Starlight Serenade

Oh wow, I remember seeing this Youtuber before a long time ago. One of the comments from the comment section said that Applegeek is still on social media and in the fandom. My guess is that they are probably too busy with personal stuff.

I'm a bit sad as I just finished reading "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera. This book was a lovely yet heartbreaking reminder of how precious life is.

I just read "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera, and it's a poignant, heart-wrenching story that beautifully captures the fleeting nature of life. The main characters, Mateo and Rufus are relatable, and their final day together is both heartbreaking and life-affirming. This novel was a memorable exploration of love, friendship, and the value of living each moment to its fullest.

I have never heard of this group before, but I'm listening to "Avalanche" and I'm loving it! Definitely going to check out their other songs you've listed later.

Oooh I'm going to check these out soon! I have to check out the Spanish dub for MLP as well!

Absolutely! What level of fluency do you have in all the languages you know? And, would you mind sharing a list of some Spanish songs you like in the latest thread about Spanish songs? Yay! I’m happy to hear that. I’m sure your background is going to be incredibly helpful to many people.

I heard this classic before! It's very cool

I'm listening to it for the first time, it's pretty good!

Idk, it depends lol

Thank you! It seems to be all good now! Ooooh someone's a polygot! Join us! Show us your Spanish moves!

Oh, I already knew that since I've listened to some 1960s music before XD. I was just trying to remember which movie I heard it in, but thanks for being awesome as always! :3

Hello everyone! One way I’ve been improving my Spanish listening and speaking skills is by immersing myself in the language through music. I wanted to share some MLP songs in Spanish that you can enjoy: [Feel free to share any of your favorite songs either MLP or non-MLP related in Spanish here!]

Thanks. "Discussions" and "A place where members can discuss any topics!". I tried to make a page for it earlier, but it won't let me add new topics or anything to the page.

Thanks! Is there anyway to add a discussion page? I tried to add a page where anyone can post, but it is not letting me.

I just saw this notification! Thank you @Nitobit I appreciate it! Update: I just tried to see if I can make a discussion or open a chat, but it is not letting me.

It seems I always mix up @Sparklefan1234 with @Sparklefan1234 a lot.

Milk and cookies!

@Nitobit Can you please help out with this application?

Starlight Glimmer is my favorite and the inspiration behind my OC, Starlight Serenade, so I consider this an honor XD

Wow, a lot of these images are really good!

Thank you! I ended up completing most of those tasks. There are a few things that are going to take longer than I expected, but I'm going to keep trying.

It's disappointing that the backstage drama often seems more exciting than the actual shows, especially with how childish things have gotten backstage at these promotions. I stopped watching AEW a while ago and now mostly skim through recordings and highlights of other promotions, as it’s tough for me to sit through full wrestling shows. With rumors of even more troubling actions by Vince still hidden, I doubt everything will come to light, likely due to his connections. While Triple H is doing a decent job overall, I’m starting to think I might eventually move away from wrestling entirely and dive into a few other new fandoms instead.

