Do you consider asexuality/demisexuality to being part of LGBTQ+? (Please read before voting)

Question

First off, here are some term definition so we are all on the same page. 
Ace (or gray-ace): on the asexuality spectrum.
Asexuality: low or absent sexual attraction or desire for sexual activity.
Demisexuality: part of the ace spectrum, when someone does not experience sexual attraction unless an emotional bond is formed, considered ”half way between sexual and asexual. 
Sex-repulsed: When an asexual person feels disgusting or revolting feelings towards sex or genitalia.
My question: 
Today someone said ”cis/het ace’s aren't LGBTQ+” and ”demisexual is just normal sexual attraction” and ”there is no ace spectrum, you either feel regular sexual attraction or you don't feel sexual attraction”. This sparked my main question, do you feel that asexuality and the ace spectrum is valid, or part of LGBTQ+? Do you agree or disagree with this person's statements?
——————
My opinion:
I believe that ace is part of LBTQ+, since it is out side the ”social norm” of sexuality, it fits within the +. If you are ace, you arn’t straight, your ace, and your gender has nothing to do with it. Demisexuality is not normal sexual attraction and is part of the ace spectrum which is very real and experienced by many people. 
My boyfriend is gray ace and sex-repulsed and I am demisexual (specifically to men). I always knew something was different about me, I never felt sexually attracted to men when my peers did, even though I was sexually attracted to women. At first I thought I was gay, but I realized I was able to feel romantic attraction to men, and discovered the term ace and demisexual. I started dating my first and only boyfriend and after a few months I started to feel sexually attracted to him which had never happened before. My boyfriend has always struggled with sexual attraction and even after years of us being together he constantly struggles with sex repulsion. One of the main ways me and my bf have been able to bond ’sexually’ is through BDSM, since it is sexually and emotionally satisfying with out being actual sex. I have multiple friends on the ace spectrum, and it is really hard for me to understand someone thinking that ace isn't real unless they have never met an ace person. 
My boyfriend's opinion: ”why is there a hundred people on the internet telling me who I want and don't want to fuck”

Accepted Answer

But somebody who is asexual/demisexual can absolutely be straight, gay, bi etc. Doesn’t it more describe your sex drive than your actual sexuality?

Answer

Honestly, I think your boyfriend put it best.  I also think that too many labels/categories can be just as problematic as too few. But the details of your sexuality neither disturb nor concern me - if it makes you happy and healthy and doesn't hurt anyone, then cool.

Answer

Sexuality is a spectrum. I've seen many people who are asexual also identify as queer. People put too much importance on the "L" and "G" both in and outside of the community. It's really tap dancing on my last nerve. It seems to me that people judge who's in the community based off if they're "gay enough" or "too straight". I'm tired of people deciding who is and isn't inside the community based off that judgment. It just screams self important asshole to me and the hate inside the community needs to stop. Asexuality is apart of the community. It's real. A person's identity isn't up for debate.

Answer

So I’m a cis/het woman so please take my comment with a grain of salt but for me I always felt that the LGBTQ+ community is for those not cis/het. It’s a place of acceptance and safety and to find likeminded people. I personally wouldn’t see a problem if people on the ace spectrum would consider themselves part of it but I might be wrong and if so I apologise.

Answer

I didn’t know demisexual was a thing. I thought not feeling sexual attraction prior to an emotional bond was uncommon but “normal,” especially for cis-women? I say that as someone who fits into that. I am not saying I’m opposed to being in the spectrum, but I just didn’t know anything about it.

Answer

Oh, I dunno. 
I get asexual, and that it’s a spectrum. I really do. I also have zero desire to gatekeep. 
I will say though that if a straight cis person ever said to me, “oh yeah I’m queer too, I wasn’t attracted to my spouse until I’d known them for awhile” that I would have difficulty relating. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Answer

Why does everything need a label now?!

Answer

I am honestly sick and tired of all the gatekeeping that's been going on in the community. Yes, aces and aros are LGBT. Can they reclaim certain slurs if they're also cishet? Definitely not. The only people that aren't LGBT are cisgender heterosexual heteroromantics (all three at once).

Answer

Who’s the 5% who said it isn’t real 🙄 so people can’t have an interest in sex or feel incredibly put off by it now can they not

Answer

Hmm I think I might feel similar to you. Demisexual specifically towards men, yet sexually attracted to women. I always just said I was bi with female preference because it's easy to understand for people and most don't know what demi is it seems. Anyways, yeah I consider ace spectrum lgbtq+.

Do you consider asexuality/demisexuality to being part of LGBTQ+? (Please read before voting)

Let's Glow!

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey