What's Going On: August 2020

Are you online?

Back in June The Ace and Aro Advocacy Project (TAAAP) hosted a series of Pride Chats on Discord to promote community discussion and a good time. The meet-ups were met with such fanfare that TAAAP has decided to continue this event! Each month a new focus will be up for discussion; for July, in honor of Disability Pride Month the topic was neurodivergence, disability, and mental health. If you’d like to join this event contact TAAAP here.

In light of current events the Oasis Group NYC has moved their meet-ups online. The event welcomes aros and aces of all kinds, even those that aren’t from New York. Meets are held every Wednesday between 7 and 8:30PM EST. If you’d been looking to join an established IRL local group, this could be the one for you.

Carnival of Aros last month saw our host Zazz bringing forth a discussion on “Music”. A range of entries were received covering a range of topics. Check out the submissions for some killer aro relevant song recommendations. EDIT: The August topic is going deep and thoughtful this month with “Open Questions for Aromantic Research”.

Last month Seattle Aces & Aros hosted a panel All About the A. The webinar featured five panelists that covered introductory asexual and aromantic topics alongside personal anecdotes on what it means to be a-spec. We look forward to seeing what else they have planned for the future!

Aros in the media

Loveless has arrived! After much anticipation Alice Oseman’s book is now on sale. This Young Adult novel set in University is the coming out story for an aroace protagonist and is perhaps the most mainstream an #ownvoices story has become for the aro and ace communities. An interview with the author sheds light on what it’s like writing novels as you come to terms with your own identity.

This Woman Discovered She Was Aromantic At Age 46. Here’s How It Changed Her Life by Noah Michelson

Joci spent her entire life thinking something was wrong with her. When she learned there’s a word for her romantic orientation, everything was different.

A full interview can be found through the link on the podcast D is for Desire. Advisory warning: this podcast openly discusses sex and romance on the regular and will likely do so during this interview also.

Debunking Asexual and Aromantic Myths by Rowan Ellis

Youtuber Rowan Ellis and author Alice Oseman look at some misconceptions about asexuality and aromanticism!

A 101 video primarily for those outside the aro and ace communities. The comments however are full of aros and ace who are extremely happy to have these myths addressed.

Finding Asexual And Aromantic Representation In A Sex-Obsessed World by Mia Kellner

Asexuality and aromanticism are seemingly impossible to find in mainstream pop culture, but what if we look beyond the labels?

An article about looking beyond canon and finding the representation you desire hidden beneath. The piece predominantly focuses on asexuality and the aroace identity to a lesser extent.

11 Facts About Michaela Coel, 'I May Destroy You's Creator & Star by Dylan Kickham

Coel is a powerhouse in the entertainment industry with a cult-beloved Netflix comedy and a critically acclaimed HBO series under her belt. Both shows offer a peek into her life, but there is so much more about her for fans to discover.

What it says on the tin - this is a list of facts for fans of the actress. We have included this piece here because it references Michaela Coel’s aromanticism and links to an interview with her on the subject.

Aromantics Address

Papo Aromantic