The inclusion of the ‘A’ into the Tasmanian LGBTIQA+ acronym is a historic moment for asexual, aromantic and agender communities across Australia, marking a shift toward, and subsequent dedication to, greater inclusivity for gender and sexuality diverse people.
After months of advocating for the Tasmanian Government to expand the acronym and, by extension, recognise the ongoing mistreatment of asexual, aromantic and agender people in Tasmania, I am incredibly proud to live in a state where the identities and experiences of asexual, aromantic and agender people are acknowledged.
Up until now, the existence of asexual, aromantic and agender people has largely gone unnoticed, both due to the lack of educational awareness for asexuality, aromanticism and agenderism, as well as the interplay of normative ideas around acceptable sexual/romantic behaviours and gender identities. This created an environment in which asexual, aromantic and agender people were unable to come out without people questioning the validity of their identities and experiences.
However, with the visibility and representation that is afforded with inclusion in the LGBTIQA+ acronym, the identities and experiences of asexual, aromantic and agender people are, and will forever be, recognised.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that the discrimination experienced by asexual, aromantic and agender people in everyday life will disappear, but, rather, that the identities and experiences of asexual, aromantic and agender people can never be invalidated by others.
I sincerely hope that, with this recent success, the asexual, aromantic and agender communities feel seen, heard and validated. Moreover, as an asexual, aromantic and agender person who was responsible for informing this change, I hope that other asexual, aromantic and agender people are able to realise that they can create meaningful change in the lives of all gender and sexuality diverse people, no matter who they are.
In relishing in our recent inclusion into the Tasmanian LGBTIQA+ acronym, I can say with full confidence that the futures of the asexual, aromantic and agender communities shine bright. For the first time, we are officially recognised by a state government, and, with that recognition, we will now be considered in broader policies for the LGBTIQA+ community.
However, if we are to maintain this momentum and secure an inclusive future for all asexual, aromantic and agender people, we must advocate for further change and support our fellow asexual, aromantic and agender siblings, now and forever.
