Intimacy Without Sex: A Queer Conversation on Asexuality With Hannah O'Rourke

The Circle: The Queer Men's Embodiment Podcast

In this episode of The Circle, we explore asexuality and the many ways intimacy can thrive outside of sexual expression. Eric and Tim are joined by Hannah O’Rourke—a yoga teacher and early childhood educator—who shares her experience identifying as asexual and how it reshaped her understanding of romance, validation, and connection. Together, they unpack the difference between romantic and sexual orientation, what it means to be demisexual, and how embodiment practices can help people attune to their true desires. This conversation challenges cultural assumptions about sex and identity, and offers a liberating lens for queer folks navigating their own intimate lives.

Chapter Markers/Time Stamps

00:00 What If Sex Isn’t the Center of Intimacy?
00:24 What Is Asexuality? A Conversation with Hannah O’Rourke
01:06 Discovering Asexual Identity: Hannah’s Story
02:28 Romantic vs. Sexual Attraction Explained
05:23 How Asexual People Navigate Relationships
15:03 The Asexuality Spectrum: Demisexual, Graysexual & More
28:10 Redefining Intimacy: Love and Connection Beyond Sex
29:38 The Opposite of Sex? Rethinking Intimacy Through Film
32:17 Being Asexual in Queer Spaces
35:43 Self-Love Without Sexual Validation
41:02 Debunking Asexual Myths and Misconceptions
50:58 Healing the Inner Child Through Self-Understanding
55:49 Final Reflections on Identity and Intimacy