Are Asexuals LGBT+? | Slice of Ace

Okay, deep breath. This one's gonna be controversial, most likely. I saw a video about how asexuality shouldn't be part of the LGBT+ community the other day, and it prompted me to make this. Basically, I'm trying to approach this in the most balanced way possible, while still presenting my opinion. Feel free to disagree with it, but please be civilised in the comments.

If it's funded, there's going to be an ace and aro conference at World Pride in New York this year. If you want to help fund the event, here's the link:

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Music: Calm Jazz by AndyJazz on AudioJungle

[Robosharbo]

This discussion is how I found out about asexuality a couple of years ago. I had never heard about it before and looked it up. Like you said, we are kind of invisible, so being part of it is really helpful to spread awareness. I also agree with everything you said, I really like your videos, keep up the great work!

[MovieMation]

I fully agree with what you're saying, that's my opinion on it too. I do personally like to think that I'm part of the LGBTQ+ community. It's fully undeniable that many aces are discriminated against though, I do wish that Kalvin would have fact-checked that before making the video.

[Azear]

Sorry but i can't believe that someone can be "respectful" of the ace community when they believe that some aces can be cishet. Like really.
A lot of ace activists (or aces in general) receive deaths and rape threats coming from people with the EXACT same arguments. We DO face discrimination, but they've been too focused on hating us and gaslighting us to notice.
This isn't "controversy", this is organized hate and one random guy is using the subject to win subscribers (seriously, the title in capital letters...)


(Sorry for the mistakes english isn't my native language)

[TwofoldEthics]

I, personally, do not feel part of the community. This isn't to say that it is wrong to do so, I just don't connect with it [aro/ace]; I share the belief that it should be a personal choice whether you want to be part of it or not

When I was first starting to accept this part of myself I reached out to my lesbian neighbor, a trans girl i'm friends with, and my sister's bi friend. In all honesty, I feel much more comfortable talking with them about these things because of the shared issues and what-not. I no longer consider myself part of the community BUT I do feel we shouldn't be pushed away, especially when things are getting rough

The way I look at asexuality is like the LGBT+ community's sister company; Ring 'em up
- Hello, is this where I can find such and such?
~ It isn't, but i'll put you through to their HQ.
- Thank you!
~ No problem :)

[JohnWClips]

To me I think it would be strange to think of myself being part of the LGBT community, it seems to have a very clear cause that isn't anything about me. That being said if I ever did experience any legal issue it definitely would be where I would turn to first for help or advice as a place that I would expect helps with any discrimination due to sexuality. tbh as an outsider, I don't actually know what being "part of the LGBT community" actually means for the individual. If it can help like minded people who have become isolated due to their sexuality find each other out then that would clearly be a good thing. I was doing some research this week for asexual groups and found a "gay asexual" meetup group and felt excluded from that but there aren't too many options even in London.

The fact that asexual and LGBT both deal with minority sexualities means there is a natural association that hetero people won't normally experience day-to-day, and LGBT topics are often up for consideration (eg this vlog :) ). LGBT is much more established and therefore it has a lot more social and artistic material that can often be relatable and these are easier found via LGBT forums. Personally I have always enjoyed queer cinema, films like Moonlight and Gods Own Country, because of the way in which they tackle alienation and experiences of social exclusion due to sexuality. However I am happy just to have a guest pass though.

[davidwhitaker]

Thank you for making this video! I was thinking about this for so long. I'm a heteroromantic demisexual, and I feel like I don't really belong in the LGBT+ community. I feel better about myself now.

[nanalove]

For me, the thing is not really about do we really belong or not, because honestly, I don't care. The problem is more the reason why people exclude us. Everytime I hear someone arguing against our inclusion, it is always about how we are not discriminated, and face the same thing as single straight people, or celibate straight people. Which, in my opinion, is completely missing the point of what being ace is, and negates all the things we can face.

[SamanthaAimee]

I've filmed a video about this too, it just keeps getting pushed back 😂 you're so close to 200 subs, amazing job!!

[sparkmaster]

As an aromantic asexual, I feel like aces and aros should be accepted into the LGBT+ community.

[francomanni]

Sorry Daniel, this time at least I am not able to disagree with you, despite you like criticism. :)
In fact, I agree with your thesis.
The ace people are part of the lgbt+ community even if the are not accepted. It is a matter of reality, in my opinion. In my opinion, since we are not bacteria or worms, but we are mammals, it is inevitable to be gendered, so it is inevitable to cope with this reality throughout all our life. The gender issues cannot be avoided, regardless of our will, fantasies, ideology, or imagination.

[purecarnage]

Thank you for your perspective great video. I know talk with other Aspecs it has always been a point of contingency and polarization. I'm a philogyny who is Aro/ Sapio Demisexual... So im not necessarily gunephillaic. And I don't want to be associated as a part besides being an ally to the LGBTQ community. And I've always said that Aspec people are a distinct diaspora. I feel that I'm dismissed and not respected by any side :/

[samisparkleheart]

YT just recommended this video to me; I'm curious if 5 years later you still feel the same way 😊

[ChrisTredoux]

I identify as Ace, but don't feel like I am part of the lgbtqai+ community. We are on a spectrum. I agree with your opinion.

[AshleyBreads]

My ace patron gods watching the ace ≠ LGBT vid:
good.... the hecc? Oh naw
This acephobe need some smiting

[tarsan]

As an Ace/Aro, I don't feel like I belong in any community

[Ryan-xifu]

Im asexual and i could care less, who cares? It doesnt matter at all, the beauty of being A sexual is your not part of some freak show, of any sort

[ryn]

The article on everydayhealth seems to have changed. There is no mention of asexuality in it now. Too bad, I would've like a laugh, but on the other hand, good that they changed it I guess :)

[francomanni]

... So, who is ace belongs to a minority gender orientation, regardless of he wants to or not.
I would add, also, that being a GAY asexual strengthens this claim about minorities....