10:43am UK, Thursday October 14, 2004

Are you uninterested in sex, have a weak sex drive and find neither men and women particularly attractive?    

If so, then you are a proud member of a new social category: the asexuals.

180 asexual website

Asexuals have set up their own support groups

First we had heterosexuals, bisexuals then the so-called new breed of metro-sexuals - men who are interested in their image.   

Now asexuals are coming out of the closet to declare their proud lack of interest in sex, according to the New Scientist magazine.   

Several studies suggest the number of asexuals may match those who are gay.    

Researchers stress asexuals are not suffering from any kind of illness - it is a case of sexual orientation.    

They may suffer low libidos and a lack of interest in sex.    

But they might also have sexual feelings while having no desire to have sexual intercourse or any drive to initiate it.    

Asexuals are now rallying behind their cause, promoting their lifestyles on the internet and through T-shirts baring slogans such as: "Asexuality: It's not just for amoebas any more."