Free From Desire: Asexual in the City of Love

Paradiso Media
  • 4.7 (60)
  • DOCUMENTARY
  • WEEKLY SERIES
Free From Desire: Asexual in the City of Love

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.”

Season 1

  1. EPISODE 1

    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.”

    29 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    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…”

    24 min

  3. EPISODE 3

    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.

    17 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    a·sex·u·al·i·ty — noun

    When Aline discovers the concept of asexuality, they are relieved… and scared.

    21 min

  5. EPISODE 5

    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.

    19 min

  6. EPISODE 6

    Single, Asexual, Parent?

    Aline realizes they are a-romantic, and decides to become a parent on their own.

    21 min

  7. EPISODE 7

    Behold, Unto Us a Child Is Born

    Aline must get creative and find the right doctor since getting a sperm donation in France as a single parent is illegal.

    18 min

  8. SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Trailer

    For years, Aline thought “it will eventually come.” They'd even put themselves in uncomfortable situations to try and force it to happen. It never did. They felt isolated, excluded, and ashamed. What is life without experiencing sexual or romantic desire — from a one-night stand to a coupled relationship? At 20, they finally started to find answers.

    2 min

Trailer

4.7
out of 5
60 Ratings

About

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.”

Information

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