Aro Awaro Week

Aromantic Awareness Week (Feb. 19-25) pops up just after the largest romantic celebrated day of the year, Valentine's Day, to let Aromantics know that they are still cool. The other important role this week plays is the second word in it's title: Awareness.

Many people do not know what an Aromantic Spectrum orientation is or what it may* entail. Like anything, ignorance can lead to misconceptions and prejudice against certain groups.

First off, let's consider:

What is an Aromantic Spectrum Orientation?

To put is simply, it is the lack of romantic attraction. #NoRomo

According to the AVEN census there are about 14, 275, 076 aromantic people currently living in the U.S.A. as of 2014.[1] Which implies about 4.5% of the population identify as aromantic. However, these numbers are uncertain as the orientation is not well known (hence, the awareness week).

Now, what is it not?

Sometimes it is easier to define a concept by what it is not (i.e. a cat is a four-legged, fur animal, that humans occasionally adopt, and is not a dog).

• Aro-Spec orientaions are not tied to Ace-Spec orientations.

However, an Asexual may also be Aromantic (as is the case for myself).

There is a concepts called the Split Attraction Model (SAM) that allows for sexual attraction and romantic attraction to line up or differ. For most, they align. However, if you've ever encountered someone who frequents a particular sex but would never pursue a relation beyond the physical--this may apply*.

• Aro-Spec people are not cold, heartless, or cruel.

Aromantic spectrum people are not inherently cold or heartless. If you call them heartless due to their romantic orientation--you don't deserve to be their friend. It's Law. Lenore and Chuck will find you, if you do. Just like any other group of people, Aromantics have a well of emotions and connections. They can be passionate and care deeply for others.

• They are not missing that one special person.

Seriously. Some aromantics will have squishes (think of it as a non-romantic life partner) or form queer-platonic relationships (some people like being in relationships!).

• Aromanticism does not equal commitment issues or the result of previous negative experiences.

Every Aro-Spec person experiences varying levels of desire, repulsion, or neutrality when it comes to romantic relationships. As stated above, some want that attraction and like relationships. Others, like myself, find romantic feelings unappealing and are very uncomfortable ewhe faced with the romantic feelings of others. Some might not care one way or another.

Point is, we are all different.

While that list is non-comprehensive, one thing holds true to every Aro-Spec identifying person:

Their orientation is valid and deserving of respect.

On a side note. All Aro-Spec persons are masters of archery--lessons are required to receive your Arocard.

Want to learn more? Visit:

Arocalypse.com

Asexual Visibility and Education Network (dedicated to asexuality, but has a significant amount of information, resources, and forums of Aromanticisms)

For fun and positivity:

The AACE Club

The Aromanticaardvark

If you got some links you like, post them in the comments below!

Some possible historic Aromantic Representation*:

• Queen Elizabeth the 1st--never married, stated she could never envision being in a relationship, instead wanted to focus on ruling her kingdom. (Also, a big fan of archery.)

• Nikola Tesla--never entered romantic relationships.

• Florence Nightengale--never married.

*Keep in mind that every person is , in fact, and individual person. Thus, there is no specific Aro-Spec narrative or experience.

*Instead of guessing (or worse pushing) orientations on other people, politely ask or mind your own business. A Person's orientation is their own and is their information to share or not.

*This is only speculation to give identity and representation to an under representaed group. Since they're long dead there is little harm in speculating their orientation.

Photo Credit:

"NO" Set: Nicole Blanchard

I am Valid: @just_lgbt_stuff

Tesla: Wikipedia

If any links or photo credits ar incorrect--contact me via comment or message.

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There you have it, Mortals. Enjoy the Aro Awareness Week. Tell your local Aro-Spec friend you think they are cool and inform someone about Aromanticism.

Fare Thee Well,

Mac Abre