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International Asexuality Day

05 Apr 2024

International Asexuality Day on Saturday, 6 April

International Asexuality Day

International Asexuality Day takes place on 6th April every year and aims to celebrate, raise awareness and advocate for ‘Ace’ identities. 

What are ‘Ace’ identities?

‘Ace’ is an umbrella term that describes a spectrum of sexual identities where a person experiences a lack of, varying or occasional sexual attraction. The term ‘ace’ encompasses asexual people (who do not experience sexual attraction), as well as people who identify as demisexual (and only experience sexual attraction when they have a strong bond with another person), grey ace and other ace spectrum identities. You can find out more about ace identities and access ace stories and campaigns via Stonewall’s Ace Hub.

Someone who identifies as being on the ace spectrum may also identify as gay, straight, bi, lesbian, queer, etc. to describe their romantic attraction (if they experience romantic attraction at all). However, they may not experience romantic attraction. For example, a person who is aromantic does not experience romantic attraction and a grey-romantic person only experiences romantic attraction very rarely. 

How can I be an ally to asexual people?

According to the Ace in the UK Report 2023, ace people have a higher likelihood of experiencing mental health issues in comparison to the general population (as is also true for the wider LGBTQIA population). The report also states that asexual people are likely to have the lowest life satisfaction in comparison to other sexual orientation groups, and they are less likely to be open about their sexual orientation in their personal lives. 

One of the main challenges that asexual people face, is a lack of understanding and support. This is because sexual and romantic relationships tend to be valued more highly in Western society than non-sexual relationships. 

  • If someone comes out to you as ace/asexual/grey-a/grey-sexual, believe them and assume they know more about themselves than you do. 
  • Learn more about ace identities – we already mentioned Stonewall’s Ace Hub earlier on but there’s also a great Talk on Asexuality from, David Jay, the founder of AVEN, the world’s largest online asexual community.
  • Respect difference in experiences and don’t assume everyone’s experience is the same; not everyone needs sex and/or romance to enjoy life. Accept other peoples’ choices and support  them 
  • Do not ask invasive questions about someone’s sex life, asexual or otherwise. This is not acceptable. 
  • Become a member of ALLOUT – the LGBT Staff Network Group or become an ALLOUT Ally - supporting all LGBT Staff