I technically still identify as ace (or at least acespec) because I identify with not craving a sexual relationship… but I’ve never really fit in with other aces. Even in the early days of the ace, while ace culture was still being developed, I still didn’t fit in quite right. So while I do still ID ace I’m just like….. why bother. I guess I’m close to a non-SAM aro or a “questioning aroallospec” than full on alloaro.

The biggest thing for me is the massive pressure form both inside and outside the ace community to be a “forever kid”. Fellow aces perpetuated childish stereotypes, which outsiders saw first and latched on. To the point that coming out as ace or not meant choosing between being treated as a grown ass adult or a literal child.

It took me ages to come to terms with being aroace, tho, idk how long it will take to figure it out again lol.