Asexual and Aromantic Resources

What is aromanticism?

Sometimes abbreviated as aro (pronounced ā-row), the term refers to an individual who does not experience romantic attraction. Aromantic people exist on a spectrum of romantic attraction and can use terms such as gray aromantic or grayromantic to describe their place within that spectrum. Aromantic people can experience sexual attraction.

What is asexuality? 

Sometimes abbreviated as ace, the term refers to an individual who does not experience sexual attraction. Each asexual person experiences relationships, attraction, and arousal differently. Asexuality is distinct from chosen behavior such as celibacy or sexual abstinence; asexuality is a sexual orientation that does not necessarily define sexual behaviors. Asexual people exist on a spectrum of sexual attraction and can use terms such as gray asexual or gray ace to describe themselves.

International Asexuality Day

International Asexuality Day takes place on April 6th, and is a worldwide campaign promoting the ace umbrella, including demisexual, grey-asexual and other ace identities. It’s an annual day of celebration, awareness, and advocacy for the asexual community.

Ace Week 

Ace Week (short for asexual) is an annual week of awareness and celebration. This year’s 2024 Ace Week takes place October 20 – 26.

Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week

Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week (ASAW) is an annual, international event. This year’s 2024 ASAW takes place February 18 – 24. ASAW is meant to spread awareness and acceptance for aromantic spectrum identities, the issues they face, and in general, raise awareness of their existence while celebrating it.

Not sure where to start your learning? Check out great resources from PFLAG National and our partners!

PFLAG Academy Online On-Demand

• What the +?: Understanding and Supporting Expansive LGBTQ+ Identities Recording & Training Toolkit

Additional PFLAG National Resources

• Something to Talk About Live; February 11, 2021
• 3 Steps to Being a Better Ally to People Who Are Ace/Aro
• PFLAG National Glossary of Terms

Organizations

• • Asexuality Visibility and Education Network (AVEN)
  • The Ace and Aro Advocacy Project (TAAAP)
  • Aromantic-spectrum Union for Recognition, Education, and Advocacy (AUREA)

Books

Check out this great list of books by TAAAP

Additional Resources & Research

• [RESEARCH] 1.7% of sexual minority adults identify as asexual
• [RESEARCH] Ace and Aro: Understanding Differences in Romantic Attractions Among Persons Identifying as Asexual
• [RESEARCH] Asexual Community Survey
• ASAW
• Little things you can do to help asexual and aromantic people
• Additional Resources
• What it’s like to be young and aromantic