8 episodes
Free From Desire: Asexual in the City of Love Paradiso Media
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- Society & Culture
FREE FROM DESIRE: ASEXUAL IN THE CITY OF LOVE is the story of Aline, 34, who has never been attracted to anyone - neither sexually nor romantically. They retrace their steps through the trials and tribulations of an adolescence steeped in supercharged pop culture messaging and explores how difficult it was to realize and accept their asexuality and aromantism in a society that only talks about exactly that: love and sex. This acceptance eventually leads them to the next chapter of their adult life: having a child on their own via IVF, and redefining what family means to them. In the words of the Tribeca Audio Storytelling Competition jury, who awarded the show its top prize, “this compelling personal story has lessons and insights for anyone with a body.”
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What Is Wrong With Me?
Aline thinks back to their childhood and teenage years and remembers how their lack of interest in boys and sex relegated them to "the losers league.”
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Practice Doesn't Always Make Perfect
Aline is having sex for the first time, in an effort to be like everyone else and because they want to be “liberated…”
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Can I Be Cured?
Aline is afraid of failing in a relationship, and goes to a therapist to see if their lack of interest in sex comes from repressed trauma.
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a·sex·u·al·i·ty — noun
When Aline discovers the concept of asexuality, they are relieved… and scared.
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The Sex Life of Asexuals
Aline rethinks their relationship with intimacy and sexual attraction after accepting their asexuality. Special thanks to Fiona Conneely, Seth Rosner, and Sydney Klinghoffer whose voices you'd hear throughout the episode.
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Single, Asexual, Parent?
Aline realizes they are a-romantic, and decides to become a parent on their own.