How do you date while celibate? | SBS Insight

Why are people celibate and how does it impact their lives? Insight chats to those who live and navigate their worlds in celibacy.

Wynona, diagnosed with Endometriosis, struggles with excruciating pain during both sex and arousal. Kate, from Australian Asexuals, found it difficult to relate to her peers growing up. Michael, identifying as gay, feels disconnected from the LGBTQ community due to its “over-promiscuity”. Carmen, a sexual assault survivor, has spent years trying to deal with the trauma and is now celibate in her marriage. Amarantha, tried celibacy for three years and found it unsustainable. Des, a former Catholic priest, left the priesthood for a relationship. Simon, driven by religious beliefs, chose celibacy after being rejected by a woman.

Originally aired in 2021.

0:00 Start
3:52 At 19, Simon decided to be celibate for life
6:18 Endometriosis stopped Wynona having sex
10:29 As an asexual, Kate doesn't experience sexual attraction
17:04 Michael didn't want a soulless relationship
18:53 Amarantha quit celibacy after 3 years
22:03 Relationships and dating while celibate
26:47 Society's reaction to celibacy
29:07 Sexual pressure in relationships
31:41 Carmen's traumatic experience overseas
37:35 The impact of sexual trauma
39:45 Des, left the Catholic priesthood after falling in love
43:46 Does celibacy work for everyone?

Insight, hosted by Kumi Taguchi, is Australia's leading forum for powerful first-person stories offering a unique perspective on the way we live.

Insight first went to air in 1995 and has since been a mainstay of SBS current affairs programming. The team doesn't shy away from taboo topics: from polygamy, to brain implants, to the secrets revealed on the deathbed.