Name: Neel Chakraborty (Board Member of ANOAQA)
Age: 33
Country: India
Neel Chakraborty, a cis-gender man, was navigating a personal journey that many would find challenging to understand, living in the city of Kolkata. Neel identified as Ace Flux—a term that described how his orientation fluctuated between feeling asexual and occasionally allo-sexual. Deeply introspective, he found solace in his academic pursuits while quietly grappling with his identity, particularly the confusion surrounding a strong fetish he harbored. Was it sexual? Emotional? Did it make him truly asexual, or did it complicate things?
As a Ph.D. student at one of India’s most prestigious universities, Neel had once been in a long-term relationship. It ended because he lacked sexual attraction toward his partner, leaving him devastated but also more self-aware. This period of heartbreak pushed Neel to explore his identity, and after much reflection, he embraced his asexuality. Yet, his fetish, which often felt more emotional than sexual, left lingering questions in his mind.
Two years passed, during which Neel remained single, focusing on his research and personal growth. He joined online ace communities, seeking connection with others who might understand his experiences. He was comfortable identifying as asexual, but there was always a quiet doubt. Was his fetish a distinct part of his orientation, or was it something else entirely? He wasn’t sure, but he accepted it as part of who he was.
During a postdoctoral stint in Thailand, Neel’s world shifted. He met a fellow academic who, like him, carried a deep curiosity about the intricacies of human connection. As they spent time together, discussing their dreams, identities, and the things that made them who they were, Neel found himself opening up about his fetish—something he had never fully discussed before. To his surprise, this person didn’t judge him. They found it intriguing, a perspective on desire that was nuanced and layered.
Yes, asexual people can have fetishes and kinks. Asexuality is a sexual orientation in which people have little interest in sex, but they can still experience other types of attraction/desire.”
Internet
For the first time in years, Neel felt a connection—a kind of emotional and intellectual intimacy that resonated deeply. The attraction was there, but it wasn’t conventional. It didn’t feel like lust or sexual desire as society framed it; it was something softer, gentler, and more complex. Neel didn’t shy away this time. He let himself feel, trusting that this connection wasn’t contradictory to his identity, but part of his fluid experience as Ace Flux.
They accepted him fully, and together, they navigated their relationship on their own terms. Their bond wasn’t built on sexual attraction, but rather on emotional compatibility and shared vulnerability. Neel realized that his fetish wasn’t a contradiction to his asexuality but another facet of how he experienced attraction. It didn’t make him allo-sexual; it made him more deeply attuned to his own emotional needs.
Their relationship flourished as they both accepted the importance of emotional and sexual compatibility, not in the traditional sense but in the way they understood each other’s desires and boundaries. Neel felt fortunate to have found someone who not only accepted his identity but celebrated it with him. Together, they created a space where love was defined by mutual respect and understanding, not societal norms.
As Neel continued his journey, he no longer felt the need to fit into predefined labels. He embraced his identity as Ace Flux, appreciating the fluidity of his experiences and the depth of his connection with Holly. His story, one of self-acceptance and love, became a beacon for others in the ace community, showing that relationships could thrive on emotional intimacy, respect, and authenticity.
In a world often dominated by rigid expectations of romance and sexuality, Neel’s love stood as a reminder that true connection comes in many forms. He hoped that by sharing his story, others would feel empowered to embrace their identities, no matter how unconventional or fluid they may be.
I couldn\’t agree more! Your post is a valuable resource that I\’ll be sharing with others.
Your content is a go-to source for me when I need information. Great work, as always!
I appreciate your support. I\’m glad to know my insights resonate with you.
I couldn\’t agree more! Your post is a valuable resource that I\’ll be sharing with others.