Amoretrosexual

Key Features

• Amoretrosexual individuals experience romantic attraction but prefer queerplatonic relationships over traditional romantic ones.

• Their identity emphasizes the value of deep, committed connections that transcend conventional romantic norms.

• Amoretrosexual individuals face challenges such as misunderstanding, societal pressure, and lack of representation, but their experiences help redefine and expand the understanding of human relationships.

• Supporting amoretrosexual individuals involves respecting their preferences, promoting awareness of QPRs, and creating inclusive spaces that celebrate diverse relationship models.

Context

Romantic Attraction

Amoretrosexual individuals feel romantic attraction to others but do not seek traditional romantic relationships. Their romantic feelings may exist in parallel with their preference for queerplatonic relationships.

Example: An amoretrosexual person might experience romantic attraction to a friend but choose to form a queerplatonic bond rather than a romantic partnership.

Preference for Queerplatonic Relationships

Queerplatonic relationships (QPRs) are deep, committed connections that transcend conventional definitions of friendship or romance. These relationships can include aspects of intimacy and partnership without aligning with traditional romantic norms.

Example: An amoretrosexual individual might prioritize creating a lifelong queerplatonic bond over pursuing a romantic relationship.

Distinction From Aromantic Identities

While some aromantic people may also prefer queerplatonic relationships, amoretrosexual individuals still experience romantic attraction. Their identity focuses on the preference for QPRs rather than an absence of romantic feelings.

Cultural Relevance

Expanding the Understanding of Relationships

Amoretrosexuality challenges traditional notions of relationships by valuing queerplatonic bonds equally, if not more, than romantic ones. It highlights the diversity of human connections, emphasizing that relationships do not have to fit societal expectations to be meaningful.

Example: Representing queerplatonic partnerships in media and storytelling can help normalize these connections and validate the experiences of amoretrosexual individuals.

Visibility Within the LGBTQIA+ Community

Amoretrosexuality contributes to the broader understanding of romantic diversity within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. It underscores the importance of non-romantic but deeply meaningful relationships, offering an alternative perspective to romance-centric narratives.

Example: LGBTQIA+ spaces that celebrate diverse relationship models can create more inclusive environments for amoretrosexual individuals.

Intersection With Other Identities

Amoretrosexuality can intersect with other orientations and identities, shaping how individuals navigate attraction and relationships. Cultural norms and societal expectations may influence how amoretrosexual people articulate or experience their identity.

Example: In cultures where romantic relationships are heavily emphasized, amoretrosexual individuals might face challenges explaining their preference for queerplatonic connections.

Challenges Faced by Amoretrosexual Individuals

• Misunderstanding and Erasure: Amoretrosexuality is often misunderstood or conflated with aromanticism, leading to erasure of the unique experiences of those who identify this way.

  • Example: An amoretrosexual person may have to explain that they do feel romantic attraction but do not wish to engage in romantic relationships.

• Societal Pressure: Societal norms often prioritize romantic relationships as the ultimate form of connection, making it difficult for amoretrosexual individuals to have their queerplatonic relationships recognized or respected.

  • Example: An amoretrosexual person in a QPR might encounter questions about why they "aren’t dating" or why they don’t pursue traditional romantic partnerships.

• Limited Representation: There is little representation or discussion of queerplatonic relationships in mainstream media or public discourse, leaving amoretrosexual individuals feeling unseen.

  • Example: Amoretrosexual people may struggle to find examples of relationships similar to theirs in media or community spaces.