Abroromantic

Key Features

• Romantic attraction may change over days, weeks, or longer periods.

• The shifts can occur between any romantic orientations or may include moments of not feeling romantic attraction at all.

• Abroromantic individuals often value the freedom to explore and define their changing experiences.

Context

Abroromantic is similar to abrosexual, which describes fluidity in sexual attraction, but it focuses specifically on romantic feelings rather than sexual desire. It highlights the non-static nature of some people's romantic orientations.

Fluctuating Romantic Attraction

Abroromantic individuals experience changes in how or whom they are romantically attracted to over time.

• Their attraction might shift between genders, orientations, or levels of intensity.

• These shifts can be temporary or recurring and may occur over short or long periods.

Example: Someone may feel romantically attracted to people of the same gender for several months and then shift to feeling romantically attracted to multiple genders, or not experiencing romantic attraction at all.

Distinct from Sexual Attraction

Abroromantic focuses specifically on romantic attraction (emotional and romantic connection) and is independent of sexual attraction.

• An abroromantic person might still identify as asexual (not experiencing sexual attraction) while experiencing fluctuating romantic feelings.

• Alternatively, they may have sexual orientations (e.g., bisexual, pansexual) that remain stable while their romantic orientation shifts.

Unique and Individualized

The experience of being abroromantic is highly personal.

• Each individual may experience shifts in romantic attraction differently.

• Some abroromantic people may notice patterns or triggers for their shifts, while others may experience changes unpredictably.

Cultural Relevance

Acknowledging identities like abroromantic broadens the understanding of how romantic attraction can be experienced. It validates those whose feelings do not fit into fixed categories, fostering greater inclusivity and acceptance within the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond.

Challenging Romantic Norms

In many cultures, romantic attraction is viewed as stable, predictable, and binary (e.g., gay vs. straight). Abroromantic identities challenge these expectations by normalizing fluid romantic orientations.

• This highlights that romantic attraction can be complex, dynamic, and ever-changing.

• It helps validate the experiences of people who do not fit into static romantic labels.

Example: An abroromantic person might describe feeling romantically attracted to men for a time, then to no one at all, and later to people of any gender. This shift does not indicate confusion but reflects their authentic romantic orientation.

Intersectionality in Romantic Orientation

Abroromantic individuals may experience their identity alongside other aspects of identity, such as:

• Gender identity: A non-binary or genderfluid individual might experience romantic fluidity that aligns with their dynamic understanding of gender.

• Asexuality: Some abroromantic individuals might also identify as asexual-spectrum (experiencing little to no sexual attraction), which further separates romantic and sexual attraction in their experience.

• Cultural background: Cultural expectations around romance, marriage, and attraction may make it difficult for abroromantic individuals to express their identity.

Expanding LGBTQIA+ Conversations

Abroromanticism contributes to a broader understanding of romantic diversity within the LGBTQIA+ community:

• It shows that romantic orientation is not always fixed or easy to categorize.

• It provides language for people who may have previously felt unseen, misunderstood, or invalidated in their romantic experiences.

Why This Matters: Recognizing abroromantic identities promotes inclusivity and affirms that romantic attraction exists on a spectrum that can shift over time.

Representation and Visibility

Abroromantic individuals remain underrepresented in media and public discourse.

• Romantic orientations are often depicted as fixed or binary, leaving little room for fluid experiences like abroromanticism.

• Greater visibility of abroromantic identities can help individuals feel validated and supported in their experiences.

Example: A character in a TV show or book who identifies as abroromantic could help normalize fluid romantic attraction, especially for young people exploring their identities.

Challenges Faced by Abroromantic Individuals

• Misunderstanding and Invalidity: Abroromantic people may be accused of being "confused," "indecisive," or “not knowing what they want.” Their shifting romantic attraction is often dismissed or pathologized, leading to invalidation.

• Pressure to Fit Labels: Society often expects individuals to identify with fixed romantic orientations (e.g., straight, gay, bi). This pressure can make abroromantic individuals feel misunderstood or forced to “choose” a label that doesn’t reflect their fluid experiences.

• Relationship Challenges: Partners may struggle to understand shifts in romantic attraction, leading to communication difficulties or insecurity. Abroromantic individuals may need to navigate boundaries and expectations carefully to foster healthy relationships.