Natasha Helfer apologizes in regards to comments she
has made in several podcasts/presentations that have implications
for asexual folx. Symmetry Solutions panel discusses
further.
"In attempting to encourage people to consider sexual
oppression from pleasure-averse, sex-negative cultural backgrounds
and sharing my clinical lived experience in regards to the
questions I receive from primarily female clients questioning a
possible asexual orientation, I have made comments that without
proper care & contextualization delegitimize asexuality and could
be weaponized by people from our community in not believing or
taking seriously those who identify as asexual. I apologize for my
missteps and commit to better languaging and contextualization in
the future, as well as the continued ongoing education I regularly
participate in as an AASECT certified clinician. I ascribe to queer
theory and best standards of care, which support ethical spaces
where neutral self discovery is offered in affirmation of self
determination & authenticity, especially in the areas of sexual
orientation and gender identity."
-Natasha Helfer
“A Little Book of Ace: learning more about
asexuality” by Clara Dehlin