For those who don’t know, the Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week, or ASAW, is a week dedicated to raising awareness and acceptance of any and everyone who sees themselves in the aromantic spectrum. You might be thinking: What is this spectrum? Those who identify as aromantic, or view themselves as part of that spectrum, are generally uninterested in romantic relationships. To be aromantic is to have little to no romantic attraction to other people. You may also not be interested in romantic relationships or the behaviors associated with them. Although that is perfectly normal and understandable, people in this spectrum face hate, discrimination, bullying, and more every single day. This week, from February 21st to the 27th, is therefore aimed at raising awareness and solidarity for all aromantic people everywhere. Pride Palace supports and loves everyone no matter what. To show a little of our support and solidarity, we will take the time to explain and answer any possible questions you all might have regarding aromanticism and its awareness week.
Firstly, we would like to clear something out. There is indeed a difference between being asexual and being aromantic. As the names indicate, asexual people don’t experience sexual attraction, and aromantic people don’t experience romantic attraction. One does not necessarily dictate the other. In other words, some people identify as both and some do not. Identifying with one of those terms doesn't mean you identify with the other. Whether you identify with both, one of them, or neither, that is perfectly fine, and there is nothing wrong with you.
Secondly, we want to emphasize that if you identify as aromantic, that does not mean that you have to or should be alone. People in this spectrum generally don’t feel the need for romantic relationships, but you should always remember that there are others like you and allies on your side. For that reason, aromantic people have their own flag, just like many people in the LGBTQ+ community do. The aromantic flag consists of five stripes, each a different color. The dark green stripe represents aromanticism. The light green stripe shows that aromantics are on a spectrum. The white stripe does double duty by firstly representing platonic and aesthetic attraction and also queerplatonic relationships. The grey stripe falls between white and black to signify grey-aromantic or demiromantic people. Finally, the black stripe completes the flag by representing the entire spectrum of sexuality.
Now that you have a broader understanding of aromanticism and its flag, would you like an aromantic flag hanging in your room? If so, check out our Aromantic Pride Flag and show others that you are proud of who you are. One thing is certain, Pride Palace is definitely proud of who you are, no matter how you identify!
Written by Paloma Pinto and David Brothers
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Thank you for taking the time to explain. I admit I used to mix asexual with aromatic so I appreciate the clarification!! Love you Pride Palace.