Asexuality & Aromanticism

A short primer on Asexuality & Aromanticism

Asexuality

Asexuality is an umbrella term. Asexual people – sometimes known as 'ace' or 'aces' – might have little interest in having sex but may desire emotionally-driven relationships.

There are many different identities in the asexuality spectrum, including:

· Demisexual: People who only experience sexual attraction once they form a strong emotional connection with another person.

· Grey-asexuality (or Grey-ace): People who identify somewhere between sexual and asexual.

· Queerplatonic: People who experience a non-romantic relationship with an intense emotional connection that goes beyond a traditional friendship.

Aromanticism

Aromanticism is also an umbrella term. Aromantic people don't experience romantic attraction to other people. Not all aromantic people are asexual, and not all asexual people are aromantic.

It's possible to experience romantic feelings while not experiencing or not wanting to reciprocate sexual feelings, and vice-versa. Aces and aromantics sometimes express this by using prefixes such as hetero-, homo-, bi-, aro-, and pan- in front of the word romantic to describe who they experience romantic attraction to.

Don't assume aromantics and asexual people are celibate or hate sex or romance – celibacy is when someone chooses to abstain from sexual activity. Asexuality and aromanticism are orientations and are a part of who someone is.

It's important to let people explain how they define themselves sexually and romantically, as everyone's lived experiences are different.

Sex & sexuality

Asexuality & Aromanticism

A short primer on Asexuality & Aromanticism

Asexuality

Aromanticism

Further reading

Asexuality

- Understanding Asexuality - The Trevor Project

- The Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN)

- Stonewall - Ace Hub

- AACE Club - Asexuality FAQ

- Including Asexual People in Services - The Equality Network (E-Booklet)

Aromanticism