AZE Vol. 3, Issue 3

Lead Editor: Michael Paramo
Contributors: SV王N, Lucy Parr, Penelope Daniel, Jane Shi, Vitamin K, Kylie, Jes Layton, AceJace, Penelope Epple, Mikala, Daniela Illing, Luke Yulian Matteo, Gabby, A.
Cover Artwork: “Eukaryotes” by Daniela Illing (@zeichenleere)
Article Artwork: “Secret Garden” by SV王N, “aro ace” by AceJace, “Eukaryotes” by Daniela Illing, and 12 pieces by Michael Paramo (@mxparamo.art)

Date of Publication: December 16th, 2019

Aromanticism, otherwise defined as the lack of romantic attraction, is socially marginalized and misunderstood in a similar respect to asexuality, if not to a greater extent. However, it remains important to emphasize that not all aromantic people are asexual, just as not all asexual people are aromantic. While overlap between the two identities is certainly present, aromanticism is not defined by its relationship to asexuality.

While asexuality is constrained by the sexual expectations of Western society, aromanticism is constrained by the expectations of romance, especially as they relate to relationship formation. Assumptions that romantic love must be a prerequisite of heterosexual marriage – deemed for many centuries in the West to be the only acceptable outlet for sexual relations to occur – precede the nineteenth century and were imported throughout the world via colonialism.

Deconstructing romantic expectations and perceptions of “love” as well as elevating and equalizing how non-romantic relationships are valued in comparison to romantic relationships may therefore be perceived as integral aspects of aromanticism. Amplifying expressions of aromantic identity is therefore a critical element in altering romantic expectations and critiquing how the structure of romance may constrict our lives and relationships.