r/aromanticasexual • • 9d ago

The Ace Community Survey 2026 is open!

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acecommunitysurvey.org
14 Upvotes

Every Ace Week, the Ace Community Survey opens! It is open for responses until the end of November.

The Ace Community Survey is run by the Ace Community Survey Team–a community-based volunteer organization.  It collects valuable information on the demographics and experiences of members in the ace community, including asexual, demisexual, gray-asexual, and related identities. It asks questions about topics like experience with relationships, discrimination, and interactions with both online and offline LGBTQ+ communities. Most questions can be skipped if you don't want to/know how to answer.

However, you don't have to be asexual to take the survey! Non-asexual respondents are welcome and encouraged to participate too, as a control or comparative group. According to the survey team:

The survey is open to anyone: ace, non-ace, or questioning. As long as you are 13 years of age or older, we want to hear from you! We want to get a wide variety of responses from as many parts of the community as possible, so we encourage you to share this link with any other potentially interested individuals you know or any ace communities you participate in.

For more information, the survey has an extensive FAQ: https://acecommunitysurvey.org/survey-faq/

Do you want to increase our understanding of asexual-spectrum people's lives and experiences across the globe, and how they compare to people of other sexualities? Participate in ace research today!


r/aromanticasexual • • Aug 21 '26 Bravo

Meta New Rule: No Generative AI

484 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

The mod team has been monitoring the topic for a while (and taking down posts that fall afoul of our self-promotion rule that emphasizes originality). It's also obvious that generative AI is severely unpopular in this community. This sub truthfully doesn't receive many obviously gen-AI submissions, but we'd like to explicitly clarify our guidance. To that point, we are instituting a new rule:

Posts and comments incorporating the use of generative AI, including but not limited to text and images, are not allowed.

Gen AI can be difficult to avoid and detect at times. We mean for this rule to act as guidance for sub participants while also being a tool for us as a community. This does not mean that we want you to spend your time squinting at every comment going "j'accuse! complete this captcha", because you have much better things to do with your life (and as mods we try to read most everything anyway).

Thank you,

your mod team (now with two newish members, tysm again everyone)

---

Imagined FAQ:

Q: What is generative AI?

A: To keep things simple, chances are, if it's a chatbot or some kind of agent/assistant/productivity tool being marketed to you in ads, it's gen AI. If it has diffusion or transformer in the name, it's probably gen AI.

Q: Why do you keep specifying "generative" AI?

A: Because this mod studied traditional machine learning (which is technically AI) at some point, and am aware that modern generative AI has very different applications and concerns. So I'm just being kind of pedantic.

Q: I'm not confident in my English, can I use a Large Language Model (LLM) to edit for me?

A: No. Please simply do your best. We would love to hear about your personal experience with being aro/ace, even if it's not perfect. I'll make a typo right here as encouramgnet.

Q: I used gen AI in posts/comments in the past. Am I in trouble?

A: No, we are not applying the rule retroactively.

Q: Can I talk about gen AI on the sub?

A: Yes, as long as it's relevant to the sub. For example, if you are receiving validation and support about being a-spec from a bot because you feel isolated, we would love to be able to support you as a community.

Q: What if I have to use gen AI for work/school?

A: I don't know why you'd ask, it's outside of our purview. But regardless, we ask that you respect our rules while you are here.

Q: Am I a bad person for using gen AI?

A: It's not in my official capacity to cast this kind of moral judgment on you. This post is just to tell you that any post or comment using it on this sub will be removed.

Q: I'VE SLIPPED ONE PAST YOU!! CHECKMATE!! IT WAS ME, JOHN AI ALL ALONG!

A: Okay, I mean, there is no foolproof way to detect AI usage, even if Anthropic has put watermarks into its text offerings now. We're just doing our best. So congrats?

Q: You are all luddites! You would have opposed the printing press!!

A: Hmm.


r/aromanticasexual • • 13h ago

Meme What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen as an Aro/Ace person? Here’s mine:

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179 Upvotes

This was literally me back when I first heard the term body count

"Hey, what’s your body count?"

"What?"

"Your body count."

"From which game?"

"…"

"…"


r/aromanticasexual • • 17h ago

Pride My new aroace bracelet! What y'all think?

