INTERVIEW WITH LECHAT

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: LECHAT Interview by Janus the Fox

Janus: As an Aromantic, what other orientations, romantic, sexual or otherwise, do you identify with?

LeChat: Just “asexual” because I haven’t felt a significant or often pull/attraction to others to call myself any other sexual or romantic orientation…

Janus: How has your aromanticism affected your life?

LeChat: I didn’t know about “asexuality” or “aromanticism” when I was growing up, so I worried that something was wrong with me, for not feeling the way my peers did. I feel much happier, now that I’m older and have learned to accept myself (and not concentrate or worry so much about fitting in and having the same life as others).

Janus: How/when did you discover Aromanticism/when did you realize you were aro?

LeChat: I think I first discovered “aromanticism” when I rejoined AVEN, almost five years ago. I wasn’t sure if I was “aromantic,” since I’d experienced a few crushes/infatuations, while growing up. So, I just kept waiting, to see if I might, eventually, experience romantic feelings for anyone. But, I’ve realized there’s no harm in choosing the label for myself, now, even if it might change, in the future.

Janus: What would you say to somebody questioning if they are aro?

I’d advise anyone who’s questioning if they’re “aro” that it’s okay for them to take their time; they don’t need to worry or stress out so much about finding a label or their identity, right away. Also, being “aro” doesn’t mean they’re doomed to live a sad or lonely life; it’s possible to find fulfillment, happiness, etc. in other ways (e.g. relationships with friends and/or family; volunteering in the community, etc.), if that’s what would make them happy. Some aromantics decide to have a platonic relationship/partnership with a friend(s).

Janus: How can people be better allies to people who are aro?

LeChat: I think, it’d be helpful for allies to try to listen to aromantic people when they come out or try to explain their experiences and what their identity means to them (e.g. not interrupt them with the ally’s personal opinions or theories about why an aromantic person doesn’t feel romantic attraction to others, or why they might not be interested in dating or being in a relationship with anyone).

Thanks, and good luck with the next issue of AVENues!