Foreword Over the past year, I've embarked on a journey of learning and self-discovery, diving into the rich and diverse world of the asexual and romantic spectrums. This exploration has opened my eyes to experiences and identities that I previously knew little about. While I’m still learning and growing in my understanding, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the full range of human experiences. This blog post is a reflection of my ongoing journey. I hope it serves as a helpful resource for others who, like me, are seeking to learn more about asexuality, the romantic-sexual spectrum, and the incredible diversity that defines our world. I approach this topic with empathy and a desire to create a more inclusive space for everyone, regardless of where they fall on these spectrums. An Exploration of Asexuality and the Romantic-Sexual Spectrum Asexuality is a term that has gained more visibility in recent years, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood aspects of human sexuality. The intersection of asexuality with the romantic-sexual spectrum, as well as with other sexual orientations such as bisexuality and lesbianism, adds further complexity. This complexity reveals a wide range of human experiences that challenge conventional understandings of attraction, desire, and relationships. In this blog post, we will delve into the importance of both asexuality and the romantic-sexual spectrum, highlight historical and contemporary figures, explore media representation, address 15 common questions and misconceptions, and explore how asexuality intersects with other sexual orientations. Understanding Asexuality and the Romantic-Sexual Spectrum What is Asexuality? Asexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by a lack of sexual attraction to others. Unlike other sexual orientations, asexuality is defined not by who someone is attracted to, but rather by the absence of sexual attraction. However, asexuality is not synonymous with a lack of romantic attraction, emotional connection, or desire for companionship. The Romantic-Sexual Spectrum The romantic-sexual spectrum refers to the diverse ways in which individuals experience romantic and sexual attraction. It encompasses a wide range of orientations and identities, including: Romantic Orientations: Romantic attraction refers to the desire for a romantic relationship with someone. Romantic orientations include heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, panromantic, aromantic (lack of romantic attraction), and more. Sexual Orientations: Sexual attraction refers to the desire for sexual activity or sexual relationships with others. Like romantic orientations, sexual orientations include heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, pansexuality, and asexuality. The intersection of romantic and sexual orientations creates a complex and varied landscape of human experience. For example, someone might be asexual (lacking sexual attraction) but still experience romantic attraction (e.g., heteroromantic, homoromantic, etc.), or they might be aromantic (lacking romantic attraction) while still experiencing sexual attraction. The Importance of the Spectrums The Asexual Spectrum The asexual spectrum includes identities that reflect varying degrees of sexual attraction or lack thereof. Key identities include: Gray-Asexual: Individuals who experience sexual attraction infrequently or only under specific circumstances. Demisexual: People who experience sexual attraction only after forming a strong emotional bond. Lithosexual: Individuals who experience sexual attraction but do not desire it to be reciprocated or acted upon. The asexual spectrum highlights the diversity of experiences within the asexual community and challenges the binary understanding of sexual attraction. It emphasizes that sexuality is not an all-or-nothing concept but exists along a continuum. The Romantic Spectrum The romantic spectrum recognizes that romantic attraction is not universal and varies widely among individuals. Aromantic identities, for example, include: Aromantic: Individuals who do not experience romantic attraction. Gray-Romantic: People who experience romantic attraction rarely or under specific conditions. Demiromantic: Those who experience romantic attraction only after forming a deep emotional connection. The romantic spectrum is crucial in understanding human relationships because it acknowledges that not all relationships are based on romantic attraction. Friendships, queerplatonic relationships, and other forms of connection are equally valid and meaningful. Intersectionality: Asexuality and Other Sexual Orientations One of the common misconceptions about asexuality is that it exists in isolation from other sexual orientations. In reality, asexuality can intersect with a variety of other sexual orientations, such as bisexuality, lesbianism, pansexuality, and more. Understanding this intersectionality is crucial for recognizing the diverse ways in which people experience attraction. Asexual and Bisexual An individual who identifies as both asexual and bisexual might not experience sexual attraction, yet they may still feel romantic attraction to more than one gender. This combination can sometimes be confusing for those unfamiliar with the nuances of sexual orientation, but it is entirely valid. For example, an asexual bisexual person might enjoy emotional and romantic relationships with people of different genders but may not feel the desire to engage in sexual activity with them. Their relationships can still be deeply fulfilling and meaningful, even without a sexual component. Asexual and Lesbian Similarly, someone can be both asexual and lesbian. This means that they do not experience sexual attraction but are romantically attracted to women. For instance, an asexual lesbian might have a deep emotional and romantic connection with women, engage in romantic relationships, and even cohabit or marry without the presence of sexual attraction. Asexual and Pansexual A person who identifies as both asexual and pansexual might experience romantic attraction to people of any gender but not feel sexual attraction. Panromantic asexual individuals are open to forming deep romantic connections with people regardless of their gender, but their relationships may not include a sexual dimension. Asexual and Heterosexual An asexual heterosexual person might feel romantic attraction to someone of the opposite gender without experiencing sexual attraction. This is another example of how romantic and sexual orientations can diverge, allowing for relationships that are romantic but not sexual in nature. Understanding Romantic and Sexual Orientations The intersection of asexuality with other sexual orientations highlights the distinction between romantic and sexual attraction. Romantic attraction