An ACE syllabus–on coming out, reducing shame & living a life aligned with my desires
I came out as ace, first to myself, in 2016, and more publicly in 2018. There wasn’t much outside of AVEN, so it feels good to create a “what I wish I would have had 10 years ago” syllabus, as a gentle guide to becoming. Asexuality continues to be seen through primarily a white lens in the U.S. , so this is also a guide prioritizing a politicized asexuality, taking into account the white supremacist/capitalist fabric of this country.
As an ace person who desires deep emotional & physical (but not sexual) connections with other people, practices of relationship anarchy and learning more about others’ experiences of queerplatonic relationships have been important to me!
As an elementary educator in the US public school system, I also know the inherent limitations in how we define learning & knowledge. We co-create learning together & the learning continues. This list is a short compilation of potential places to start.
Introductory Understandings:
Asexuality Visibility and Education Network–all the FAQ questions made me feel less alone!
Reading:
Refusing Compulsory Sexuality: A Black Asexual Lens on our Sex-Obsessed Culture by Sherronda J. Brown
Asexual Erotics: Intimate Readings of Compulsory Sexuality by Ela Przybylo
Creative Work/Activism:
Sounds Fake But Okay podcast
Relationship Anarchy:
The short instructional manifesto for relationship anarchy by Andie Nordgren
Manifesto for Relationship Anarchy 2.0: The Structural Level by Mariia Karhu
Relationship Anarchism: Theory and Practice by Mx. Flow
Prioritizing Platonic/Queerplatonic Connections:
Left to hold my grief alone: Grieving platonic love in a culture of romantic domination by Sherronda J. Brown
Honoring Queerplatonic Relationships to Better Honor Ourselves by Sherronda J. Brown
Cuddle Sanctuary by Juno Averturine
Media
Sexual Health
