Ace Week is an annual event that puts asexuality in the spotlight. This year it happens from October 25-31, 2020. In a world where sex and relationships are everywhere, life for someone who isn’t interested in those things can be isolating, lonely and distressing. By raising awareness about asexuality we hope to let people know that they are not alone. We want people to know that asexuality is a valid sexual orientation and not something to be cured. We want to help people feel pride in who they are and to know there are others out there just like them. Ace Week gives us an opportunity to recognize the achievements of the Ace community. Though we have much to celebrate, the fight for visibility and acceptance is still ongoing.
Asexuality 101
What’s an asexual person?
An asexual person is someone who does not experience sexual attraction. Like many sexual identities, it can exist on a spectrum. It’s estimated that about 1 in 100 people is on the asexual spectrum.
Do asexual people date/have romantic relationships? Wouldn’t that just be a friendship if there is no sex?
Depends on the person. Some asexual people are also aromantic. That means they aren’t interested in dating either. Other people are romantic, which means they have romantic relationships.
Sex is just one way of expressing romantic love. Sex isn’t necessarily what separates love and friendship: some couples choose to be abstinent yet are romantically involved, and there are people who have sex with no interest in romance. Just as sex can exist without love, love can exist without sex. Romantic love is felt and expressed in different ways by different people. As long as there is respect, safety and consent, no single way is right or more real than another.
What’s demisexual?
A demisexual is a person who does not experience sexual attraction unless they form a strong emotional connection with someone.
How about grey-sexual?
As mentioned, asexuality exists on a spectrum. A grey-sexual person falls somewhere between an asexual person and a sexual person on the spectrum.
Can you explain aromantic a bit more?
Aromantic is how someone may describe themselves when they feel little or no romantic attraction to others. It’s important to recognize that aromantic folks still need emotional/personal connections, like all of us do, but most simply have no need to develop connections of a romantic nature. Some aromantic people may not be interested in sexual relationships either, while others do seek sexual connections.Like asexuality, aromanticism exists on a spectrum. Some folks may identify as demi-romantic, or grey-romantic.
Looking for support
The Rainbow Resource Centre provides counselling, support and fun youth programs to anyone who is part of the 2STLGBQ+ community.
Find them in Osborne Village (Winnipeg) at 170 Scott St.
Give them a call at 204-474-0212 or Toll-Free: 1-855-437-8523
Check them out online at rainbowresourcecentre.org
