The “A” in LGBTQIA is Not for Ally

Contrary to common belief, the “A” in LGBTQIA does not stand for ally.

It stands for Ace. Not many people know this, but the “A” in LGBTQIA stands for the entire ace spectrum. People who are on this spectrum are very often overlooked and ignored, which is also why sometimes people get upset or offended when the “A” is left out. It represents those who are asexual (experience little to no sexual attraction) and those who are aromantic (experience little to no romantic attraction). It represents those who are agender, which means they identify as having no gender at all. Lots of people who are on the ace spectrum can get easily angered when they hear someone say that the “A” stands for ally. People go through lots of troubles coming out to friends, family, peers, and society. All they want is to feel accepted and validated and often times they don’t get that luxury. They deserve to have a position in the term LGBTQIA, and that’s why the “A” stands for Ace. Ace people fall under the LGBTQIA umbrella, and allies do not. Allies are so deeply valued and appreciated, but they don’t have the same challenges that others in the community do. Ace people today still aren’t even respected, and people invalidate their decisions about their romantic and sexual lives. If you tell someone that you are uninterested in having a sexual relationship, or do not experience sexual attraction, you will very likely be disrespected.

Always remember that regardless of what someone identifies as, or whatever a relationship may look like to them, you should always be respectful and kind to them, even if you don’t fully understand yet.