All about Aromantic | The Aro experience and Aro pride flag explained

Aromantic is a term used to describe people who do not experience romantic attraction or do not desire romantic relationships. While this may seem confusing to some, being aromantic is a valid and natural orientation that is simply a part of who some individuals are. 

For aromantic individuals, the absence of romantic attraction can mean that they do not experience crushes, the desire to date, or the desire for romantic gestures like holding hands or cuddling. However, some aromantic individuals may still desire close and intimate relationships, but these relationships are not romantic in nature. They may also have the desire for other significant and committed platonic relationships.

It's important to note that being aromantic is not the same as being asexual. Aromantic individuals may still experience sexual attraction and desire, while asexual individuals do not. But like asexuality, it all exists on a spectrum for each individual. People who identify as both asexual and aromantic use a term "AroAce" and have their own AroAce Pride Flag.

Being "Aro" can make people feel disconnected or ostracized from the parts of society that heavily value romantic relationships. So it's important for aromantic individuals to embrace their identity and recognize that they are not alone. You can find online communities or learn more at arospecweek.org, and celebrate Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week February 19th-25th!

The current and most widely used Aromantic flag was created by Tumblr user @cameronwhimsy in 2014. The stripes represent:

• Dark Green: Aromanticism (opposite of red, a generally romantic color)
• Light Green: the aromantic spectrum
• White: Platonic or aesthetic attraction
• Grey: grey-romantic or demiromantic people
• Black: the sexuality spectrum

Frequently Asked Questions About Aromanticism and the Aromantic Flag

What does aromantic mean?

Aromantic, often shortened to "aro," describes people who experience little or no romantic attraction to others. Aromantic people may still experience other forms of attraction — including sexual, aesthetic, or platonic attraction — but do not experience the romantic attraction that most people feel. Aromanticism exists on a spectrum, and many people identify somewhere along it rather than at either extreme.

What is the difference between aromantic and asexual?

Aromantic refers to romantic attraction — or the lack of it. Asexual refers to sexual attraction — or the lack of it. They are separate orientations that can exist independently. Someone can be aromantic but not asexual, asexual but not aromantic, or both — which is sometimes called aroace. The two identities are often discussed together because of their overlap, but they describe different experiences.

Who designed the aromantic flag and what do the colors mean?

The current aromantic pride flag was designed by Tumblr user Cameron (@cameronwhimsy) from Australia in 2014 and features five horizontal stripes. Dark green represents aromanticism. Light green represents the aromantic spectrum. White represents platonic and aesthetic attraction. Grey represents grey-romantic and demiromantic identities. Black represents the sexuality spectrum, reflecting that aromantic people have a range of sexual orientations.

What is the aromantic spectrum?

The aromantic spectrum includes a range of identities for people who experience limited or conditional romantic attraction. Grey-romantic people experience romantic attraction rarely or only under specific circumstances. Demiromantic people only experience romantic attraction after forming a strong emotional bond with someone. These and other identities fall under the broader aromantic spectrum.

What is Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week?

Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week is an annual observance held in the week following Valentine's Day, typically in late February. It was created to raise visibility for aromantic and aromantic-spectrum identities, which are often overlooked in broader LGBTQ+ conversations. The timing after Valentine's Day is intentional, addressing the cultural emphasis on romantic love that many aromantic people find alienating.

Is aromantic the same as not wanting a relationship?

Not exactly. Aromantic people do not experience romantic attraction, but many still form deep, meaningful relationships; including close friendships, queerplatonic partnerships, and other chosen-family bonds. Not wanting romance is not the same as not wanting connection. Many aromantic people have rich social lives and close relationships that simply are not romantic in nature.

Where can I buy an aromantic pride flag?

Flags For Good carries the aromantic pride flag and the aroace pride flag — and every purchase donates $1 to an LGBTQ+ affirming organization of your choice. For a full guide to pride flags across the community, see Beyond the Rainbow: Your Comprehensive Guide to Pride Flags.