Understanding Aromanticism & Asexualism

• Ro and Aro are umbrella terms relating to romantic and sexual attraction, respectively.
• They are used to describe the spectrum of experiences related to attraction.

Aromanticism (Aro)

• Aromanticism is a romantic orientation characterized by experiencing little to no romantic attraction.
• Aromantic people may still desire and have platonic relationships, friendships, and other forms of non-romantic connection.
• Aromanticism exists on a spectrum, with varying degrees of romantic attraction experienced.
• Some aromantic people may experience romantic attraction under specific circumstances (e.g., demiromantic).
• Aromantic people can have any sexual orientation.

Asexualism (Ace)

• Asexualism is a sexual orientation characterized by experiencing little to no sexual attraction.
• Asexual people may still experience other forms of attraction, such as romantic, aesthetic, or sensual attraction.
• Asexualism exists on a spectrum, with varying degrees of sexual attraction experienced.
• Some asexual people may experience sexual attraction under specific circumstances (e.g., demisexual).
• Asexual people can have any romantic orientation.

The Split Attraction Model

• The Split Attraction Model (SAM) separates romantic and sexual attraction as distinct experiences.
• SAM acknowledges that one's romantic orientation does not necessarily align with their sexual orientation.
• SAM is useful for those who identify as asexual or aromantic to describe their experiences.
• SAM allows for a more nuanced understanding of attraction beyond the traditional binary.

Common Aromantic Identities

• Aromantic (aro): Experiencing little to no romantic attraction.
• Grayromantic: Experiencing romantic attraction rarely, weakly, or only under specific circumstances.
• Demiromantic: Experiencing romantic attraction only after forming a close emotional bond.
• Frayromantic: Experiencing romantic attraction that fades as one gets to know someone.
• Recipromantic: Experiencing romantic attraction only when knowing that the other person is romantically attracted to them first.
• Lithromantic/Akoiromantic: Experiencing romantic attraction but not wanting it reciprocated.
• Aegoromantic: Experiencing a disconnect between oneself and the object of romantic feelings or fantasies.
• Cupioromantic: Not experiencing romantic attraction but still desiring a romantic relationship.
• Bellusromantic: Desiring romantic-like acts (e.g., cuddling, kissing) without romantic attraction.

Common Asexual Identities

• Asexual (ace): Experiencing little to no sexual attraction.
• Graysexual: Experiencing sexual attraction rarely, weakly, or only under specific circumstances.
• Demisexual: Experiencing sexual attraction only after forming a close emotional bond.
• Fraysexual: Experiencing sexual attraction that fades as one gets to know someone.
• Reciprosexual: Experiencing sexual attraction only when knowing that the other person is sexually attracted to them first.
• Lithsexual/Akoisexual: Experiencing sexual attraction but not wanting it reciprocated.
• Aegosexual: Experiencing a disconnect between oneself and the object of sexual feelings or fantasies.
• Cupiosexual: Not experiencing sexual attraction but still desiring a sexual relationship.

Other Types of Attraction

• Sensual Attraction: A desire to engage in non-sexual touch, such as cuddling or hugging.
• Aesthetic Attraction: An appreciation of someone's appearance or beauty.
• Platonic Attraction: A desire for friendship or close companionship.
• Emotional Attraction: A desire to connect with someone on an emotional level.
• Alterous Attraction: A type of attraction that is neither purely platonic nor purely romantic. Often experiences by those on the aromantic spectrum.

Relationships

• Aromantic and asexual people are capable of forming meaningful and fulfilling relationships.
• These relationships may be romantic, platonic, queerplatonic, or other forms.
• Queerplatonic relationships (QPRs) are close relationships that are not romantic but involve a level of intimacy and commitment that exceeds typical friendships.
• QPRs may or may not involve sexual activity.
• Aromantic and asexual individuals can and do get married.

Challenges

• Aromantic and asexual people may face societal pressure to conform to traditional relationship expectations.
• They may experience misunderstanding or invalidation from others.
• They may have difficulty finding partners who understand and accept their orientations.
• Arophobia and acephobia are forms of prejudice and discrimination against aromantic and asexual people, respectively.

Allyship

• Educate yourself about aromanticism and asexuality.
• Listen to and validate the experiences of aromantic and asexual people.
• Challenge arophobic and acephobic attitudes and behaviors.
• Use inclusive language and avoid making assumptions about people's orientations.
• Support aromantic and asexual communities and organizations.

Important Considerations

• Attraction is complex and can vary widely from person to person.
• Self-identification is important; individuals have the right to define their own orientations.
• The aromantic and asexual communities are diverse, and experiences may vary.
• It is important to respect individual preferences and boundaries in relationships.
• Language and terminology are constantly evolving within the LGBTQIA+ community; stay informed and open to learning.