Monday night’s episode of House has the asexual community in an uproar! Not only are they angry about the way their sexuality was portrayed on national television, but they are also scared it will increase the already existing prejudices against them.

The chatter started out pretty positive when word of the episode’s topic reached the people who identify themselves as asexuals, or people who lack sexual attraction, but once the show actually aired, things got a little heated!

On House, the doctor known for finding answers to every medical mystery under the sun sets out to prove that there was a completely rational, biological reason for asexuality. This was the first mistake Fox made, if they were hoping for the support of people who are asexuals. These individuals treat their orientation the same way a gay person would treat theirs. If the show covered biological reasons for homosexuality, there would be BIG issues!

Another issue was that the couple being studied by the doc called themselves asexual, when really there were problems rooted in their marriage that involved big lies. The husband had erectile dysfunction which made the woman feel bad. She went on with the lack of sexual attraction concept to spare his feelings and her insecurity. This is not a REAL asexual relationship.

In my opinion, their biggest error of all was making the orientation a treatable medical condition. Asexuality isn’t like an ear infection, strep throat or chlamydia. There isn’t a cure or a quick fix. It is a lifestyle.

Having studied, interviewed and chatted with many asexuals personally, the one consistent thing that they want people to understand about them is that they don’t need to be fixed! They aren’t broken and they don’t view their lack of sexual urges as a dysfunction, problem or ailment. Shame on you Fox for not only insulting the very group of people you were aiming to create awareness of, but for leaving the episode without any additional information. If you’re going to slanderously discuss a relatively unknown or misunderstood sexual orientation for an hour on national television, at least point them to a place where they can find real, factual and concrete information.

With that said, if you have any questions about asexuality or would just like a better understanding of the orientation, check out The Asexual Visability and Education Network!

Sources: AVEN

Photo Sources: Fox: House