Megas Vs Mystery Machine

Ace Visibility Matters

Being visible for ace week almost inevitably means at some point running headlong into some ugly acephobia.

Here is one that crops up a lot when people are first learning about asexuality that I’m going to tackle today.

“Why do I have to know you’re ace?/Who cares if you’re visible?/Aces are just seeking attention.”

First and foremost, ace visibility matters.

It matters that we have an identity, and that we can define ourselves and our experiences so that we can recognize and advocate for ourselves and each other. It matters that aces are visible, and that information ABOUT asexuality and asexual communities is visible, first and foremost, so that OTHER ASEXUALS can access it.

In spite of increasing traction and acceptance in online spaces like Tumblr, “Asexual” and the numerous micro labels that fall under its umbrella, are still not widely understood or even heard of by the population at large.

By being visible, the likelihood is increased that awareness of asexuality will reach other aces who do not yet know that they are ace. And that it will reach them earlier in their lives.

There are numerous positive impacts for an asexual discovering they have a recognized identity and COMMUNITY. Notably, and while this is not a comprehensive list:

Validation. The realization and sense of security that comes from learning that they are not the only one. Not “broken.” Not a mistake, or someone who just needs to “get over it.”

Freeing aces from pressure to conform to allo standards to “fit in”, which can negatively impact their wellbeing, mental health, and self esteem.

Allowing aces to Discover their communities, Receive Support from one another, and Organize to advocate for themselves

The importance of that last one cannot be overstated. Humans are social creatures with an inherent need to connect with one another. By having the labels and language to describe ourselves, asexuals are able to find those whose experiences mirror their own. This allows asexuals to explore their own sexuality in a safe space with individuals who are able to understand their experiences. It allows them to give and receive validation and share positivity. And more broadly, it leads to the formation of communities.

A community is important for the social needs of individuals aces, but it is also key to advocacy. We cannot effectively advocate for ourselves if we cannot effectively organize.

That is the most serious need for community, and by extension visibility, always, regardless of where you fall under the lgbtq+ umbrella. Isolated, as scattered individuals in the minority? We have very little reach. Together we have power to look out for one another and effect positive change in how we are perceived and treated.

(This is the same reason that the LGBTQ identities are all better served banding together under the umbrella and advocating for and with each other, but that’s another can of worms I won’t get too deep into)

With all that said, other than aces being aware of themselves, it is still very important that non-aces are also aware and educated about what ace means. Education fosters understanding and wider acceptance. It means non-aces are more likely to find common ground with their ace peers, and visible aces are more likely to find acceptance and avoid aphobia with their non-ace peers.

With all this in mind, when you encounter attitudes like those that prompted this article that boil down to “why do aces need to be visible?/isnt announcing your asexuality just seeking attention?”, please actively help to dismantle those notions as they are harmful to the ace individuals and the community at large.

Likewise, please share this if you can and support aces being out and visible.

Both

stammi vicino duet from bd6 extras, finally in better quality! ♥ (x)

A little late but… Better late than Never #Inktober #inktober2018 #inktober2018day5 #ink#inktober2018day5chicken #Chicken #Hen #momchicken #babychickens

I had never thought much of children. They were helpless little things, so prone to harm themselves or fall prey to others. I had considered children nothing more than the vermin of the human race, who all grew up into potential meals. Now, however, I have a child of my own… SEBASTIAN’S POV

This is the epilogue to The Final Act. I loved the series, even though it’s so sad. I’m not sure if this is complete or not, because AO3 says it is but the author says there will be another chapter…

Status: Ambiguous

Words: 4,172

Grade: A+

How time flies. It’s been an amazing ride. Thank you so much. For the giggles that became full-on laughs to heartful cries. But most importantly, thank you for growing up with me.

merman aus?? i'm dyin scoob i need those to live

Thank you for this request! I live for this AU! Hopefully these are what you’re looking for!

Mermaid AU

Blue Echo by Myka, Mature, 13k (WIP)Yuri is a natare. A mermaid. He knows how to follow the rules that keep his kind safe. So why does a human dancer named Victor make him feel like breaking all of them? Lovely merman AU!

there’s an ocean in your eyes by Arrowsbane, Not Rated, 856 wordsIn which Yuuri is an artist, looking for inspiration in the Ocean. He wasn’t quite expecting a merman to pop up out of the surf. Mermaid!Victor and artist!Yuuri, love!

Swimming With The Fishes by instantpuppypaper, Mature, 29k (WIP)Viktor, the ‘King’ of the seven seas; dangerous, pretty, and impossible to catch. Legends say even the ocean was in love with him, rescuing him and his crew when all seemed lost. Amazing mermaid AU with merman!Yuuri and Pirate!Victor.

Can You Sea Me? by tobisebaschan, Teen, 25k (WIP)Yuuri Katsuki is a 24 year old, Marine Biologist/Whale Conservation Specialist. Victor is a very handsome merperson living off the coast of Yuuri’s town. They meet for a split second and Yuuri doubts reality, but he’s determined to find out the truth. Thumbs up!

It Shouldn’t Be That Simple by livetosail, Gen, 4.2kMermaid!Yuuri is blind, and has been rejected from his pod for years. Suddenly, a storm comes and another mermaid (Victor) takes refuge in his cave. Cute!

The Merman in my Private Bath by ruru_u, Teen, 5.4k (WIP)Everyone thought Yuri was crazy when he claimed a merman saved his life. Even he learned to convince himself it was all some crazy dream - until one day, a beautiful and mysterious creature washes up onshore. Funny and descriptive AU! Bonus illisturations which are gorgeous.

Shells by gawsoloy, Teen, 6.1kMermaid!Victor gives Yuuri a pink conch as a present when he was just a boy. They meet again and again briefly, but when Yuuri’s 23 they really meet. Nice AU!

Our Secret by Syrum, Teen, 5.1kYuuri has a secret, one he has sworn never to tell. Until Victor. Until one afternoon, stuck in Russia in a slightly chilly hotel room. Now, everything rests on Victor’s reaction, and Yuuri knows he isn’t ready for this. This fic is everything I didn’t even know I needed!

Beside the Dancing Sea by lily_winterwood, MapleTreeway, Explicit, 179kNew York Times-bestselling author Viktor Nikiforov arrives in the sleepy seaside town of Torvill Cove to cure his writer’s block. After encountering local wallflower Yuuri Katsuki at a party, he discovers that this mysterious dark-haired man has a couple secrets up his sleeve.

#Inktober #inktober2018 #inktober2018day4 #inktober2018day4spell #spell #Cat #BlackCat #MagicCat #WitchHat #Magic #Purple #Violet #MagicWand

Some girls just can’t resist [audio credit to whoever owns it]