Variations in suicidality across multiple social identities in asexual people: An intersectionality analysis

Abstract

This study draws upon intersectionality theory to describe variations in suicidal ideation and behaviour across gender, romantic identity, race and age among a sample of self-identified asexual individuals. Using data from the 2020 Ace Community Survey (n = 10, 005), interactive multinomial logistic regression models were used to assess the impact of various social identities on suicidal behaviour and ideation, as well as the presence of any significant interactions. Findings indicate that (a) being female and BIPOC and (b) being nonbinary/trans and aromantic or currently questioning one’s romantic identity yielded significantly higher odds of reporting suicidal ideation. Findings also indicate that being aromantic and in the middle (30 – 44) or older (45+) age category resulted in significantly lower odds of suicidal ideation. No interaction effects were found to be statistically significant for suicidal behaviour. This study contributes to growing research in the area of intersectionality and, specifically, the need for researchers to consider how multiple social identities interact to impact the mental health and well-being of asexual individuals. Policy and practice implications are discussed.