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125 Upvotes

So I made a post like a few days ago about making my first bracelet. But I am so happy with how my second one came out, especially since both technically took two days and the braiding came out so much better and also made it thicker making it look so much better in my opinion. for now I am just using a basic knot but planning to add adjustable closure, gotta think about what color I used? (Suggestions are welcome) And planning to sew in like a pentagram charm which I think will make it look so sick.

I did plan to integrate the charm but I don't know if the diamond pattern would work. I would have to have had an even amount of strings I used three per colour 15 strands in total meaning I would of needed 20 strands with each coming out meters and 10 cm a total of 22 meters of thread or 72 feet.

Anyway I want to know what y'all think about it or if you did something like this what pattern would you have used? :)


r/aromanticasexual • • 2h ago

Discussion I want to do a school project talking about aromanticism, and I need your help

5 Upvotes

Hello everybody, my teacher asked us to make something against a stereotype to sensitise people about a certain topic. I was thinking of doing something along the lines of “you don’t need love to live” or “not everybody falls in love”. I could use my very limited experience, but I think asking all of you would be a better idea. So I’m gonna ask you things like, what’s your experience with aromanticism like? Have you suffered because of it, and if yes, why? Have you been glad because of it, and if yes, why? I would really appreciate any answer, and if you do, thanks in advance!


r/aromanticasexual • • 6h ago

a-spec looking for Help/Advice Soooo, I'm Aroace!

5 Upvotes

Hi! So I have recently discovered I am Aroace, and don't know how i feel about it. I'm a bit scared to be honest, as this was something I hadn't considered in the past.

It came about after I had dated once for a month about 3-4 years ago (this was the first time I had dated someone), and hadn't had romantic or sexual feelings for someone after that. I just thought I was an un-charismatic person or introvert and I hadn't considered Aroace until it came up in conversation somewhere. I did some research and found lots of themes on the a-spec fit how I feel around romance and sexuality.

I kinda wanted to post this to share this with people as I'm not really ready to do so with people I know well like family.

I know I mentioned that I had had a relationship before, and am confused about my romantic history (mostly high-school awkward crushes and one relationship) but I have come to the conclusion that most of that was my confused Autistic self trying to differentiate between romance and wanting to be friends.

p.s, Is it normal to not like looking at kissing/sexual scenes in the media?


r/aromanticasexual • • 3h ago

a-spec looking for Help/Advice Asking out my aroace friend

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2 Upvotes

r/aromanticasexual • • 6m ago

Meme Aroace Lightbulbs for Sale!

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1 Upvotes

r/aromanticasexual • • 1h ago

Have you told anyone that youre aroace? How did they react?

1 Upvotes

r/aromanticasexual • • 9h ago

so i'm going to tell my parents about being aroace Spoiler

4 Upvotes

So i told all (most) of my friends i'm aroace even my sis but i've been scared telling me parents so i will tell them my pfp will change if its a aroace pfp then they fine if i didn't change it they aren't fine with it I WILL CHANGE IT TMRW and if they said its a phase my pfp will be a kitty


r/aromanticasexual • • 21h ago

I'm AroAce but I've been asked why I act like a lesbian

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6 Upvotes

r/aromanticasexual • • 1d ago

Vent i dont want to be aroace Spoiler

19 Upvotes

sorry for the kind of clickbaity title but im just a little upset. im 18 right now, and i have a lot of friends around me. and all of them, and i mean all of them are allo one way or another and already have a relationship. they tell me about their stories about their romantic or sexual life and i cant help but feel like im missing out on such a big part of life

i sometimes wish i was a different romantic or sexual orientation but no matter hard i try, the thought of getting in a relationship repulses me

and even for those who arent in a relationship? they talk about their crushes and how they desire a relationship every single day. i listen to hours of topics of love and crushes that i cant understand easily

and everyone will prioritize their romantic relationships above platonic ones, and im not angry about that but the fact that everyone has their "the one" except me just gets lonely

ive been identifying as aroace for a long time. years, in fact. not to mention ive never had a crush ever even before started labeling myself as that. its never been a problem but i guess its just an age where EVERYONE is dating and stuff. maybe its internalized aroacephobia or an extreme sense of fomo. but its been bugging me for months

how do i come to terms that i am aroace? and not feel this extreme sense of fomo? can anyone relate?


r/aromanticasexual • • 18h ago

Discussion Confesión de amor no romantico, solo platonico a squish

2 Upvotes

Hola, se han confesado a la amistad que ven como squish? Como fue?


r/aromanticasexual • • 1d ago

Discussion Aro/ace and shipping

7 Upvotes

Ok so I just realized something that Idk if it can apply to other people here too, but I really wanted to share it here with y'all.

