An Asexual's Reflections on a Day of Silence Vigil

Details: Category: LGBT Issues; Published on Friday, 20 April 2012 23:57; Written by Lara Landis; Hits: 404

(Note: This is written in first person. This is not normally appropriate for Asexual News stories).

I attended a Silence the Hate Vigil tonight. People showed up, lit candles and a speech was given. The Luzerne County Community College Adjunct campus students gave small speeches and there was a small display featuring the history of the day and brief pieces of biographical information about LGBT figures.

I was the only Asexual there, and the people know I am Asexual. I go as an ally, in part because of the rocky relationship between the LGBT and Asexual communities. I also think that if a student is going to be brave enough to start such an organization in a school noted for unfriendly attitudes towards Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals and Transgender people, they deserve my support.

There was one thing at the back of my mind, however. Some of the responses I have received to the news of the Trevor project adding Asexuality to its training materials show exactly the kind of behavior the founders of the day would have found reprehensible. I could not bring this up, because it would not have been the time or the place, but it was in the back of my mind.

It is a shame that the very people who say bias against Asexuals is not a real thing are often the same people working so hard to create it. Especially when there are Asexuals who realize that they have it easier than their LGBT allies. It is a shame that this happens at all, but there has been progress made. It is easy to see from both sides of the aisle.

As I pointed out in an earlier article, increased visibility means that Asexuals must expect things like this to occur more often, but it would be nice if vocal Asexual opponents did not come from members of the LGBT community.