I’m writing a story I want to keep PG-rated (the final decision between middle grade and young adult can be left up to a publisher), but I have a character who is asexual but not aromantic. It’s very important that he remains this way, but do you have any advice about how to accurately show this without mentioning sex? I’m 100% uncomfortable writing about that, but I think it’s important to provide representation for ace people for younger kids. I’m afraid that finding no enjoyment in kissing will come off as no chemistry or gay. He’s confused by his sexuality and very inexperienced in the world, so he wouldn’t be able to identify himself. How can I prove to readers he’s ace romantic without getting PG-13?
So. This one is hard, because asexuality is the lack of sexual attraction, and usually PG stuff doesn’t have that anyways. I think your best bet here is to strongly emphasize that he likes people for who they are, not what they look like or what he wants to do with them. Although ace people can definitely find people attractive, I think to stay within the genre, this is the best way to go. Have him focus more on wanting to have a relationship with someone, rather than wanting to kiss or touch.
Include characters that are a direct contrast of your character, who want to kiss and elude towards doing more. Thus, your character will stand in a stark comparison to them, and his asexuality will be even more pronounced without having to go into details.
As for worrying about no chemistry or coming off as gay, this can be easily fixed by the character wanting to be in a relationship with the person, however, they simply don’t enjoy kissing them!
Thanks so much for writing in! As an ace person, I would have loved to have representation as a kid! So this is important!
<3 Mod Ginger
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