Fireside Chat: "SCANDALOUSLY ASEXUAL: THE TRIALS, TRIUMPHS AND LESSONS OF PAVING THE WAY"This intimate fireside chat features pioneering asexual activist
YasminBenoit interviewed by human rights professional
RainaFox, exploring the groundbreaking journey of asexual advocacy within broader LGBTQIA2S+ movements. In this conversational format, Fox will guide Benoit through her experiences as a model, researcher, and activist who has challenged narrow perceptions of asexuality while building unprecedented visibility for ace communities worldwide.
Through this engaging interview, participants will explore:
The unique challenges of being the "unlikely face of asexuality" in a hypersexualized culture
Strategies for building asexual-inclusive movements that address the full spectrum of ace identities and experiences
The intersection of asexuality with other marginalized identities, including race, gender, and professional representation
Lessons learned from founding International Asexuality Day and creating the #ThisIsWhatAsexualLooksLike movement
Approaches for addressing misconceptions and stereotypes about asexuality in both research and activism
The pros and cons of using traditional and social media for activism
Leveraging and acquiring allyship from those within the LGBTQIA+ community and outside of it
Fox's background in international human rights advocacy and a-spectrum activism, combined with her experience managing global LGBTQI+ emergency assistance programs, provides a unique lens for exploring how Benoit's groundbreaking work—from being the first asexual person to lead major Pride events to her collaboration with organizations like Stonewall—connects to broader human rights frameworks and community organizing strategies.
Join us for this essential dialogue that honors the trials faced by asexual pioneers while celebrating their triumphs in creating more inclusive movements and societies. This fireside chat embodies the conference's commitment to amplifying voices that remain underrepresented even within LGBTQIA2S+ spaces, offering both validation for asexual attendees and education for allies seeking to build more comprehensive approaches to equality and inclusion.
