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For today, I recommend #reading “Elatsoe” by Darcie Little Badger. My #library promoted it on a book list for aro/ace representation and on one for @indigenousauthors. I loved how this #YA #MurderMystery mixed folklore from many cultures into a modern setting. I would happily read a whole detective series with the character and world! And everyone in the book was accepting of Elatsoe’s aro/aceness, which was the first time I’d read anything like that.

For today: “Loveless” by Alice Oseman. I learned of it from a Rowan Ellis video. This is another #YA novel, and unlike “Elatsoe” it is centered very much on the aro/aceness of the protagonist. Though the British university experience is far removed from my life, I saw a lot of my teenage self in this. And not just in Georgia, but also Sunil and Jason. Understanding that there’s a distinction between #aromantic and #asexual was important for my personal journey.

I played an Umojan ghost named Imogen in a #StarCraft #ttrpg my spouse ran with #Genesys. I spent a lot of time with it afterwards, prepping the #DiceyStories #podcast and #novelization. Meanwhile, I was also soaking up #queer content to be a better ally—and because #asexuality resonated with me. Looking back at Imogen’s drives and interactions, I saw she fit it, too. Nervous inside, I mentioned to my spouse one day that I thought Imogen was #ace. It wasn’t a big deal—which gave me courage.

I ran a #BattleForWesnoth #ttrpg using #Genesys. Midway through, the players met Ash. This NPC was the first time I ever created a character intended to be ace. Although I didn’t announce Ash’s sexuality at the game table, I showed it in interactions the PCs saw between him and his partner. I drew from my own preferences on interacting with my spouse, though I was not yet fully sure #asexuality fit me. It was a valuable exercise for me demonstrating that #aro and #ace are not the same. #AceWeek

We finished our 3-year #BattleForWesnoth #Genesys #ttrpg a few months ago. By then, I was out as #asexual and my spouse as #trans, which meant more open conversations about sexuality between us. Looking back at the whole campaign now, we saw that my wife’s PC, the outgoing half-elf/half-human ranger/bard Tric Manu is #aro and #ace. I must admit, I have never understood the trope of horny #bards. If you’re interested in one who definitely is not, check out our #DiceyStories #podcast. #AceWeek

My wife is currently running an #AlphaCentauri #ttrpg using #Genesys. I’m playing a salesman turned environmental “mage” named Mariah Esteban Thorne. Comfortable now with my own #asexuality, I’m playing an #ace PC. We actually had a bit of a romantic scene during one of our recent sessions, and it was so nice to have the GM understand my PC’s perspective on it. So much better than some “roll to seduce” situations I’ve encountered at some other tables. Hooray for open communication! #AceWeek