{"id":13028,"date":"2025-02-21T11:19:33","date_gmt":"2025-02-21T16:19:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/itgetsbettercanada.org\/?p=13028"},"modified":"2025-06-20T07:48:27","modified_gmt":"2025-06-20T11:48:27","slug":"dear-queer-issue-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itgetsbettercanada.org\/fr\/2025\/02\/21\/dear-queer-issue-1\/","title":{"rendered":"Confused but content – Am I aromantic or have I just not met the right one? – DEAR QUEER ISSUE #1"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Dear Queer,<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Lately, I\u2019ve been questioning my sexuality because I think I might be aromantic. I\u2019ve never really felt romantic attraction, but I have deep, committed friendships that feel just as important, maybe even more than romantic relationships. I\u2019ve been reading about queerplatonic relationships, and they seem to fit what I’m experiencing. But part of me wonders if I\u2019m just \u201cdoing friendship wrong\u201d or if I just haven\u2019t met the right person yet. Is it okay not to want romance?<\/strong> How do I know if I\u2019m actually aromantic?<\/p>\n

– Confused but Content<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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\nDear Beautiful Questioning Soul,<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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First off,\u00a0big queer hugs!<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong> Questioning your identity is a journey, not a test you have to pass. The fact that you’re exploring your feelings means you’re already on the path to understanding yourself better.<\/p>

Aromanticism is a valid and beautiful part of the spectrum.<\/strong> If you\u2019re finding that you experience deep, meaningful, and committed connections with your queerplatonic friends but don\u2019t feel romantic attraction, that\u2019s totally okay! Society puts a\u00a0lot<\/em> of emphasis on<\/strong> romance as the \u201cultimate\u201d form of love, but guess what? It\u2019s not. Queerplatonic relationships (QPRs) can be just as intimate, fulfilling, and life-changing as romantic ones.<\/strong><\/p>

The key is to trust your feelings. If romance doesn\u2019t feel like your thing<\/em><\/strong> but deep companionship does, that\u2019s a completely valid experience. Labels like aromantic (aro), demiromantic, or grayromantic exist to help you find language for your experience, but you don\u2019t have<\/em><\/strong> to fit neatly into any box. You are already whole<\/em> <\/strong>just as you are.<\/p>

Take your time, explore what makes you<\/em><\/strong> feel happiest, and know that no matter what, your feelings are real, valid, and deserving of respect. The way you love and connect with others is just as meaningful as any romance out there.\u00a0<\/p>

With love and validation<\/p>

–\u00a0Dear Queer *<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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What does Aromanticisim mean?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Aromanticism<\/strong> is a romantic orientation where a person experiences little to no romantic attraction to others. This means they might not feel the desire for traditional romantic relationships, but they can still have deep, meaningful connections in other ways, like friendships, queerplatonic relationships (QPRs), or familial bonds.<\/span><\/div>
Aromantic Spectrum<\/strong><\/h5>

Aromanticism exists on a spectrum! Some common identities within it include:
\ud83d\udc9a Aromantic (Aro):<\/strong> No or very little romantic attraction.
\ud83d\udc9a Grayromantic:<\/strong> Rare or infrequent romantic attraction.
\ud83d\udc9a Demiromantic:<\/strong> Romantic attraction only develops after a deep emotional bond.<\/p>

Aromantic \u2260 Asexual<\/strong><\/h5>

Some aromantic people are also asexual<\/strong> (little to no sexual attraction), but others still experience sexual attraction! Romantic and sexual orientations are separate, so an aro person can be straight, bi, pan, gay, etc.<\/p>

At the end of the day, being aromantic is just another beautiful way to experience love and connection.<\/p><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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What does Queerplatonic mean?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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A\u00a0queerplatonic relationship<\/strong>\u00a0is a deep, committed, and emotionally intimate relationship that goes beyond traditional friendship but isn\u2019t necessarily romantic or sexual. It\u2019s a relationship built on\u00a0strong emotional connection, trust, and partnership<\/strong>, but without the expectations that come with romance. Curious about asexuality? Check out this piece written by our friend Jasmine,\u00a0“What is asexuality?”<\/em><\/a><\/p>

\ud83d\udc9b Emotional Intimacy<\/strong> \u2013 A deep bond that\u2019s just as meaningful as a romantic or familial connection.
\ud83d\udc9b Commitment (if desired)<\/strong> \u2013 Some Q<\/b>ueerplatonic relationships<\/strong>\u00a0include lifelong partnership, living together, or shared responsibilities.<\/span><\/p>

\ud83d\udc9b Flexible Boundaries<\/strong> \u2013 Q<\/b>ueerplatonic relationships<\/strong>\u00a0are customizable<\/em>! They might include physical affection, co-parenting, or anything the partners agree on.
\ud83d\udc9b Not Necessarily Romantic or Sexual<\/strong> \u2013 Many people in a\u00a0queerplatonic relationship<\/strong>\u00a0are aromantic or asexual, but not always!<\/span><\/p>

\u00a0Queerplatonic relationships\u00a0<\/strong>challenge society\u2019s idea that romance is the highest form of love. They prove that <\/span>platonic love can be just as powerful, life-changing, and fulfilling<\/strong> as any other relationship.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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*The advice provided in Dear Queer is intended for informational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health, medical, or legal advice. While we aim to offer affirming and thoughtful guidance, every individual\u2019s experience is unique. If you’re struggling with your identity, relationships, or mental well-being, we encourage seeking support from a qualified professional, trusted mentor, or 2SLGBTQ+ support organization. Remember\u2014your journey is valid, and you deserve care, clarity, and community. <\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Want to submit a question to Dear Queer?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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