Ace Week: Asexual People Belong in Every Part of Our Community

Ace Week is a time to celebrate asexual and ace-spectrum people, share language and challenge the idea that everybody experiences attraction in the same way.

Asexuality describes little or no sexual attraction, but ace people are not all the same. Some want romantic relationships, some do not. Some enjoy sex, some are indifferent to it and some are sex-averse. Asexuality and aromanticism can overlap, but they are not interchangeable.

The pressure to be 'normal' can be exhausting

Ace people may be told they are immature, repressed, unwell, traumatised or simply waiting for the right person. These messages can create self-doubt and make healthcare, dating and community spaces feel unsafe.

• Do not treat sexual attraction or activity as a universal sign of health.

• Believe people when they describe their orientation.

• Avoid asking invasive questions about sex, bodies or medical history.

• Include ace people in relationship education and LGBTQIA+ services.

• Respect every relationship structure, including people who do not want a partner.

You do not need to explain yourself into belonging

Identity language is there to support understanding, not to create another test. You can use asexual, grey-ace, demisexual, queer, questioning or no label at all. You are allowed to take your time.

Explore community information and events through Ace Week.

Be/Here offers person-centred therapy where your identity is not pathologised and your relationships are not measured against somebody else's expectations. You get to decide what a meaningful life looks like for you.