Pride Recap 2021
Written by the AUREA team Word count: approx. 800 words
Estimated reading time: approx. 4 mins
Since aromantic isn’t a well known identity (yet) we like to put together a piece every year to showcase some of the articles and events that featured aromanticism. Pride might have come and gone, but the memories remain!
While we aros might know what The Invisible A's are, the same can’t be said for everyone. Oslo Pride and FRI Oslo og Viken used their major platform to hold a panel and educate others on the subject. The headliners for the event were Activist Yasmin Benoit, author Angela Chen and Sofia Bergendal of Asexual Association Denmark. They discussed what it means to be aro/ace, our place at pride and how the identities can become a more visible part of the queer movement.
The Ace and Aro Advocacy Project (TAAAP) were as busy as ever and similarly they held a workshop on the ways asexual and aromantic people develop and embrace their identities. The transcript for the Careers in Sexuality Conference Workshop can be found on their website and if you like the sound of this topic? TAAAP has adapted the presentation so that others can give it also. To assist with the education and recognition TAAAP posted graphics discussing various aspects of ace and aro identities every day of Pride. Covering everything from compulsory sexuality to relationship anarchy, these graphics can be found on their Twitter and Tumblr. Finally TAAAP hosted two Pride Chats in June and if you don’t about their monthly Discord conversations then you’re in for a treat!
Conversation is what builds community and we all need a place to do that. STEP South Texas Equality Project held a nice and simple event all about about hanging out and finding aro and ace friends. Check out their Facebook page if you’re in their region, maybe you’ll find this is the place for you.
Along with all the new and one time events come the old favourites. Carnival of Aros kept right on theme with their topic of Pride and Solidarity. The people who submitted shared some beautiful thoughts and inspiring calls to action. Go have a read of them, it’s well worth the time.
Another classic comes in the form of #AggressivelyArospecWeek! For one week in June, participants show off the fan content they’ve made for their wonderful interests. There are six pages of content on the #AggressivelyArospec and here is a sample - click on the art to open a new window to the artists. For stories and headcanons head on over to the website.
There’s always an influx of articles during Pride and here are some we enjoyed reading. We’ve broken them down into a few categories so you can fin what you enjoy!
Aro-spec 101
Greyromantic by Sophia Melissa Caraballo Piñeiro
Everything you want to know about the romantic orientation.
Why aromantic and asexual people belong in LGBTQIA+ community by Temple Now
Jennifer Pollitt, an assistant professor and assistant director of gender, sexuality and women’s studies, talks about asexuality and aromanticism and provides insight into these lesser known LGBTQIA+ identities and why they’re often overlooked.
Identity Pieces
'The Pandemic Taught Me I Am Aromantic, But I Still Want To Have A Family One Day' byJasmine Prasad
One writer on not feeling romantic attraction - but knowing she wants to be a mum.
My Teen Told Me I’m Queer by April May Ohms
That’s right, my teen told me I have a Queer identity. Not out of the blue, but after many long discussions about identity over the course of the pandemic.
Aros in Fiction
The One Percent: Asexual And Aromantic Representation In Literature by Emily Broughton
A review of Loveless by Alice Oseman and why it’s an important story.
Queer writing FEATuring Aromantic Interests
The Infinite Possibilities of Queer Friendships by Sohel Sarkar
Long before I came to understand and accept my own queerness as a woman, I found my deepest connections among friends rather than romantic partners.
DePauw LGBTQ+ community reflects on and commemorates Pride by Abigail McArthur-Self
Several DePauw students who are members of the LGBTQ+ community took time to reflect on their interpretations of Pride and offer feedback on some helpful and harmful aspects of the University.
Here’s Why More People Are Choosing To Embrace Being Single by Michael Blackmon
“I find that I have more confidence and security within myself.”
And that’s the tip of this year’s Prideful iceberg! If there’s something you’d like to see added feel free to leave a link and a description in the comments below. We love hearing from our readers, especially about what they think is important for the aromantic community to be aware of.