It has been 12 years since the current asexual flag was chosen to represent people identifying as asexual. Though asexuality has been well-known within the community, there is still a lack of knowledge of the flag’s history and meaning.
Stick with us in this post to find out where the asexual pride flag came from and how it was picked as an asexual symbol.
Everyone expressed their sexual orientation differently. Some may find sexual attraction toward men or women. Some find a sexual attraction to both. And some might feel that way toward all genders.
Likewise, there are people who find no sexual attraction to any gender at all. They are called asexuals.
Yes – it is possible for someone to have such sexual orientation if you might ever wonder. If over ten years ago, these people hid under their self-made cover, they are recognizable in today’s society.
They have been confronted with many misconceptions and bad treats for their “lack of sexual feelings for others”. That is said to go against “standards by society”, which are obviously man-made. Meanwhile, asexuality is 100% normal according to scientists.
And while asexual people are not sexually attracted to others, it does not mean they cannot have intimate relationships. Additionally, the fact that many often integrate sexual feelings into romantic feelings causes a misunderstanding about asexuality.
That is also why people in the community needed to have a flag that raises awareness. Having a flag for asexual, besides, they can become more recognizable and understood in society. That would make their lives easier.
*Watch this short video to learn more about the main types of asexuality:
Origin of the Asexual Flag
The asexual pride flag (or ace flag) was chosen by AVEN (the Asexual Visibility & Education Network) to represent those identifying as asexual.
You May Also Like: Everything to know about the Pansexual Flag
AVEN is an online-based community that aims to raise awareness about asexuality. They are open for conversations, discussions, and activities about asexuality.
In 2010, AVEN held an online contest to create a pride flag that represents those in the asexual community. There are many submissions and designs, but the winning one was a design with four horizontal stripes. It features pride flag colors that are similar to those on the AVEN’s logo, making it a bonus reason to win.
Although it was chosen by AVEN, the flag did receive lots of head nods from people within the community for its meanings.
Asexual Flag Meaning
What does the ace flag look like? Like other LGBT pride flags, the flag conveys the meaning through its colors. However, asexuality is not represented by the combination of all single hues on the flag. Only one color — black — says about the main sexual orientation here. Additionally, that is a unique point about it, which is unlikely to happen on the pansexual flag, bisexual flag, or omni flag, etc.
There are FOUR ace flag colors as horizontal bars from top to bottom:
- Black stripe represents asexuality
- Grey represents grey-asexuality (as those identifying an unknown part out of the main asexual types*) and demi-sexuality (as those feeling sexually attracted only to the person they love or have a romantic bond with)
- White stripe represents allies and non-asexual partners who give support to the community
- Purple represents the asexual community as a whole
Myths About Variations of the Asexual Pride Flag
There have been a lot of online searches about some variations of the aromantic asexual flag every month.
“Biromantic asexual flag”, “panromantic asexual flag”, “aromantic asexual flag”, “lesbian asexual flag”, “non-binary asexual flag”, etc. — those are terms people have been trying to seek for information about.
Explore More: Aromantic Flag Meaning Explained by its Colors
Explore More: The Polyamorous Flag Meaning and Reasons It Was Created
It is not surprised to know that, since no flag can tell precisely about every single individual in a community. People would simply try to find other flags that sit more for them.
Despite that fact, there are no official recognition of those mentioned flags above. Some people might be willing to be represented by them — and it’s fine. But they are just not the chosen designs to represent the whole asexual community. Let’s be clear from there!
More About Asexual
Who Are Asexual People?
Asexual individuals are a less recognized group within the LGBT community, distinct from more widely known orientations like gay or lesbian. Asexuality involves experiencing little to no sexual attraction, which is often misunderstood as being “frigid” or “impotent.”
However, asexuality is a genuine orientation, differing from a lack of interest due to fear, medical issues, or hormonal imbalances, and is more psychological in nature. Asexual individuals can still marry and have children, but they typically have low or nonexistent sexual desires.
Asexuality crosses all genders, regions, and religions, with experts estimating that about 1% of the global population is asexual. Many people are unaware of this orientation, but understanding it can help asexual individuals live more authentically without conforming to societal pressures.
Signs of Asexuality
The primary sign of asexuality is an absence or minimal level of sexual attraction, even when exposed to sexual content. Asexual people might marry, date, or have sex due to societal pressures rather than personal desire.
These signs, however, do not definitively diagnose asexuality, as a lack of sexual feeling can be temporary or caused by other factors. Ultimately, only the individuals themselves can determine their orientation since it is unrelated to lifestyle, gender, religion, or age.
The Sexual and Emotional Lives of Asexual People
Asexuality is a distinct sexual orientation, separate from emotional affection. Asexual individuals can still form emotional connections and experience love similarly to others, despite their lack of sexual attraction. Some may engage in sexual activities out of curiosity, a desire to conform, or to satisfy a partner, and can achieve orgasm. However, asexuality is innate and cannot be altered through treatment, unlike sexual dysfunction or depressive conditions.
Misconceptions about asexuality, such as viewing asexual men as effeminate or weak and asexual women as frigid, are harmful and incorrect. These stereotypes force asexual people into conforming to other orientations, which should be avoided. It is crucial to distinguish between asexuality and temporary loss of interest or sexual health problems, which are treatable. Asexuality remains consistent over time, forming an essential part of the LGBT community.
The Bottom Line
The asexual flag or ace flag has stood there side by side with the asexual community over a decade. It helps to raise awareness, and most importantly, acceptance toward asexuality.
It gets us feeling more needed to praise the flag because asexuality are usually mistaken as a pathology, which causes denial and stigma toward asexual people.
If you have an asexual partner or simply support the community, raise the flag in the upcoming Pride Month!
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Thanks for reading 🙂
I have dedicated my career to unraveling the captivating stories behind these symbolic emblems. With a deep fascination for history, culture, and symbolism, I explore the stories behind each flag, weaving together narratives that celebrate their uniqueness and global significance. Join me on this enthralling journey to uncover the mysteries and intricacies of flags from around the world.