February 2025 marks 10 years since the first asexual group marched in the annual Midsumma pride parade and to celebrate the milestone a new exhibition is on display in Altona.
Nonlimerent // Monosexual: An Aromantic and Asexual History is a research project and art show is open at The Louis Joel Gallery until February 20.
Aromanticism is an orientation characterised by a lack of romantic attraction while asexuality involves a lack of sexual attraction.
Exhibition curator, local Altona artist Luciella Scarlett, said the 10 year anniversary the exhibition marks is also significant for her.
“January marked 10 years since I first stumbled across the terms ‘asexual’ and ‘aromantic’ and realised they applied to me,” said Scarlett, who added that back then asexuality and aromanticism were little discussed or understood.
“What did exist was this widespread myth that the only way a person could achieve a ‘happy ever after’ was through romance, sex and marriage,” she said.
“I’d already spent my teenage years watching friends find boyfriends, and watching parties turn into ‘plus one’ events where I would only ever be a ‘plus zero’, so although it was a relief to finally have those words, it also brought with it a flood of despair. What kind of future could I even have as an aroace (aromantic asexual) person?”
Scarlett said that’s one key question the exhibition seeks to answer by providing historical context.
“We do have evidence of asexuality and aromanticism, or similar concepts, throughout history,” she said.
“Understanding this history can recontextualise the present and build a new vision for the future.”
The exhibition features artworks from Scarlett herself along with Emily Busch and Kate Wood.
More information: www.midsumma.org.au/whats-on/events/nonlimerent-monosexual-an-
aromantic-and-asexual-history/
Cade Lucas.