involves a desire for emotional closeness, love, and partnership, while sexual attraction involves a desire for sexual interaction or physical intimacy. These attractions do not always align, and they can manifest differently for different people. For example: A Biromantic Asexual might feel romantic attraction to multiple genders but not want or desire sexual relationships. A Homoromantic Asexual might feel romantic attraction only toward people of the same gender, without sexual attraction. A Heteroromantic Asexual might desire a romantic relationship with someone of a different gender but have no interest in sex. This differentiation is important because it allows individuals to understand their own experiences more clearly and find language that accurately reflects their identities. The Importance of Intersectionality in Asexuality Recognizing the intersectionality within the asexual community is vital for several reasons: Validation: Understanding that someone can be both asexual and bisexual, lesbian, or another orientation helps validate their experiences. It affirms that their feelings are real and legitimate, even if they do not fit neatly into traditional categories. Representation: Intersectionality in asexuality broadens the scope of representation in media and society. Seeing characters and public figures who identify with multiple orientations can provide visibility and support for those who share these identities. Community and Support: Intersectional identities within the asexual community can foster greater understanding and solidarity among different LGBTQ+ groups. Recognizing and supporting these identities helps create a more inclusive and accepting environment. Complexity of Human Sexuality: Human sexuality is incredibly diverse, and the intersectionality within asexuality reflects this complexity. By acknowledging and embracing this diversity, we can move toward a more nuanced and empathetic understanding of what it means to be human. Historical and Contemporary Figures Historical Figures While historical records of asexuality and aromanticism are limited due to societal norms and the lack of language to describe these identities, there are individuals whose lives suggest a possible alignment with these orientations: Emily Dickinson: The famous American poet is often speculated to have been asexual or aromantic. Her reclusive lifestyle and intense focus on her poetry, combined with a lack of known romantic or sexual relationships, lead some to believe she may have been on the asexual or aromantic spectrum. Nikola Tesla: The inventor and electrical engineer is another figure often cited as potentially asexual. Tesla was known for his celibate lifestyle and focus on his work, which he considered his true passion. Contemporary Figures In recent years, more people have come forward to publicly identify as asexual or aromantic, helping to raise awareness and visibility: Yasmin Benoit: A British model and asexual activist, Yasmin Benoit is one of the most prominent voices in the asexual community. She has been instrumental in raising awareness about asexuality and challenging stereotypes. David Jay: Founder of the Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN), David Jay is a key figure in the asexual community. His work has been crucial in creating a space for asexual individuals to connect and share their experiences. Bojack Horseman (Todd Chavez): While not a real person, the character Todd Chavez from the animated series "Bojack Horseman" is one of the most well-known asexual characters in contemporary media. His storyline has been praised for its accurate and respectful representation of asexuality. Media Representation Positive and accurate representation in media plays a significant role in shaping public understanding and acceptance of different identities. Here are some notable examples: "Sex Education" (TV Series): In this popular series, the character Florence experiences confusion and frustration about not feeling sexual attraction. Her storyline brings asexuality into the mainstream conversation and emphasizes the importance of sexual education that includes diverse orientations. "The House in the Cerulean Sea" by TJ Klune: This novel features a central character who is asexual. The book is a heartwarming fantasy story that provides positive asexual representation in a genre often dominated by romance. "Bojack Horseman" (TV Series): Todd Chavez, one of the main characters, comes to identify as asexual throughout the series. His journey is portrayed with sensitivity and humor, offering a rare and much-needed representation of asexuality in popular culture. "Loveless" by Alice Oseman: A young adult novel that follows the journey of a character discovering and coming to terms with being asexual and aromantic. It's a powerful exploration of identity, friendship, and self-acceptance. 15 Common Questions and Misconceptions Understanding asexuality and aromanticism can be challenging for those unfamiliar with these identities. Here are answers to 15 common questions and misconceptions: Is asexuality the same as celibacy? No, celibacy is a choice to abstain from sexual activity, while asexuality is an orientation where a person does not experience sexual attraction. Can asexual people have romantic relationships? Yes, many asexual people have romantic relationships. Asexuality refers to the lack of sexual attraction, not romantic attraction. Do asexual people have sex? Some asexual people do have sex for various reasons, such as to please a partner, have children, or out of curiosity. Others may choose not to. Is asexuality a result of trauma? No, asexuality is not caused by trauma. It is a valid sexual orientation, just like any other. Can asexuality change over time? Sexuality can be fluid for some people, but for many asexual individuals, their orientation remains consistent throughout their lives. Is asexuality a medical condition? No, asexuality is not a medical condition. It is a natural variation of human sexuality. Do asexual people fall in love? Yes, asexual people can fall in love and experience deep emotional connections, even if they do not feel sexual attraction. Is asexuality a phase? No, asexuality is not a phase. It is a legitimate sexual orientation. Can asexual people feel attraction? Asexual people can feel various forms of attraction, including romantic, aesthetic, and emotional attraction. Are asexual people against sex? Not necessarily. Some asexual people are sex-positive and may support others' sexual choices, even if they do not desire sex themselves. Can asexual people participate in "self care"? Yes, some asexual people do perform "self care", while others may not. "Self care" is not necessarily linked to sexual attraction. Do asexual people date? Yes, asexual people can and do date. Their relationships may focus