Asexuals need media representation | Yasmin Benoit | TEDxUAMonticello

What's an asexual? That this is still a question is the inspiration for Yasmin Benoit's powerful talk. In a world where LGBTQIA acceptance is increasing, asexuals are regularly left off the acronym, out of discussion, and off of media. As an asexual activist and model, Yasmin powerfully argues that equality means asexuals getting representation on our TV and movie screens. Filmed 3/14/21 in London, UK. Yasmin Benoit is a fashion model, writer, activist, and Masters graduate based in Berkshire, England. At 18, she began modelling with the goal of diversifying the fashion industry and became one of the UK's most prominent Black alternative models.

[stellas.]

We're DONE being invisible. So proud Yasmin <3

[kanetsuxp]

Coming to terms with asexuality as man has been a long journey for me. Seeing more representation would have helped me a lot. Thanks for the video!

[asslysayyar]

The "having to explain to someone who and what I am" is the most soul crushing thing. It wears away at you. It leaves you feeling like you don't exist, aren't human, aren't real, and/or are wrong. Thank you, Yasmin Benoit, for speaking out and using your platform to make us more real.

[juliec]

You're so spot on with Todd being THE asexual representation. Before this video (really the comment section with other examples that I'm going to look into) he was the only one I knew. I watched the whole show because I heard Todd's coming out as a tiktok sound and it thrilled me to the moon. I was overjoyed when the show actually explored Todd's asexuality, and it felt surreal even when I got to the point where Todd said outright that he was asexual. Even more surreal when Bojack reacted kindly to it. Thank you for talking about asexuality.

[evaa.]

Although there is quite some amazing asexual representation in books, the visual media definitely should catch up on that as well.
With more representation, more visibility, less people will have to wait for years before finding out about asexuality and the ace spectrum as a whole.

[ValerHimiko]

I am going to send this to everyone who will ever ask me what asexuality is. Thank you Yasmin! ♥

[thirdeye]

This is a great video! We need more ace rep for all those who don't realise they're ace yet and for those who do know to have someone they see themselves in!

[yunstarr]

GIRL THAT WAS SO WELL SAID. The lack of asexual representation is HUGE and when we finally get some reparation it’s always a side character that’s “suspected to be ace” or some sort of psychopath or robot. We NEED more representation, because If we don’t no one will stop being aphobic.
Sending love to y’all out there on the ace spectrum. Y’all are so valid, just like me and Yasmin. <3

[Sunny_Scripts]

I’ve been looking forward to watching this ever since you announced it on your Twitter! “Everyone’s seen the clip, not the episode even, the clip” made me feel so oddly, specifically seen. Thank you.

[hael]

Yasmin you're a role model for so many of us, thank you for all you've done for the community.

[BrianBarrettWilson]

Your words about your life experience and misrepresentation could come out of my mouth and still remain true. This made me actually cry. I freaking love you Yasmin and just found out about who you are. You're so awesome following you on every social i can lol

[EM-rmxh]

Your voice has done so, so much for the Ace community. Thank you for everything you've done for us.

[June-squb]

This was an incredible speech <3 and I'm so proud of seeing ace icons on these spaces speaking up for all of us. We aren't invisible and we won't let society make us invisible either!!

[rebeccapaiottidasilva]

YESSS Thank you so much Yasmin!! You’re doing great and the video was amazing, as was expected from such a talented bean. I wish that whoever reads this has a fantabulous rest of the year!

[MizSher]

Thank you!! ❤️ We needed this. Being represented feels so good!

[reedsylvier]

CAN YOU SEE ME NOW
Love you Yasmin!
~ a proud aroace

[roslyndougan]

I agree so much, there needs to be a movies about it :)))

[lewisbrown]

Parvati in Outer Worlds, Georgia in Loveless and Caduceus from Critical Role are a few other great characters! But yeah, the list is vanishingly small

[elainevdw]

Thank you Yasmin! My favorite asexual character is Vi Moradi from Star Wars — not only a canonically asexual back woman, but someone you can meet in person at Disney!!!

[Meewthree]

Thank you for all of this Yasmin!! 💜💜💜🖤🖤🖤🤍🤍