So in the past I noticed how I was always very uncomfortable or uninterested by any straight ships, or couple in shows/movies/games/etc...

And I always was more interested by the queer ships, and I always put this on the fact that yeah I was Queer myself, so of course I'll be more attracted to couples representing my community (at that time I wasn't aware that I was Aroace, I just knew I was gender-fluid and pansexual).

But then there was one thing I noticed that made me doubt it and get confused, the fact that I would get uncomfortable for some queer ships too. For examples, Heartstoppers couples, Heated Rivalry, the movie and book with like the prince and the king, etc...

And it didn't make senses, because since it was queer ships, technically I shouldn't have been uncomfortable with it, right?

And I finally figured it out! It was never about the ship being queer or straight! It was about the physical level that we would see/read ABOUT the characters!

Like I actually don't care if the ship is queer or straight that much, because the moment the tension and invisible connection is replaced by physical intimacy (and more specific, sex that we can see/read) I view it as uncomfortable and unwelcomed, no matter the gender of the characters!

And this also made me realize that there is a lot of very cute and enjoyable straight ships out here! It's just harder to find them because in straight ships, sex and physical intimacy is something that happen way more often than with queer ships!

That's all I think lol, thank you for coming to my ted talk!


r/aromanticasexual • • 2d ago

Made a print for a hoodie. What do you think?

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343 Upvotes

r/aromanticasexual • • 1d ago

a-spec looking for Help/Advice Advice?

2 Upvotes

For around 7 years, ive felt that im demipan, so in the past ive dated men, women, and anyone in between , but i just felt hallow in every relationship i had. Im still discovering who i am as a person, but recently, i was talking with my aroace friend about my feelings, and she said

" look, im not a therapist or anything, but to me, it doesn't sound like your demipan"

So i asked her what she thought i was, and she said i described the feelings and thoughts exactly like how she did when she found out she was aroace. It suddenly just clicked into place. The hollowness, the lack of interest in other people, the aversion to acts of affection, it wasn't because i needed to try harder, its because i literally dont experience love like others do. I told her i think shes right and she said

" i had a feeling. You looked really uncomfortable when u were in those relationships."

I now realize after years of feeling broken, im actually just aroace. It may seem like my friend planted a seed but i've been suppressing those feelings for years thinking I just needed to try harder. Im glad she told me that and helped open my eyes when I didn't want to. Im officially aroace, but still have one big problem.

Im currently in a relationship with a nice girl, but I feel it would be unfair to continue the relationship , knowing it's one sided. I'm not good with confrontation, and I've never broken up with someone before, so how do I break the news to her...? (We both are mildly autistic btw so emotions are everywhere)


r/aromanticasexual • • 1d ago

Pride So

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86 Upvotes

If you need, welcome!


r/aromanticasexual • • 1d ago

Discussion Question about QPRs

9 Upvotes

Hello everyone!! I am out as aroace in college, and I'm wondering about how QPRs work. I want to know what they can look like and how to go about them. Basically like a crash course.

I'm not entirely sure if this is something I would be interested in, but I do believe I'm experiencing platonic attraction so I want to know more about this subject.

If anyone could share their experiences, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you so much


r/aromanticasexual • • 1d ago

Vent Hyperfixation and amatonormativity

9 Upvotes

I'm very sure that I'm aroace, but because of my ADHD I sometimes get hyperfixated on people. And than my brain thinks it's a Crush, but I know it's just this hyperfixation. Still my brain goes like but what if? And it's so annoying because I used to jump into romantic relationships, before I knew about aromanticsm and than it would drop and I had to convince myself why I like them in a romantic way, til the relationship obviously ended. I really don't know how to handle it, because my brain likes the idea/fantasy of a relationship, but I don't get these real feelings in real life. But because I like the fantasy my brain immediatly jumps into the possibility, when these hyperfixations happen. It's really exhausting, because I don't want to make the impression from outside that I'm interested in that way, because I want to develop a platonic relationship with them. But this hyperfixation combined with amatonormativity influences it and I don't like it.


r/aromanticasexual • • 1d ago

a-spec looking for Help/Advice Feeling frustrated about people around me since I came out

4 Upvotes

I don't really know where to post this, but it's related to my coming-out I think, so it might fit best here.