on emotional and romantic connections rather than sexual ones. Is asexuality related to low libido? Not directly. Asexuality is about a lack of sexual attraction, while libido refers to sexual desire, which can vary among asexual people. Can asexual people have children? Yes, asexual people can have children through various means, including adoption, IVF, or co-parenting with a partner. Is there a community for asexual people? Yes, there is a growing community of asexual people who connect through online forums, social media, and organizations like AVEN. Supporting Asexual and Aromantic Individuals Supporting asexual and aromantic individuals involves recognizing and validating their experiences. Here are some ways to offer support: Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about asexuality and aromanticism. Understanding these identities is the first step in becoming an ally. Use Inclusive Language: Be mindful of the language you use, and avoid making assumptions about someone's sexual or romantic orientation. Respect Boundaries: Asexual and aromantic individuals may have different boundaries when it comes to physical affection, relationships, and intimacy. Respect their boundaries and communicate openly. Create Inclusive Spaces: Whether in social settings, workplaces, or educational environments, creating spaces where asexual and aromantic people feel seen and heard is crucial for fostering a sense of belonging. Media Representation: Advocating for more diverse and accurate representation of asexual and aromantic characters in media can help normalize these identities and provide role models for those who identify with them. Personal Advocacy: Speak out against acephobia and arophobia when you encounter them, whether in conversations, media, or social settings. Allyship is crucial in promoting acceptance and understanding. Resources for Asexual and Aromantic People Navigating the world as an asexual or aromantic person can sometimes be challenging, especially given the lack of widespread understanding and representation. Fortunately, there are numerous resources available to support, inform, and connect individuals who identify as asexual or aromantic. Below is a list of valuable resources, including online communities, educational organizations, and supportive literature. Online Communities and Forums Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN) Website: AVEN AVEN is one of the largest and most well-known organizations dedicated to asexuality. It offers a forum where asexual and aromantic individuals can connect, share experiences, and find support. Reddit: r/asexuality Website: r/asexuality This subreddit is a community for discussions related to asexuality and the experiences of asexual individuals. It provides a platform for asking questions, sharing personal stories, and finding support. The Asexual Community Website: The Asexual Community This site provides resources, forums, and articles on asexuality. It’s a valuable place for individuals to learn about asexuality and connect with others. Arocalypse Website: Arocalypse Arocalypse is an online community focused on aromanticism. It offers forums, resources, and articles for those who identify as aromantic or are interested in learning more. Educational Organizations The Trevor Project Website: The Trevor Project While not exclusively focused on asexuality, The Trevor Project offers support and resources for LGBTQ+ youth, including those who are asexual and aromantic. Their crisis support and educational resources are invaluable for many. PFLAG Website: PFLAG PFLAG is an organization that provides support and education for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. They offer resources and support for asexual and aromantic people, including educational materials for allies. Gender Spectrum Website: Gender Spectrum Gender Spectrum provides resources on gender and sexuality diversity, including asexuality and aromanticism. Their materials can help individuals and families better understand these identities. Books and Literature “The Invisible Orientation: An Introduction to Asexuality” by Julie Sondra Decker This book offers an in-depth look at asexuality, covering its definition, experiences of asexual individuals, and the challenges they face. It’s a comprehensive resource for both asexual individuals and those seeking to understand them. “Asexualities: Feminist and Queer Perspectives” edited by Anna Houghton and Lisa M. Harris This collection of essays explores asexuality from various feminist and queer perspectives, providing academic and personal insights into the experiences of asexual individuals. “The House in the Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune While not a nonfiction resource, this novel features a central character who is asexual, offering a positive and respectful representation of asexuality in fiction. “Loveless” by Alice Oseman This young adult novel follows a protagonist who discovers they are asexual and aromantic. It provides a heartfelt exploration of these identities and their impact on relationships and self-understanding. Supportive Organizations Asexual Agenda Website: Asexual Agenda Asexual Agenda is a blog dedicated to discussing and promoting asexuality. It features articles, personal stories, and resources to support the asexual community. Asexuality Archive Website: Asexuality Archive This archive is a collection of essays, research, and personal narratives related to asexuality. It serves as a valuable resource for learning about the asexual experience and contributing to the academic discourse on the topic. The Aro-Ace Coalition Website: The Aro-Ace Coalition This organization focuses on advocating for the rights and visibility of aromantic and asexual individuals. It offers resources, support, and advocacy opportunities. These resources provide a wealth of information, support, and community for asexual and aromantic individuals. Whether you’re seeking to connect with others, find educational materials, or explore literature that reflects your experiences, these organizations and resources are valuable tools in fostering understanding and support. Remember, finding the right resources can make a significant difference in navigating your journey and connecting with others who share similar experiences. Conclusion Asexuality and the romantic-sexual spectrum are vital aspects of human diversity that challenge traditional notions of attraction and relationships. By exploring these identities, highlighting historical and contemporary figures, and addressing common misconceptions, we can contribute to a more inclusive understanding of human sexuality. Whether you identify as asexual, aromantic, or allosexual, recognizing and respecting the full range of human experiences is essential for building a compassionate and inclusive world.