In this work, we will attempt to educate and inform on the different types of romantic attractions and how they shape people's identities.
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Because aromanticism is so marginalised and underrepresented in mainstream media, there are a number of common queries and misconceptions that people have regarding the orientation. In this post, I will attempt to answer some frequently asked questions, dispel some myths and throw in a few puns!
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FAQ's:
Q:Do aromantics have something wrong with them?
A: The short answer - no. To develop it further - being aromantic is an orientation just like any other. Because romance is incorrectly and inextricably linked with love, alloromantics assume that something must be wrong, be it psychological or a hormonal imbalance - but that's not true. Whilst trauma and other life experiences may influence aromanticism, they do not cause it. You can't become aromantic, the same way you can't change your sexuality or any other part of your identity.
Q: Can only asexuals be aromantic?
A: This has been discussed previously - whilst many asexuals may also identify as aromantic, this is not the case for all of them. Similarly, many allosexual people may also identify as aro, be they heterosexual or bisexual, etc. This is the concept of the split- attraction model; the idea that people have a sexual orientation and a romantic one, and it's wrongly assumed that these counterparts have to match.
Q: What is a QPR?
A: A Queerplatonic Relationship - this is a type of relationship usually favoured by aromantic asexuals, although by no means is limited to them. Anyone can be in a QPR. Such relationships are characterised by strong and intense platonic love, bonds and commitment. People involved in QPR's {there can be multiple people in one relationship} feel a strong emotional connection to each other that is not necessarily overrided by other forms of attraction, although platonic partners may be sexual or romantic with others people in their lives.
These types of relationship may also be known as 'quirkyplatonic' or 'quasiplatonic' and may be abbreviated to QP. Since 'queer' is a reclaimed slur, it should be highlighted that cishet {cisgendered heterosexual heteroromantics} should more likely opt for these alternative names, particularly to avoid appropriation - i.e. incorrectly applying terminology.
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