Beyond Asexuality as a Single Category: Sexuality-Related Profiles and Differential Perceived Stigma-Related Impairment Across the Ace Spectrum.

Asexuality is increasingly understood as a heterogeneous spectrum, yet research has rarely examined how multiple sexuality-related dimensions cluster within ace-spectrum (i.e. asexual-spectrum) populations or how such configurations relate to perceived stigma-related impairment. Using data from the 2021 Ace Community Survey (analytic N = 11,063), this study adopted a multidimensional, person-centered approach to identify sexuality-related profiles based on sexual attraction frequency, desire to act on attraction, sex drive/libido, and sex disposition. Latent profile analysis (LPA) identified four profiles: Sex-Averse Low-Attraction, Context-Dependent Low-Attraction, Higher-Frequency, and Sex-Favorable High-Attraction. The Bolck-Croon-Hagenaars approach was used to compare these profiles on a global index of perceived asexuality-related impairment and four domain-specific outcomes: harm to family relationships, socioeconomic disadvantage, social exclusion, and mental/physical health impairment. Although overall impairment levels were low, the Higher-Frequency profile showed comparatively greater perceived impairment across domains. The Sex-Averse Low-Attraction and Sex-Favorable High-Attraction profiles generally showed lower perceived impairment and did not differ from each other, except for socioeconomic disadvantage, for which the Sex-Favorable High-Attraction profile showed comparatively elevated scores. The Context-Dependent Low-Attraction profile typically fell between these groups. These findings indicate that ace-spectrum sexuality is internally heterogeneous and that sexuality-related configurations are associated with distinct patterns of perceived stigma-related impairment. By documenting within-spectrum differences, this study advances a more differentiated understanding of asexuality, minority stress, and sexuality-related vulnerability.