In honor of Valentine’s Day, Washington Post editor Samantha Chery focused on covering how “asexual” and “aromantic” people plan to celebrate the date normally dedicated to romance.
Citing Jennifer Pollitt, assistant director of gender, sexuality and women’s studies at Temple University in Philadelphia, Chery dove into the experiences of those who don’t feel a sexual or romantic attraction to others.
“Sexual intimacy is often placed on a pedestal to sell products, especially for Valentine’s Day, Pollitt said, but love without romance or sex is just as valid and fulfilling for asexual and aromantic people. As more people understand that, there will be more support for people exploring their relationship wants, hopes and needs. In the meantime, many people on the ‘a spectrum’ — also known as aspec or a-spec, an umbrella term for people who identify as asexual and aromantic — are finding creative ways to define the holiday on their own terms,” Chery wrote.
Valentine’s Day is observed on Feb. 14 each year. The day is traditionally celebrated with special holiday cards and chocolates. (iStock)
She used several examples of “asexual” people to explore their feelings on Valentine’s Day.
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“Odele Pax, 37, has always been skeptical of Valentine’s Day,” Chery wrote. “She’s not opposed to romantic gestures, she said, but the holiday feels capitalistic and corporate-driven, as companies entice couples to spend big on presents and chocolates.”
She added, “She identifies as both asexual and idemromantic — which means that she does not have any desire for sex and she doesn’t make any distinction between romantic and platonic feelings. So what to do with a holiday that assumes romantic and sexual attraction are the norm?”
The Washington Post spotlighted “asexual and aromantic” people for Valentine’s Day. (iStock)
One 19-year-old explained that when an asexual and…
