ACE ON ACE Volume 1 Issue 8
ACE ON ACE
A monthly newsletter brought to you by Ace Los Angeles
Vol. 1, Issue 8
Welcome to Ace Los Angeles monthly newsletter! We hope to use this space to keep our followers informed on ace topics in news media and academic journals, spotlight asexual representation, boost projects asking for ace participation, and educate on asexual and aromantic terms.
As of June 2023, Ace LA will alternate between outdoor in-person (weather permitting) and virtual meetups. For in-person meetups and volunteering, you will be asked to mask unless eating or drinking and will be required to sign a waiver stating you understand the risk of exposure, and that you absolve Ace Los Angeles of any liability. Masks are available on request.
December is AIDS Awareness Month.
December 6th-12th is Pan Week.
December 8th is Pansexual Pride Day.
Ace LA has social meetings the second Sunday of every month.
1:30pm - New Member Meeting
2pm - General Meeting The next meeting is on December 10th at Grand Park.
Ace LA’s Business meetings are online, the first Wednesday of every month. 7:00pm - Business Meeting The next meeting is on December 6th.
All meetings are open.
Our Ears Are Burning!
This section is where we link you to articles and studies on asexuality and aromantisim.
Asexual People Targeted by Right-Wing Pundits Following Landmark Report An article looking at the increasing acephobia from conservatives.
Healthcare is Harming Asexual People The Glasgow Guardian talks with Yasmin Benoit about the newly released report on asexuality.
The Asexual Journey qplusmagazine reflects on Ace Awareness Week, interviewing several aces, including one of our own members Gina.
Actionable Ways to Support Palestinians in Gaza a living document put together by A-specs Committed to Anti-Racism.
Tell Me a Story...
In this section we will spotlight an asexual or aromantic character in media and media related news.
The very first asexual character on television was Gerald Tippett on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. Gerald initially seeks medical help due to his lack of interest in sex with his girlfriend, before embracing his newly discovered ace identity. Featured in a number of ace and non-ace related storylines over the next two years as a nosy, kind, self-important, funny receptionist. One of the longest running ace characters, Gerald experiences a number of things that have rarely or never been seen again in asexual representation, and still manages a happy exit from the precarious world of soaps.
Slow: New Film Explores Asexuality in Romantic Relationships The writer-directors talks about the potential of asexuality.
Slow: Film Review A review of the Latavian film featuring asexuality, that has been shown at multiple international film festivals.
“I’m sick of egoistical men who say they can cure me” Asexual singer Liberty Mattisse speaks out on her experiences.
In Our Own Words:
This section is where we will feature personal essays, reflections, and stories.
Is Asexuality Even Real? Anthony Padilla’s series: Assumptions talks to 3 aces about their experiences, featuring Ace LA’s very own Izzy.
Am I Asexual? Who Decides A personal essay on identity.
I’m Afraid My Asexuality is Distancing Me From My Partner An advice column exploring how to naviagte boundaries, shame, gender, and anxiety.
Why Do We Have Sex? Podcast ‘We Can Do Hard Things’ sits down with Angela Chen.
Am I Invisible to Other LGBTQIA People? Autostraddle tackles the question of how to be visible queer to the world.
The More You Know
In this section we will provide links to articles and resources designed to educate and inform on asexuality and aromanticism.
What Does It Mean to Be Asexual? What’s misunderstood and accurate about asexuality.
Here’s What It Mean To Be Apothisexual An exploration of sex-repulsion and the micro-label.
Five things you need to know about being demisexual Demisexual youtuber on her experiances and what people need to know about the identity.
What Does It Mean to Be Graysexual? Exploring the basics of graysexuality.
We Want You!
This section is for informing you of requests for participation of aces and aros by other organizations, including studies, surveys, archive efforts, media projects, interviews, and policy / community feedback.
The Aro Census 2023 AUREA (Aromantic-Spectrum Union for Recognition, Education, and Advocacy) is seeking participation for a community census on the aromantic-spectrum community. The census is open September 1st-December 31st and is available in several languages.
A counseling psychology doctoral student conducting dissertation research for which they are seeking asexual people in romantic relationships with a least one allosexual partner. For anyone who is interested, a survey to find participants is linked here.
LGBTQIA+ experiences with psychedelic compounds A study on drug use among queer people.
Aro Soulmates Fest A fanfic writing event to create soulmate stories with an aromantic lens, submissions are open until March 17 2024.
Ace Los Angeles is seeking feedback on this newsletter, we hope to release a survey soon! In the meantime please direct your comments to our email, listed below.
What’s the Word?
This last section is dedicated to featuring the definition of a word or phrase to encourage broader understanding and discussion of asexual and aromantic topics.
Our Word of the Month is Sex-Favorable:
An individual that may be open to experiencing sexual activity. They may find physical or emotional pleasure from these acts. (UC Santa Barbara Resource Center for Sexual & Gender Diversity)
A sex stance that describes an individual who is favorable towards or enjoys the act or concept of sexual interaction. (LGBTQIA+ Wiki)
We love to hear from you! Letters to the editor can be sent to asexalitylosangeles@gmail.com