Asexual symbol explained

Asexual Ace Symbol

Likely the most well known asexual symbol is the ace symbol. Asexuals often refer to themselves as “ace”. It’s a phonetic shortening of “asexual”. The most frequently used meanings are the ace of spades and the ace of hearts. Diamonds and clubs are also used but vary in meaning for asexuals.

♥ – Romantic asexuals

♠ – Aromantic asexuals

♦ – Demisexuals and demiromantic asexuals

♣ – Gray asexual and gray romantic asexuals

Asexual Cake Symbol

In 2003 a user on the AVEN forum (Asexual Visibility and Education Network) suggested a cake emoji. After it was created, it started getting used to welcome new users to the forum as well as to congratulate and offer comfort.

The cake emoji wasn’t the only reason why the cake symbol became tied to asexuals. Aside from the above explanation it’s also often used as a way to say “Cake is better than sex anyway” or “I’d rather have cake.” (Don’t we all?)

There’s also the ‘Legend of the AVEN cake’ story that is definitely worth your time if you have a few extra minutes. You’ll find that story on the AVENwiki site.

*Artwork by: zi-qiu

Asexual Black Ring Symbol

The asexual ring symbol can be traced back to a thread from 2005 on the AVEN forum. A member asked how others expressed their asexuality in a thread called “Black rings and other ways to show asexual pride”.

The exact design and materials do not matter as long as the ring is black. In general asexuals wear the black ring on the middle finger of the right hand.

“Plain black rings also coincide with the symbol ⚪ which symbolized asexuality and genderless. This symbol is also often written in black, simple because it’s a common ink color.” (AVENwiki)

*Photo by: Gamma Man

Asexual AVEN triangle symbol

Another well known asexual symbol within the community, is the AVEN triangle. It has often been called the symbol of asexuality. While this is no longer really seen this way, it still is well known as the logo of AVEN. (the Asexual Visibility Education Network).

This logo went through quite a few updates and the story changed along with it. But the main explanation is that the symbol represents the spectrum, with white representing allosexuality and black representing asexuality. This gradient shows nobody is tied to one place on the spectrum. It’s a gradient after all. This gradient is also partially what inspired the white, grey, and black stripes of the asexual flag. Which is the symbol we’ll explain next.

Asexual Flag

One of the main symbols of asexuality is the asexual flag. It wasn’t until 2010 that this asexual flag was voted to represent asexuals all over the world.

In the summer of 2010, suggestions were created by different asexuality sites. After these were collected all asexuals could vote on the flag they felt represented asexuals best. After the votes were in and the result was clear. The flag you see here now represents asexuals all over the world and is considered the official asexual flag as well as the main asexual symbol. You can find many designs, products and cartoons using this flag and/or color combination.

The different colors explained:
Black:  asexuality
Grey: grey-asexuality and demisexuality
White: non-asexual partners and allies
Purple: community

Asexual dragon symbol

A symbol that is becoming more integrated within the community, is the dragon. Often combined with the asexual flag.

While nobody seems to have a clear answer of where this symbol came from, it is said that it started as a joke on Tumblr. Aces then mentioned they loved dragons, and slowly the dragon started to be used as a symbol.

Mythical creatures are often used to represent the ace community as aces feel that they are like mythical creatures, because society doesn’t always feel like we exist. This is why sometimes you’ll also hear other creatures being used as a symbol. Such as unicorns.

Artwork by: Kaenith