Round 1, Match 196 — Aromantic vs. Heteroflexible
Which pride flag do you prefer?
Aromantic
Heteroflexible
AROMANTIC Definition: Aromantic (often shortened to aro) is a romantic orientation defined by a lack of or limited romantic attraction. Romantic attraction is often defined as the desire to be in a romantic relationship and/or do romantic acts with a specific individual. For non-aromantic (alloromantic) individuals, romantic attraction is involuntary and even occurs when someone doesn't know the other individual (though one might not act on it). Aromantic individuals do not have an innate desire to be in a romantic relationship with specific individuals. They might also feel disconnected from the idea of romance. A common misconception is that all aromantics lack emotions, lack the ability to form social connections, and are "loveless". In reality, many aros are capable of feeling love- platonic love, such as that between a mother and child or best friends. Aromantics can also meet their emotional needs through queerplatonic or other non-romantic relationships. Some aromantics get platonic crushes or "squishes". On the other hand, some aromantics may not experience platonic love or attraction and may identify as aplatonic. Others may not desire partners of any kind and may identify as nonamorous. Some aromantics embrace the loveless label and reject the idea that love is necessary for happiness. Being aromantic does not mean that one is unable to experience sexual attraction. An aromantic individual can have any sexual orientation. They may identify with a sexual orientation in addition to the label of aromantic to specify who they're interested in sexually, if anyone. For example, a heterosexual aromantic individual is sexually attracted to individuals of a different gender but is not romantically attracted to them. Some aromantics are also asexual (aroace), meaning they do not feel sexual attraction as well. Not all aromantics identify with a sexual orientation; some identify primarily or only as aromantic (non-SAM aro/neu aro). Some aromantic individuals may additionally experience tertiary attractions, which are attractions outside of sexual and romantic, and may use specific labels to describe this attraction. Examples of tertiary attractions include aesthetic, platonic, and sensual. Romantic dispositions among aromantic individuals can vary. Some aromantics may still have or seek out a romantic relationship despite not feeling romantic attraction to anyone (cupioromantic). Other aromantics may be repulsed by the concept of romance, either as a concept applicable to themselves or in general. Terms like romance-repulsed, romance-indifferent, romance-favorable, or romance-ambivalent are commonly used to describe these feelings. Flag creator: Cameron Whimsy Colour meanings: Dark green and light green = the spectrum of aromantic identities. White = friendship. Grey and black = the spectrum of sexual identities in the aromantic community.
HETEROFLEXIBLE Definition: Heteroflexible, or Elasexual, is a label describing an individual who is generally straight/heterosexual/heteroromantic and so primarily experiences attraction to the "opposite" or dissimilar gender[s], but is occasionally attracted to the same or similar gender[s]. Heteroflexibility is a micro-label, under the umbrella of bisexuality. However, heteroflexible individuals may also choose to identify as straight or another pluralian identity. Heteroflexible is different than bicurious, as bicurious implies uncertainty. Identifying as heteroflexible implies that the individual is absolutely certain of what they are, and they may not believe that the terms straight, gay, or bisexual are great at describing it. It is a subcategory, used for further specification. It can be utilized as any individual's one and only label, or they can identify as heteroflexible along with one or more other labels. When a heteroflexible individual does experience attraction to the same or similar gender[s], the attraction may have more to do with the target of attraction themselves rather than the target's gender. This experience is common for heterosexual individuals in a relationship with a partner who has come out as the same or a similar gender (transgender) as them and whom they still want to be in a relationship with. Flag creator: Unknown Colour meanings: Unknown
