Well, here is something you all don't know about me yet. I swear it just never comes up, and it's not the easiest thing to slip into an outfit post or sewing tutorial. I am asexual, and seeing as it is Pride month, I felt like it was important to make this video. I was especially motivated to speak up since asexuality has so little visibility and representation.
Some people don't think asexuals belong in the LGBT+ community, and I can understand that it may seem like aces may not face the same level of discrimination and push back from society that other queer identities do. Asexuals do face different and perhaps less harmful or historically damning issues in general. Still, being ace is similar to being LGBT+ in many ways, or in my case, and for many others-- overlapping ones (being bi/pan-romantic myself). Asexuals get told "it's just a phase", and that "we will grow out of it", that "we just haven't found the right person yet", or that our identity is wrong, just a medical or mental health issue, or doesn't even exist at all. Like many within the queer community we are told we are not valid, and hey-- that's just not true.
So I am happy to share a little bit more about myself with all of you this Pride month, and I hope you don't mind this little detour from vintage fashion today. I promise I'll be back with more retro goodness soon :)
Watched and commented on the video. I am so glad that you were able to share this part of you as you are no less valid or valued than anyone else. I would be happy to watch more videos in this line as well as the 'usual' subject matter. X
ReplyDeleteThank you Carol Ann! <3
DeleteYou are a beautiful soul just as you are! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI think you might be the first ace person I've 'met'. Working in game I've met (IRL as well as online) a lot of gay, bi and trans people, though. I'm just happy for people to do and be whatever makes *them* happy; can't understand why so many people feel the need to tell others what to do with their bits :-D
ReplyDeleteThanks Mim! People like to get upset over nothing a lot of the time unfortunately ;)
DeleteThis video is fantastic - I learned so much. Thank you for honesty and thank you for being such a brilliant communicator. Karen
ReplyDeleteThank you Karen!
DeleteDespite following your blog for over a year, this is the first me I've felt compelled to leave a comment. And that is mostly to thank you for being forthcoming and so gracious with your asexuality. My wonderful spouse and partner is ace, and Pride is always a tough time for him, because he knows he's technically a part of the LGBTQIA/QuILTBAG family, but always feels that he is unwelcome or not understood. As with so many things, increased awareness and visibility is the best way to make sure he, you, and other asexual people are welcomed to the party. So I want to say thank you for being visible!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Erica! Pride is often really over sexualized, which is unfortunate for many reasons, one of which being that it is quite exclusionary to the ace community, but as the ace's being included is already contentious with some-- it isn't really on most people's minds during Pride sadly.
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