For Asexual Awareness Week I wanted to share an old story that still makes me hopeful.
I pitched The Toast with an asexuality-related story years ago and they were interested. After I returned a piece to them, they said they loved it but they wanted me to make it longer. I have literally never been asked to make a piece longer before. Especially on this subject where many non-asexual people who know they should support aces are politely tolerating me and hoping I’ll stop making them uncomfortable soon.
The Toast invited my perspective and encouraged me to go into more depth, and then on top of that, their wonderfully moderated comments section resulted in the literal only time I’ve published without a comments-related backlash. Conversations in the comments were supportive, nuanced, productive. It was just such a relief to share a piece of myself with the world and receive treatment as if my issues really do warrant discussion.
Read the story but also read the comments. For once.
This article discusses my aromantic and asexual experience as a woman in this society, but also highlights some other experiences people have discussed with me. Please be advised that I do discuss sexual coercion, harassment, assault, and acephobia quite a bit in the piece, but most of it is relatively general.