. While the exact prevalence can vary by country and cultural context, the underlying problem remains consistent – the violation of individual rights and the perpetuation of harmful norms.
Curbing Asexual Conversion Therapy in Asia
Several Asian countries have taken steps to address asexual conversion therapy and promote acceptance of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities:
- India: In 2018, the Indian Supreme Court decriminalized consensual same-sex relationships, marking a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ rights. While conversion therapy is not yet explicitly banned, this decision has paved the way for increased awareness and activism against these harmful practices.
- Taiwan: In 2020, Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. This progressive step signifies a shift towards greater LGBTQ+ acceptance and inclusion, indirectly discouraging conversion therapy.
- South Korea: While conversion therapy is not outlawed in South Korea, public opinion is gradually shifting. In 2020, a popular online petition led to a public debate on the subject, encouraging dialogue about LGBTQ+ rights and the damaging effects of conversion therapy.
- Thailand: The Ministry of Health in Thailand issued a directive in 2019 urging medical professionals to cease providing conversion therapy. While not legally binding, this move demonstrates recognition of the issue and initiates a broader conversation.
Strategies from Around Asia
Several Asian countries are taking steps to address asexual conversion therapy and protect their LGBTQ+ citizens:
- Legislative Reforms: A handful of countries have enacted legal protections against conversion therapy. Taiwan, for instance, became the first Asian nation to ban both conversion therapy for sexual orientation and gender identity in 2020. Similar efforts are underway in countries like South Korea and India.
- Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about asexuality and debunking misconceptions can contribute to a more accepting society. Educational campaigns in schools, communities, and media platforms can foster understanding and empathy.
- Mental Health Support: Establishing LGBTQ+-friendly mental health services is essential. Culturally sensitive therapists can provide support to those struggling with their identities and help them navigate societal pressures.
- Supportive Family Initiatives: Programs that focus on promoting family acceptance and providing resources for families to understand asexuality can reduce the likelihood of individuals being forced into conversion therapy.
- International Collaboration: Organizations and governments can collaborate across borders to share strategies and resources, forming a united front against asexual conversion therapy.
Guidelines for Ethical Practice
Addressing asexual conversion therapy requires a multifaceted approach that involves mental health professionals, policymakers, and society at large. Here are some important guidelines and parameters for practice:
- Cultural Competence: Mental health professionals must recognize and understand their own biases and beliefs that might influence their interactions with asexual clients. They should be sensitive to cultural contexts and challenges faced by asexual individuals in Asia.
- Power Dynamics and Privilege: Acknowledge power dynamics and privilege that exist between allosexual (individuals who experience sexual attraction) and asexual individuals. Clinicians should be aware of their own position of power and strive to create an inclusive and supportive therapeutic environment.
- Humanistic Approach: Utilize a humanistic model of psychotherapy, emphasizing empathy and understanding. This approach allows clients to explore their internal experiences without judgment and helps them develop their own solutions to challenges related to their asexuality.
- Feminist Perspective: Adopt a feminist model of psychotherapy that considers the larger societal context and how oppressive systems impact asexual individuals. Focus on empowerment and social change to help clients navigate their experiences in a world that may not fully understand or accept asexuality.
- Advocacy and Education: Mental health professionals should actively engage in advocacy and education efforts to challenge societal misconceptions about asexuality. This can include workshops, seminars, and collaborations with LGBTQ+ organizations to promote accurate information and destigmatize asexuality.
Challenges Ahead
Despite these encouraging steps, significant challenges remain. Many Asian countries lack comprehensive legal protections against conversion therapy. The deeply entrenched cultural norms and conservative ideologies that fuel these practices are difficult to dismantle. Furthermore, a lack of accurate data and comprehensive research on asexual experiences hinders efforts to quantify the extent of the problem and develop effective strategies for prevention.
Conclusion
Asexual conversion therapy represents a grim reality that demands our attention and action. As Asian countries gradually awaken to the importance of LGBTQ+ rights, it becomes imperative to address the distinct challenges faced by asexual individuals. Progress is being made, with some countries leading the way in curbing these harmful practices through legal measures, advocacy, and awareness campaigns. The road ahead, however, is long and winding, requiring collaboration between governments, civil society, and the medical community to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, can live their lives free from the torment of conversion therapy.
About The Author
The Asian Network of A-Spec Queer Activists (ANOAQA) is an online platform dedicated to amplifying Aro-Ace queer narratives, highlighting diverse queer artistic expressions, and publishing insightful articles aimed at fostering A-Spec awareness and sensibility among Asian youth. It seeks to be a comprehensive resource on issues affecting asexual and aromantic queer communities across Asia, including addressing hate crimes and discrimination.
