For numerous years, like many other identities and sexual orientations within the LGBTQ+ community, asexuality has often been overlooked or misconstrued internationally. Thankfully with the introduction of International Asexuality Day (IAD), further vital awareness and support is now readily available for Asexual people and those who fall under the Ace umbrella!
What is International Asexuality Day?
International Asexuality Day (IAD) will take place annually on the 6th April as a way to raise awareness to the discrimination still unfortunately faced by Asexual people whilst also creating a platform to educate others on a global scale about the Ace spectrum.
IAD has four major themes which build its foundation: Advocacy, Celebration, Education and Solidarity. These themes come together to bring light to the Asexual community and highlight ways in which all of us can show our support.
If you’re unsure on the meanings behind the themes of International Asexuality Day we’ve highlighted them below to gain further understanding:
Advocacy
Advocacy is simply the public support or recommendation of a particular cause or policy. You can share your advocacy by sharing your support to the Asexual community in many ways such as sharing a social post to highlight Asexuality to others in your social network. By standing up for marginalised groups, you can stand as a great advocate for them.
Celebration
Unfortunately Asexual people are often refereed to as weird or unable to show their emotions like they should. None of this is true, they are in fact a cause of celebration as they have truly found their true self. It’s important for all of us to highlight that everybody has their differences and instead of putting someone down for being different we should celebrate it and applaud them for being who they truly are!
Education
Of all important factors within everything in life, education plays a very important role within everybody’s life. It’s vital to fully educated our self before we can begin to truly show support and solidarity. There are many identities within the LGBTQ+ community that many haven’t heard of with many thinking the term Asexual is new even though it’s been around for quite a while. One of the largest steps forward we can take together in ending discrimination requires education on a global scale.
Solidarity
Put simply, solidarity is the mutual support within a group by standing alongside somebody regardless of their differences. Even if you don’t personally know somebody who identifies as Asexual, you can still share solidarity and support for everybody within the Ace umbrella. Being an ally to anybody within the LGBTQ+ community shows huge solidarity.
What is Asexuality?
Asexuality is the lack of sexual attraction to others or having low or very little interest in sexual activity with another. It’s important to highlight that this differs to Aromanticism which refers to having no romantic attraction.
Often shortened to the term Ace, Asexualilty is a broad term where many fall within the umbrella term as there is not a set definition of being Asexual accepted by everybody.
What are the colours of the Asexual Pride flag?
The Asexual Pride Flag dates back to August 2010 and was created by a member of the Asexuality Visibility and Education Network (AVEN) as part of a contest by numerous Asexual communities to create a flag they could have for them-self.
Explore Asexual Pride Flag
Consisting of just four horizontal stripes; The black stripe represents Asexuality, the grey stripe representing the grey-area between sexual and Asexual, the white stripe represents sexuality and finally the purple stripe representing the Purple Stripe community.
Asexual Clothing & Accessories
You can shop a wide range of Asexual clothing and accessories here at Joshua Lloyd for any occasion. As the UK’s fastest growing gender neutral, inclusive fashion brand, we’re constantly introducing the latest best selling products which you’re sure to fall in love with!