What Are Asexuality And Aromanticism?

Asexuality is a sexual orientation in which people feel little to no sexual attraction towards other people regardless of gender. Aromanticism is a romantic orientation in which people have little to no romantic attraction to others. While asexuality and aromanticism are often grouped, the two are not mutually exclusive. One can be ace (short form of asexuality) without being aro (short form of aromantic). One can be aro without being ace. One can be both aro and ace. Like all sexual and romantic orientations, asexuality and aromanticism lies on a spectrum.

The concept of asexuality and aromanticism is shrouded with confusion and misconceptions. A survey in 2019 showed that 76 percent of the people surveyed couldn’t accurately define asexuality. There is a myth that aromantic people are emotionless and cold, which is a completely unfounded belief. Society tends to focus on romantic relationships while ignoring the platonic aspects. This leads to aromantic and/or asexual people being disenfranchised and pushed to the side-lines.

Representation In Media

Explicitly asexual and/or aromantic characters are hard to find in works of fiction and are often portrayed in a harmful manner.

For example –

1. An episode of House (2004 - 2012) was criticised by David Jay, the founder of the Asexual Visibility and Education Network for portraying asexuality as needing a medical solution rather than accepting asexuality as a valid sexual orientation.
2.  Riverdale’s (2017 - Present) decision to portray Jughead Jones as straight erases his identity as an asexual character. This move was met with criticism but unfortunately, the majority of the viewers simply did not care. This is due to a lack of awareness regarding asexuality.

Fortunately, certain characters have portrayed asexuality and/or aromanticism respectfully and positively. These characters are listed below:

Todd Chavez in BoJack Horseman (2014 - 2020)

In the season 3 finale, Todd states that he isn’t straight or gay and that he “might be nothing”. In season 4 Todd continues to explore his asexuality.

Peridot in Steven Universe (2013 - 2019)

Storyboard artist Maya Peterson stated that Peridot is aro ace on her Twitter account, but this aspect of her identity is not expressed in the show directly.

Word of Saint Paul, I know, but if it hasn't been said by now, Peridot's sendoff episode, it probably never will be said. Peridot's interest in shipping and romance is anthropological, and she's not about fusion. She's the ace and aro rep.

— Maya "Not a big jewel guy" Petersen (@rnn_tweet) March 11, 2020

Reyna Avila Ramírez-Arellano in The Heroes of Olympus

The author of the series, Rick Riordan confirmed Reyna’s asexuality on Twitter. She also joined the Hunters of Artemis, a group of hunters that have sworn of romance and sex.

Hazel in Hazel’s Theory of Evolution (2019)

Hazel is the main character of the book and she is not interested in experiencing sex or romance. The author’s note confirmed that Hazel is asexual and aromantic.

Georgia Warr in Loveless (2020)

Georgia is the main character of the book and the book focuses on her exploring her identity as aro ace. Several other characters in the book are asexual and/or aromantic.

Aromanticism is a romantic orientation in which people have little to no romantic attraction to others.

Valentina Dunacci in Sirens (2014 - 2015)

Valentina is a recurring asexual character in the comedy series.

Florence in Sex Education (2019 - Present)

Florence realises that she never wants to have sex and learns about asexuality while speaking to a sex therapist.

Raphael Santiago in Shadowhunters (2016 - 2019)

Raphael reveals to his love interest that he has never been interested in sex and that he is asexual.

Jughead Jones in Archie Comics

In a comic by Chip Zdarsky and Erica Henderson, it was confirmed that Jughead is asexual. Zdarsky also clarified that Jughead has been historically portrayed as asexual.

Why Does Representation Matter?

Awareness of asexuality and aromanticism has a long way to go. Representation of such characters is meagre and the word ‘asexual’ or ‘aromantic’ is rarely said aloud. The sense of belonging one gets from seeing a part of their identity represented in mainstream media cannot be replicated. Asexuality and aromanticism must be normalised and given more visibility.

An increase in awareness and representation of asexuality and aromanticism ensures that people know that they are not alone. When actor Norman Reedus stated that he read his character as asexual, he received fan mail thanking him.