When it comes to asexual representation in media, the size of the roster isn’t much of a cause for bragging. Like real-life cases, fictional aces struggle with the dreaded labels, sticking to the “none of the above” option of sexual orientations. But when a character comes out as “asexual,” it’s a win for a community who longs to see folks like them represented.
Ace representation has a long way to go until it’s widespread. But for now, some shows and films are stepping up to the plate. Here are a couple of fictional characters that are definitely ace, in more ways than one.
Todd from “BoJack Horseman”
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When we think of aces on TV, Todd may just be the poster child. Voiced by “Breaking Bad’s” Aaron Paul, Todd Chavez was at a standstill on his sexual orientation, as shown in the show’s third season finale. He wasn’t gay, but he wasn’t straight either. He tells his friend Emily that he might just be “nothing.”
It wasn’t until the fourth season when Todd outs himself as asexual. “It actually feels nice to actually say it out loud. I am an asexual person.” The rest of the season shows the upward slope of his character arc as he comes to terms with his asexuality, famously dubbed as one of the most compelling ace portrayals in popular media.
Lord Varys from “Game of Thrones”
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He may be a eunuch, but he considered himself ace long before he lost his parts down there. In the world of “Game of Thrones” where sexuality is on steroids, ace rep is pretty much a big deal, especially with the show’s large audience (well, before the season-that-must-not-be-named). Lord Varys proclaims his orientation when Oberyn asks what his gender preference is. He responds that he isn’t attracted to either, and that he’d rather not be involved in the hanky-panky that goes in the show. “When I see what desire does to people,” he says, “what it’s done to this country, I am very glad to have no part in it.”
Misty Day from “American Horror Story”
If you’re in the “Death of the Author” camp, and you’d rather not take the word of a creator outside of the actual text as canon (Side-note: Is Dumbledore really gay?), then avert your eyes. Coven witch Misty Day from “American Horror Story” isn’t explicitly labeled as asexual in the show, but creator Ryan Murphy sure thinks she is.
When asked in an Entertainment Weekly interview if Misty was attracted to fellow witch Zoe Benson, Murphy’s answer can be summed up in his one sentence: “I think Misty is just an asexual character.”
Adrian Veidt from “Watchmen”
Whether it’s the HBO TV rendition or the 2009 movie, Adrian Veidt or Ozymandias from “Watchmen” has been dubbed as a probable ace from both showrunner and actor. According to series showrunner Damon Lindelof, he sees the billionaire industrialist as possibly asexual. “He’s such a good-looking guy, but he doesn’t seem to be attracted to people of either gender, or even talk about things in sexual terms.”
As for Ozymandias’s actor in the “Watchmen” movie, Matthew Goode had alluded to playing the character as an ace, when he was asked if Adrien was gay. “I think that’s part of the image that [Ozymandias] perpetuates himself. He’s more asexual than anything else.”
Read more:
A label for lacking: what being asexual is like
An FYI on LGBTQ+’s long, long list of acronyms
‘Sex Education’ is the inclusive, coming-of-age show we need
Still from “BoJack Horseman”