Asexuality is a sexual orientation that means a lack or complete absence of sexual attraction to others. However, this does not mean that asexual people have no attraction to others. For example, they may be romantically attracted to people of one or more genders.
► Romantic orientation differs from sexual orientation, although for many people, it is equally important. Romantic orientation is about whom one has romantic feelings or love. Romantic attraction can exist without sexual attraction, since a person can like someone romantically without necessarily having a sexual desire for them.
In this article, we will briefly review the history of the creation of the asexual flag and the meaning of its colors.
- To learn more about asexuality you can view our article: Asexuality — Meaning, Myths, and Coming Out
History of the Asexual Flag
In 2009, members of the Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN) participated in America’s first asexual pride march, at the San Francisco pride parade. After discussing the issue of having a flag of dignity expressing asexuality, the flag of asexuals was officially announced in 2010. Its final design was the most popular version, receiving the most votes in an open online poll. The chosen flag consists of four colored horizontal stripes — black, gray, white, and purple.
Along with the flag, some members of the asexual community wear an additional black ring on their middle finger, referred to as the “asexual ring”, which has become a form of identification. Some asexuals also use the Ace playing card, which is also an abbreviated form of asexuality, to indicate their romantic orientation, for example, the Ace of Spades indicates romanticism, and the Ace of Hearts – non-aromantic.
- To learn more about romantic orientation you can view our article: Romantic Orientation — Meaning, Types, and Terms
Colors of the Asexual Flag and Their Meaning
The asexual flag consists of four simple stripes, the colors of which have the following meanings:
- Black — asexuality
- Gray — demisexuality and gray-asexuality
- White — non-sexual supporters and partners
- Purple — Community
► To learn more about demisexuality you can view our article: Demisexuality — Definitions, Types, and Terminology
Sources: University of Colorado, Queer in the World