#yes i am. barely

[tadporridge]

maybe i should draw some murderbot .......

[15teal]

[astrum99]

I tried something new! (yippee) The Poem format is from @two-bees-poetry!

[baekhyunnybyun]

Dokyeom — Allure Korea D-Edition, November 2024

[pikp0kcas3]

The Hazbin Hotel fandom’s issue with accepting aromanticism and asexuality

Now that it is officially Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week, I want to talk about this!

I find that, as an aroace myself, I am constantly grasping at good representation and coming up empty— it usually ends up in one of two ways.

One: the character is portrayed as emotionless, cold, and robotic in nature. It’s the question aromantic and/or asexual people are often asked: “Are you heartless?” The answer is no, of course, but general media makes it out to be the opposite.

Or two: Their lack of attraction is seen as something to “fix” because they ��haven’t found the right one yet”, and they end up with a partner as a “happy ending”.

It frustrates me greatly because of how little people actually see aromanticism or asexuality as a true part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

So when I watched Hazbin Hotel, and I found out about Alastor being aroace, I was over the moon. I was on cloud nine. I also saw how his voice actor has looked up the term as an attempt to learn about aroaces, which makes me OVERJOYED?? Amir is truly a blessing, and I love that he’s proud to embody a character that’s part of our community. It’s so beautiful to finally have a proper character, a fan favorite at that, who just so happens to be aroace— and that’s another thing I love about this.

It’s never explicitly stated in the show (though it is stated in interviews), but it’s rather clear when you’re watching, isn’t it? Alastor’s aversion to any sort of sexual advancement, coupled with Rosie’s blatant “I know you’re an ace in the hole” comment sort of spell out his asexuality pretty clearly, as well as what side of the spectrum he falls upon. In addition, his Valentine’s day card was strictly platonic, which caters to his aromantic side. It feels so validating to finally be represented, to finally have a character in media who shares the same lack of interest in romance and sex as I do.

When I entered the fandom to look for more content, I kind of expected to see the same respect for Alastor’s orientation there too. But that… wasn’t the case? I am fully aware that aromanticism and asexuality are both spectrums— of course, aromantic and/or asexual people can enter those kinds of relationships. I’m not denying that and they belong in the community as much as anyone else on the spectrum.

But, the more I see the same line again and again and again, the more it feels like an excuse to just ship what you want.

Usually I don’t mind shipping? I’m often a firm believer in people shipping what they like as long as it’s harmless and they don’t go crazy over it. I also know for a fact that Viv doesn’t have a problem with people shipping her characters. They are fictional, after all.

But in this case, people are ignoring the very thing that makes Alastor a part of the aroace community! People are ignoring his lack of romantic or sexual attraction!

Is this not the same as changing a gay character’s orientation to suit a straight ship? If not, how so? I’m told that we are a part of this community, so why aren’t we being treated like it? Why is it so hard to accept the people on the end of the spectrum who aren’t interested?

Something I’ve been noticing throughout my life is that society has not exactly progressed very much on the idea of accepting asexual or aromantic identities. Maybe we have, a little, since the old days— but hell, people in “the old days”, which in truth wasn’t very long ago, believed that asexuality was a medical condition to be “fixed” by taking the right medication or having sex. That’s a pretty low bar to clear. And on the romance side, you’re seen as a “late bloomer” or “boring” if you don’t express interest. These days, being friends with someone is treated like a gateway to them possibly becoming a lover. Not getting married, not going on dates, not wanting a partner— it’s all treated like a crime when it’s not.

Maybe I’m selfish, or sensitive, or I’m butthurt over nothing, or I’m making it all about me. Maybe I’m gatekeeping or whatever the term is. But please, please, please, I just want an aroace character like me who simply is not interested in sex or romance.

And I want fandom to respect that. I admire the creations that fans make— the art, the animatics, the writing and the character analysis. And I want people to keep creating because creation is indeed a beautiful thing.

But I really would like people to treat aroace identities like they’re important. Like it’s more than just a spectrum to get wiggle room to wrangle in another ship.

[the-moogs]

marlene loves when her gay aunts babysit her 🎀

[hhhhunty]

The vermin... They're.... no, I shan't say it

[butterfilledpockets]

2 days left fellas!!

[unowneyenon]

just wanted to let everyone know that the ao oni gatchapon is in fact real and absolutely can hurt you

[cable-salamdr]

I love it when characters have inherent animal imagery. I love when it’s unsubtle, right out in the open for everyone to see. From the way they act to the way they interact with others to the language used to describe them. When they try to escape it but they can’t because it is their very nature. When they fear or hate themselves for it but have to learn to accept it instead, using it for their advantage. Animal imagery.

[front-facing-pokemon]

[cauldroncreations]

Few lampshades I have knit btw. Tan was first green was last, I think you can see improvement as I went on

[xadeone]

I understand why people make human Perry the Platypus mute, since his original character doesn't talk the way the rest of human characters do in the show. I can see that it's interesting to keep that non verbal part of his character.

But like, I'm sure that if Heinz took the time to learn platypus the same way he learnt whale, he could actually talk with Perry. Maybe Perry wouldn't talk a lot, but he would respond if prompted, would maintain conversation. (They kinda already do? But that's besides my point)

So while I like and understand mute Human Perry, the closer to canon in my opinion is for him to speak. Perhaps be a quiet guy who doesn't say much or who usually waits for others to speak first, but he does answer and talk out loud.

[manescroissant]

Request for @bitter-panacea , their OC Vanya!

I love Vanya

[tianataylorto]

Lick them clean 🖤

[philonob]

Meow meow