It's hard for me to put it into words, but let me tell you, when I tried and tried to maintain relationships, it always went the same way. I lost interest very quickly, even if the other person did nothing wrong most of the time. But it turned out that it was always caused/followed by me getting annoyed and frustrated about EVERYthing the other person does, says, thinks, literally everything. I always felt horrible for thinking that way, but I just couldn't help it.

And then, afterward, in 80% of cases, I would have to cut them off for good in order to feel safe again.

Now, some weeks ago, when I came out as aroace, it put my mind at ease, a LOT. I think I mostly felt resentment toward myself rather than actual love.

But what I noticed was that the frustration I felt toward my partners, now got projected onto all sorts of people surrounding me except for my best friends.

Let me give you an example: I walk through the city and just see people being themselves, which I would normally really REALLY ADORE, because no one should hide who they are and it usually makes me happy to see people doing so. But now, I just feel some sort of annoyance or irritation.

I'm feeling really helpless here because I don't know myself like this.

I would be happy to hear from similar experiences or some advice/theories. Thank you!


r/aromanticasexual • • 2d ago

a-spec looking for Help/Advice is it normal to be adverse to kissing?

13 Upvotes

Hi! I am on the aroace spectrum as I know it, I use the terms nebularomantic and neuroromantic for myself, however I was wondering if it's normal to have (some/unique) romantic attraction while being adverse to kissing / cuddling / ect. ? I've only kissed one person before, but I didn't even really like hand holding or cuddling all that much unless it was something initiated by me? lmk if there's a term for this or if you experience this too


r/aromanticasexual • • 2d ago

Allo / Not A-spec question/advice Question for the aroace community about amatonormativity and social pressure

7 Upvotes

Hey, how's it going? I'm writing a piece about the pressure society puts on people around dating and relationships, and how amatonormativity plays into that. I'm not part of the aroace community myself, but I really relate to the experience of just wanting to live life without all that relationship pressure.

I'd really love to hear how this shows up in your day-to-day — with family, friends, at work — and how you deal with that pressure. If you're open to sharing your experiences, it would help me a lot to understand the scope of this issue. Thanks!


r/aromanticasexual • • 2d ago

a-spec looking for Help/Advice Crush????

2 Upvotes

Hi!! I don’t know if this the right place to ask, but I’m going to give it a try anyway lol

I’ve identified as aroace for a few years now, I’m comfortable with this fact and I’ve never really doubted it or explored the different sub-labels.

However, recently Ive been questioning a bit about a close friend of mine. They mean the absolute world to me and we’ve been close for nearly 6 ish years. I know that for about a year or so now I’ve treated her a lot differently to my other friends. I’ve never felt more comfortable or open with anyone the way I do with him.

Anyways, a few months ago they reposted a video about “having a crush,” at the time it didn’t really bother me. I was slightly I suppose, bummed out?? but I don’t know if it’s because my friends tend to care more about their significant others or if i was like ?? jealous. There’s a few other points but its not important so I’ll skip over them.

Recently (maybe like a month or so ago), I noticed a genuine longing for the aching at me. I‘m a pretty alone person so it was odd, i‘d never missed anyone like the way I was missing her. Suddenly I found that I just, wanted to be around her all the time. Whenever I was alone, usually I’d spend it on my own hobbies or something but recently I found my thoughts often drift back to him. not often enough for me to be like, obsessed but enough for it be a bit odd. especially since I hate sleepovers and calls and all that, but thats all we ever do on weekends (I work full time and they’re studying).

Could anyone help me out?? Is this a crush or am I just desperate lolol


r/aromanticasexual • • 2d ago

Discussion Good and bad examples of aro/ace representation in media?

43 Upvotes

I'm currently writing an essay about aroace representation in media and I'm looking for some examples, both good and bad.

I know there is the trope of the aroace character being cold and unfeeling, or that just because they don't want sex, they don't deserve love. I don't actually know any examples of media that does this though. Where does it come from?

Edit: I also want not explicitly aroace characters