Aromantic, asexual, and aspec people know just how healing visibility is. Being told we're broken before we even have the chance to understand our experiences makes finding language and community so important in recognizing that our identities are a part of what makes us whole

Ace Week is a reminder that community is its own form of intimacy. Awareness surrounding asexual and acespec identities is important because it shows presence as an expression of love and that the weight it carries can hold, nurture, and affirm people simply for being themselves

The concept of intimacy must transcend traditional ideas of sex and romance. When these attractions are viewed as inherent for a deep connection, it pressures an experience onto people without giving them the tools necessary to evaluate what they actually want for themselves

Recognizing aromantic, asexual, and aspec identities as valid means absolutely nothing if you actively refuse to include us in queer spaces and conversations

Aromantic, asexual, and aspec identities are necessary queer representation. We deserve as much consideration and uplifting as everyone else in the LGBTQ+ community does and our experiences being shown in media isn't stealing from other identities or queerbaiting

For me, being aromantic and asexual is just as much of a political identity as it is a personal one. Breaking down normative structures and rejecting the imposition of intimacy, desire, and connection as determined by others is such a huge part of how I navigate the world

Accessible language surrounding aromantic, asexual, and aspec identities is essential for creating visibility. When people are told they’re broken before having the ability to understand themselves, words become a lifeline that shows their experiences are real, valid, and shared

Saying queerplatonic partners are "just friends" undervalues both of these types of connection and belittles language accessible to us. Perpetuating the allonormative idea that true love is inherently romantic is harmful to both aromantic people and the community as a whole

Aromantic and asexual joy is so important, yet it's often overlooked because our identities are viewed as inherently isolating or limiting, which ignores how much love, connection, and meaning can exist when you're able to express the weight of it in the same way that you feel it

Aromantic, asexual, and aspec people also deserve to get what they want out of relationships. In the same way that we understand others' unwavering priorities, the weight of our identities and experiences needs to be respected as well