#ace and aro journeys

[readingoals]

It's pride month so ofc I have to post about being aromantic lmao. Although I actually read this book last month - I'd had it on preorder since the beginning of the year. I'll put my review under the cut for length

Aro And Ace Journeys is, I think, a good entry into understanding the aromantic and asexual spectrums.

I've been identifying as aro for around 5 years now (and as ace-spec for like a few months) so a lot of what was in this book was not new information to me. But it was interesting. The section on history of ace and aro terms was especially interesting for me, and I really liked the way the books was sectioned into different phases of understanding and accepting an ace or aro identity. It made it feel very approachable, no matter what stage in their journey the reader is in.

Some of the latter sections that revolved around coming out and examining what sort of futures exist for ace and aro folks felt especially relevant to me since I have been identifying as aro and ace-spec for so long, but there were definitely other parts that were just very validating to read and really helped confirm some of my feelings about my identity. I did find parts a little repetitive but I think that's natural for a book trying to cover all the basics for anyone starting at the very beginning.

It does go into some discussion about how an ace or aro identity might intersect with other queer identities, race, religion, etc. I think there was some really valuable points made but a lot of those discussions were fairly brief due to the nature of the book. So if more detailed discussions about that sort of thing is what you're looking for, this may not be the book for you.

Otherwise, I'd definitely recommend it. Especially to anyone who is questioning if they might be aro and ace-spec, or for allo folks who just want to learn a little more. People more familiar with the aro and/or ace communities may not get as much out of it but I don't think the experience of reading about people with similar experiences can be underestimated. Especially with lesser known/talked about identities like those on the ace and aro spectrums. It's just really nice to see physical confirmation that you aren't alone. There is also a very thorough glossary at the back, further resources like links to useful websites and other books (both fiction and non-fiction), as well as a couple of amusing 'coming out bingo cards' which defs gave me a good chuckle.

I have another book on pre-order which is specifically about being aromantic. It's due to be released at the end of July so look out for my review of it in a couple of months lmao. I'd curious to see how it will compare with this one.

[redysetdare]

People who identify as Aspec because of trauma are still Aspec. People who identify as Aspec because of Dysphoria are still Aspec People who realized later on they weren't Aspec where are any less Aspec when they were identifying as it. The point is that at some point they related to and felt understood under an Aspec identity and that's all you need to be Aspec. If it changes later on then that's just how it is, it doesn't make them a faker or poser. It makes them a human being who is constantly growing and understanding more about themselves. We should be supporting these people not treating them as the enemy. If they change their minds then that's okay!

So many of us Aspec people used to think we were allo before realizing we weren't so why are we attacking others for having the same experience just with different identities?

[luchicm04]

AROACE ICONS 🤍💞 PT. 5

lk / rb + credit if using

[sapphirebluejewel]

I need an aroace in a romantic relationship. I need an aroace surrounded by friends who all care about them whether the friend is in a romantic relationship. I need an aroace not in a relationship and okay with it. I need an aroace who is alone in all aspects and okay with it. I need an aroace who has a sexual relationship. I need an aroace in a QPR and not the third wheel. I need an aroace in a poly amorous relationship. I need married aroaces and divorced aroaces who realized later in life. I need aroaces with no trauma. I need more aroace rep in the media. I need people to know its okay to be aromantic or asexual and any combination of the two.

[aretheyqueer]

Is she asexual?

disclaimer: this is a hc, not speculating on what the writers intentions were.

allosexual = not on the asexual spectrum

reason: She is so autistically aroace. She learns how to look at people through their clothes and just thinks it's great to know a new spell. Please. Please agree

[ghostiddie]

I need more ace/aro characters and their platonic love/relationships on media.

[anodymalion]

frieren my beloved

[not-ay-vin]

Frieren and Himmel in a qpr >>>>>

[idmnbc]

Bert and Ernie are in a qpr and no one can change my mind.

[d1mndnthr0ugh]

as a send off for the first pride month I've attempted to celebrate, I finally purchased Undertale, so here's a thing I made in GL2 with two of my self OCs (those two ideas don't really seem related but whatever)

On the left is Maze, an old, old character I made probably 4 years ago. He is a spirit piloting a pile of rocks he has formed into a humanoid shape. He stopped being my primary persona two years ago (as of July 4, 2024). On the right is Rose, my current persona. She's just an ordinary human, but her purple scarf is present in all alternate versions of herself (except the irl me, regrettably).

[ID: Two Gacha Life characters with text boxes.

On the left is a tall, tough-looking guy with bluish grey skin and blue hair. His eyes have black scleras and large cyan pupils. He wears dark clothes with blue armor accents. His arms are crossed and he looks serious. His text box says "It's you!"

On the right is a girl, slightly shorter than the guy, with long brown hair and brown eyes. She wears a lavender hoodie and has a purple scarf covering her mouth and nose. She looks reserved and maybe a little shy. Her text box says, "Despite everything, it's still you.

End ID]

[cosmiclion]

Shoutout to my fellow queers who are still trying to figure themselves out or don't know if they ever will. I was pretty sure I was biromantic asexual up until not too long ago, I find people of any gender attractive but it's more of a "What if we held hands? 🥺" thing, and while I find it fun to be horny on main for certain characters and people I actually have very little interest when it comes to the act itself. But lately I've been wondering if I'm actually also aromantic or if I simply dislike "corny" romantic stuff. Is my attraction to people just aesthetic attraction or is it romantic attraction, just my own definition of romance? Am I really aromantic or do I just have an aversion to the idea of romance that society wants to push on us? Honestly, even if I never find the answer it'll be fine too, I'm just me and that's beautiful. We're all valid 😌

[the-blackdale]

...

[mmollymercury]

Tried talking to someone romantically and it failed. I'm just so confused with life and shit, its weird as hell. Also I just hate like awkward conversations and the thought of someone being upset with me. HAHHA ADULTING IS SO FUN

[boomerang109]

happy aro awareness week

[ikilledyvette]

Being queer is just like. This constant argument you're having with yourself, all "I think I'm this" and "but I also feel like this" and "shit, these are two opposing things, so how am I both, CAN I be both, I can't possibly be both, right?" and then searching online some more and going " . . . well, fuck, maybe I CAN be both, after all."

[chaoticace2005]

Documenting my journey into figuring out my gender/sexuality (cause I was bored at 12 am)

Pre Fall 2018: Straight, cis she/her

Fall 2018: Bi

2020-summer 2021: Bi, not cis? Demi girl she/they

Fall 2021: Bi, genderqueer they/them

Spring 2022: Ace, bi, genderqueer (masc leaning? They/he? Tested out those pronouns)

Summer 2022: Ace, bi, genderqueer (likely gender-fluid) they/them

Fall 2022: Aroace, genderqueer/fluid (they/them)

Everyone’s journey is different. Labels can change, if you feel like a label doesn’t fit want, you are free to take it off and try another. Hell, you don’t even NEED a label if you don’t want one. Figuring out your identity can take a while. Regardless, know that there are people out there who will accept you.