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Description
So, it's Pride Month, and I thought I'd take the chance to talk about my own identity.

As is listed on my profile, I'm an aromantic asexual person. Now, if you don't know what this means, the tldr is this:

Asexual: I'm not sexually attracted to any person or thing.
Aromantic: I'm not romantically interested in any person or thing.

I've identified as this for about 3 years now, and its where I feel the most comfortable in how I identify.

For a very long time, I was completely confused about who I was or how I identified. I knew around middle school that I wasn't straight, but I didn't really take much interest in girls. In general, I never took much interest in anything. I had friends, but seeing someone else as anything more than that never computed to me. It wasn't until high school though that I put that together, after getting out of a relationship that obviously didn't work for me.

I did A LOT of research into what I could find on the different sexualities, what they each meant, and read other people's experiences to try and understand my own. It was a process, but I'm glad I did it! It's important I did.

I'm a fairly laid-back person, but even I can understand the importance in having pride in something you are that isn't the norm. I know I'll probably get people thinking or even commenting how something like this doesn't need to be stated, but it does. I have, many times, in the past had people (mainly relatives) ask me things like "are you seeing anyone? Have you met anyone at school? Any boys you like?" and it's frustrating because I know if I said, "No, I'm ace/aro." They wouldn't understand, and where I'm from, probably equate it to simply homosexuality. To them, it's some random word that a "millennial" made up to make themselves feel special, even when it's more than that. When I say this, it's because I have to. I have to say what I am and what I identify is because it's more than just a "special word," it's me. It's a journey I went on to figure out that part of me.

This sort of pride, this representation, this identity is important to people. It's okay if you don't understand who you are yet because everyone's experiences are different! It's okay if you're not sure which one is for you, or if there even is a word for what you feel. There are many resources out there, and I'd highly recommend educating yourself on the different sexualities as it helps you understand yourself and other people! Read other's experiences and compare them to your own, and you will find a place where you feel comfortable. It's hard, still, in a world like this, but you will find that comfort, and you will find people who support it and embrace it with and for you.

Identity is a spectrum and we all fall on it somewhere, and you will find your place. I promise.

If anyone is ever needing some guidance in this, I'm always willing to talk and help the best I can! I think that this is important, and would do my best to give you the info I have as well as resources that I know. And even if you're not looking so much as just trying to understand identities like this, I'm totally willing to explain to greatest of my ability, all you gotta do is message me. : )

Some resources for those of you who aren't sure:
www.plannedparenthood.org/lear…
www.plannedparenthood.org/lear…
itspronouncedmetrosexual.com/2…
www.nationalgeographic.com/mag…
www.plannedparenthood.org/lear…
genderfluidsupport.tumblr.com/… (This list may be a bit complicated, but helpful if you already have some insight.)

Description
So, it's Pride Month, and I thought I'd take the chance to talk about my own identity.

As is listed on my profile, I'm an aromantic asexual person. Now, if you don't know what this means, the tldr is this:

Asexual: I'm not sexually attracted to any person or thing.
Aromantic: I'm not romantically interested in any person or thing.

I've identified as this for about 3 years now, and its where I feel the most comfortable in how I identify.

For a very long time, I was completely confused about who I was or how I identified. I knew around middle school that I wasn't straight, but I didn't really take much interest in girls. In general, I never took much interest in anything. I had friends, but seeing someone else as anything more than that never computed to me. It wasn't until high school though that I put that together, after getting out of a relationship that obviously didn't work for me.

I did A LOT of research into what I could find on the different sexualities, what they each meant, and read other people's experiences to try and understand my own. It was a process, but I'm glad I did it! It's important I did.

I'm a fairly laid-back person, but even I can understand the importance in having pride in something you are that isn't the norm. I know I'll probably get people thinking or even commenting how something like this doesn't need to be stated, but it does. I have, many times, in the past had people (mainly relatives) ask me things like "are you seeing anyone? Have you met anyone at school? Any boys you like?" and it's frustrating because I know if I said, "No, I'm ace/aro." They wouldn't understand, and where I'm from, probably equate it to simply homosexuality. To them, it's some random word that a "millennial" made up to make themselves feel special, even when it's more than that. When I say this, it's because I have to. I have to say what I am and what I identify is because it's more than just a "special word," it's me. It's a journey I went on to figure out that part of me.

This sort of pride, this representation, this identity is important to people. It's okay if you don't understand who you are yet because everyone's experiences are different! It's okay if you're not sure which one is for you, or if there even is a word for what you feel. There are many resources out there, and I'd highly recommend educating yourself on the different sexualities as it helps you understand yourself and other people! Read other's experiences and compare them to your own, and you will find a place where you feel comfortable. It's hard, still, in a world like this, but you will find that comfort, and you will find people who support it and embrace it with and for you.

Identity is a spectrum and we all fall on it somewhere, and you will find your place. I promise.

If anyone is ever needing some guidance in this, I'm always willing to talk and help the best I can! I think that this is important, and would do my best to give you the info I have as well as resources that I know. And even if you're not looking so much as just trying to understand identities like this, I'm totally willing to explain to greatest of my ability, all you gotta do is message me. : )

Some resources for those of you who aren't sure:
www.plannedparenthood.org/lear…
www.plannedparenthood.org/lear…
itspronouncedmetrosexual.com/2…
www.nationalgeographic.com/mag…
www.plannedparenthood.org/lear…
genderfluidsupport.tumblr.com/… (This list may be a bit complicated, but helpful if you already have some insight.)