Representation of Aromantic Characters

In many ways, aromantic representation is the forgotten child of queer fiction. Whether forgotten or absorbed into asexuality, aromanticism has a hard time finding the spotlight, and searching for characters that clearly, proudly identify as aromantic can be a grueling, challenging task. It’s undeniable that queer fiction, no matter the genre, tends to have strong romantic element. Yet aromantic spectrum teens deserve to see themselves as heroes, too. They deserve to have amazing friends, to live fast-paced adventures, to experience strong bonds of varying nature and unravel what romance means to them and whether they want it at all. While questioning representation is important, I have built this list with characters that are clearly identified as aromantic who are deeply rooted in their community and stay so. Some are older–role models, in a way–while others are teens or adults in their early twenties blundering through life. I wanted a wide range of experiences, as there are many ways to be aromantic, all of them right and valid. As time passes, more and more resources exist out there to find uplifting aromantic characters, and these are but a sample of my favourite. I hope they will help teens feel less broken–more seen–as they deserve to be.

– Claudie Arseneault