Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week

Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week (ASAW) takes place on the first full week after February 14 (Valentine’s Day - I don’t think this is a coincidence!). In 2024, this will fall on February 19 – 25^th. ASAW was first observed in 2014 under the name Aromantic Awareness Week. The word Spectrum was added a year later to be specifically inclusive of all arospec (Aromantic spectrum) identities. 

Aromantic means experiencing little to no romantic attraction or feelings for others. This can feel different for different people. At one end of the spectrum someone may be repulsed by the idea of romantic relationships, whereas at the other end a person may engage in them but with limited interest.

But there are so many ways to be Aromantic! Some don’t experience romantic attraction, fall in love, or feel the intense passion that Alloromantic people (those outside the Aromantic Spectrum) feel. For others it’s an aversion to stereotypical ideas such as weddings and flowers and dates, to some it’s an inability to imagine themselves in a relationship with anyone other than as friends or family. 

It is, however, important to understand that Aromantic people don’t need a romantic relationship to feel fulfilled. But they can have a hard time relating to romantic stories. And in a world so obsessed with sex and romance this can be extremely alienating.

Having relationships and giving a great deal of affection and care for their partners are still really important. Just because an Aromantic person may not have romantic feelings doesn’t mean they don’t want and need intimacy or emotional support. 

The Aromantic movement is believed to have began in the early 2000s, with the first recorded use of the word occurring in 2005. It’s difficult to trace the history of Aromantic people back through time, as like many other LGBTQ+ identities, Aromantic people were being silenced and erased, or were unable to articulate their feelings because they didn’t have the language to express it. 

Many people still enjoy making theories about historical figures however, especially if they never married or appeared to have any romantic relationships. As a community who have such limited historical identities to relate to it's natural to claim some historical figures, as a way of proving to heteronormative society that Aro people have always existed. History is being written every day. So living out and proud now will become Aro history in the future!

There are several identities within the Aromantic Spectrum. Here are just a few.

Greyromantic people may experience limited romantic feelings.

Demiromantic people only experience romantic feelings with another person after forming an emotional bond.

Lithromantic people may feel romantic feelings toward other people but do not wish for those feelings to be returned.

Recipromantic people only experience a romantic attractions if they know that the other person feels the same way.

AroAce is short for Aromantic Asexual, and means people who are both Aromantic and Asexual, or identify somewhere on the spectrum of both identities. It can be written aroace or AroAce. There is often an overlap between the two, mainly because romantic and sexual feelings can often appear similar or hard to separate. 

We live in a society in which romance is not only a given but for many people a priority. We are constantly bombarded with romantic films, TV shows, books, and pop songs about falling in love. Many Aromantic people might feel forced into relationships just to meet a social convention. And many people still refuse to accept the existence of Aromantic people. 

With increased visibility and awareness of Aromanticism, those growing up and trying to work out who they are and why they’re different can see people like them, who’s lived experiences they can relate to, and a vocabulary they can use to describe themselves. And we can move towards a world in which everyone can be themselves, either in relationships or happily living their lives without the need for them. 

Most importantly, look out for your Aromantic friends and family, either online or in person. As iconic AroAce author Alice Oseman wrote in Loveless:

“Give your friendships the magic you would give a romance. Because they're just as important. Actually, for us, they're way more important.”

If you’re part of the Aromantic community, you can share your experience online using the hashtags #aromanticspectrumawarenessweek or #asaw, or arrange an in-person event to spread awareness. Share selfies and videos to show your Aromantic pride. You can raise the topic at work and make sure your workplace is up to date with resources and understanding of how they can fight discrimination.

If you’re outside the spectrum then listen to what Aromantic people say and ask how yo ucan accommodate their needs. Remember that they understand themselves better than you do, so don’t dismiss what they feel. Avoid common misconceptions, such as the idea that they’re cold or simply haven’t met the right person yet.

AUREA – Aromantic-spectrum Union for Recognition, Education and Advocacy - https://www.Aromanticism.org/

Guide to Aromanticism - https://Aromanticguide.com/

Two Aromantic teenagers share their experience - https://fettle.health/help-centre/what-im-feeling-is-valid-and-normal-what-its-like-to-be-young-and-Aromantic

List of resources from the official Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week website - https://www.arospecweek.org/get-involved/online-resources/