Asexual Pride Asia HISTORY
Asexual Pride Asia is a vibrant pride network dedicated to empowering A-Spec queer individuals across Asia and beyond. This pride network challenges misconceptions about queer feminism while amplifying the voices of A-Spec men, women, non-binary, intersex, transgender individuals, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups. Through art, media, culture, technology, and community-driven initiatives, Asexual Pride Asia seeks to foster understanding and support for A-Spec identities.
As a digital pride platform, Asexual Pride Asia hosts virtual get-togethers, talks, seminars, workshops, and symposiums. The organization is devoted to collecting, preserving, and sharing oral histories, art, writings, and news that illuminate the lives and experiences of A-Spec queer individuals in Asia. In 2020, Asexual Pride Asia organized the world’s first A-Spec Pride Symposium, titled “ASEXUALITY IS NOT A MYTH,” which marked a significant milestone in affirming asexuality throughout the region.
Run by ANOAQA, a partnership platform for A-Spec queer organizations across Asia, Asexual Pride Asia fosters mutual support and collaboration. As a committed advocate for diversity and inclusion, the organization promotes equal pride participation for those who are closeted or introverted and actively welcomes applications from all Asian countries, regardless of religion, ethnicity, caste, or color. Asexual Pride Asia is also dedicated to supporting gender non-binary, intersex, transgender individuals, and people with disabilities.
ASEXUAL PRIDE ASIA – From Bangladesh for Asian ARO ACE and Rise
In a world where discussions around sexuality often prioritize allosexual experiences, asexual identities are frequently overlooked—even in Pride celebrations. Asexual Pride Asia was born to challenge this narrative. Created as a platform to uplift asexual (ace) and aromantic (aro) voices across Asia, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, it aims to provide a space for aro ace individuals to connect, celebrate, and embrace their unique identities. The festival is not just a celebration but also a vital platform for activism, literature, and international collaboration.
From the 5th edition onward, Asexual Pride Asia has expanded its scope by launching initiatives like the ANOAQA Short Story Prize, Asexual Pride Asia has been dedicated to showcasing the diversity of asexual experiences—whether through activism, literature, or community-building. One of the highlights of the event is the ANOAQA Short Story Prize, which recognizes outstanding works by Asian writers. Winners have their stories published in the ANOAQA Aro Ace Tale, bringing greater visibility to asexual and aromantic narratives.
A key feature of Asexual Pride Asia is the A-Spec Symposium, which gathers Asian activists and speakers to discuss their work and experiences. Under the curation of Bangladeshi organizers, the symposium has become an internationally recognized platform for a-spec activism. Past participants have gone on to collaborate with prestigious organizations such as Inter-Pride, ILGA, the ASEAN SOGIE Caucus, Asian Pride Alliance, Ace & Aro Collective AU, and many others.
Since its launch, by focusing on shared struggles and experiences, Asexual Pride Asia transcends geopolitical borders, fostering a strong sense of community among those who are often marginalized.
Asexual Pride Asia stands out not only for its inclusive community but also for its critically acclaimed festivals. Open and free to the public, the event still drew over 500 visitors during its three-day celebration, reflecting the growing visibility and importance of the asexual and aromantic communities in the region. With a strong focus on fostering solidarity across the Asia-Pacific based on shared struggles, Asexual Pride Asia is redefining what it means to be ace in today’s world—while amplifying voices that have long been silenced.
Geographical Reach
Encompasses the Following Asian Countries:
South Asia: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan
Southeast Asia: Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam
East Asia: China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan
Pride Symposium
A Glimpse into the Journey of Asexual Pride Asia
2023: The fourth symposium delved even deeper into the less-discussed facets of asexual identity with the theme “‘A’ phobia is an overlooked struggle of A-spec queer.” This symposium spotlighted the nuanced challenges faced by asexual, aromantic, and agender individuals, fostering empathy and understanding within the broader LGBTQ+ community.
2022: The third symposium hosted a unique campaign alongside the main event. It drew attention to the fact that the high-profile IDAHOBIT movement was rarely or never inclusive of the A-spec community. This initiative aimed to raise awareness and gather global support for renaming IDAHOBIT to make it more inclusive.
2021:In response to the urgent issue of discrimination, we hosted the symposium “Shout out against Asexual Hate Crime.” This event illuminated the alarming prevalence of hate crimes targeting Asian asexual individuals, igniting discussions on the imperative need for protection and inclusivity.
2020: Asexual Pride Asia kicked off its journey with the inaugural symposium titled “Asexuality is not a myth.” This event shattered stereotypes and misconceptions, emphasizing the legitimacy of asexuality within the diverse A- spectrum of human sexuality. It laid a solid foundation for all their future endeavors.
How We Celebrate A-Spec Pride
The platform amplifies aro ace queer voices that have historically been underrepresented, focusing on empowerment and recognition within the broader LGBTQA+ community.
A central feature of Asexual Pride Asia is the A-Spec Symposium, where activists and speakers from across Asia gather to celebrate pride & share their experiences and discuss their work in a-spec activism. In addition to activism, Asexual Pride Asia celebrates asexual and aromantic experiences through literature. For instance, the ANOAQA Short Story Prize is awarded to outstanding works by Asian writers, with winning stories published in the Aro Ace Tale, further promoting a-spec narratives.
Everyday celebrations of A-Spec Pride also include actions like displaying asexual and aromantic flags, wearing pride badges, and engaging in conversations that advocate for a-spec visibility. Together, these efforts contribute to a vibrant, supportive community that plays an essential role in the queer landscape.
“I feel most fortunate to have had the chance to return to the 2020 Dhaka Art Summit after my initial visit in 2016. The focus on collective practices, “South to
“I feel most fortunate to have had the chance to return to the 2020 Dhaka Art Summit after my initial visit in 2016. The f
“I feel most fortunate to have had the chance to return to the 2020 Dhaka Art Summit after my initial visit in 2016. The focus on collective practices, “South to
“I feel most fortunate to have had the chance to return to the 2020 Dhaka Art Summit after my initial visit in 2016. The f
“I feel most fortunate to have had the chance to return to the 2020 Dhaka Art Summit after my initial visit in 2016. The focus on collective practices, “South to
“I feel most fortunate to have had the chance to return to the 2020 Dhaka Art Summit after my initial visit in 2016. The f
“I feel most fortunate to have had the chance to return to the 2020 Dhaka Art Summit after my initial visit in 2016. The focus on collective practices, “South to
“I feel most fortunate to have had the chance to return to the 2020 Dhaka Art Summit after my initial visit in 2016. The f