Aze (magazine)

Last updated
Aze
AZEmagazineVol5Iss3Cover.jpg
Volume 5, issue 3 on Family (2022)
Categories Literary magazine
Founder Michael Paramo
Founded2016
First issueMay 2017;6 years ago (2017-05)
Website azejournal.com

Aze (stylized AZE) is a literary magazine for asexual, aromantic, and agender people that was created in 2016 and publishes issues online. [1] [2] [3] [4] It was formerly known as The Asexual until 2019 when it expanded to include aromantic and agender people. [2] The magazine publishes visual art, poetry, and personal and academic essays on the subjects of asexuality, aromanticism, and agender experiences and their various intersections. [1] [2] It was founded by Michael Paramo. [5]

Contents

It is listed as an educational resource by some American university centers and elsewhere, [3] [6] [7] including Alice Oseman's young-adult fiction book Loveless (2022). [8] Writing in Aze has been referenced in scholarship published by Feminist Formations , [9] Sexualities , [10] Archives of Sexual Behavior , [11] Communication Education , [12] and others. [4]

Content

Aze publishes content online in magazine volumes of four issues. In 2019, the magazine changed its name from The Asexual to AZE to represent a shift in its content's focus beyond asexual identity, including gray-asexuality and demisexuality, as well as people on the aromantic spectrum and agender people. [13] The magazine had previously published an issue focusing on agender experiences in 2018. [14]

Most issues focus on a specific intersection or topic related to asexual, aromantic, and agender experiences. [15] Themes that have been explored in the magazine's issues have included "Asexual Masculinities," "Redefining Relationships," and "Aromanticism." [2] Other issues have focused on body image, race, media representation, gender, sexuality, and attraction. [2] [13] It has published interviews with Pragati Singh in 2018 and 2023. [16] [17]

The magazine's content is edited by the founder Michael Paramo. [13] The magazine was discussed in an interview for Sex Out Loud with Tristan Taormino in 2019. [18] Its content was referenced in Ending the Pursuit, a book about asexuality, aromanticism, and agender identity published by Unbound in 2024. [19]

Reception

Aze's focus on publishing asexual, aromantic, and agender people's perspectives has been recognized as unique since these experiences are "often absent from the mainstream." [2] The magazine is listed as a resource by the Asexual Visibility and Education Network, [20] Sounds Fake but Okay, [21] some American university resource centers, [3] [6] [7] and in Alice Oseman's young-adult fiction book Loveless (2022). [8]

The magazine has been noted for its inclusion of people of color within the asexual, aromantic, and agender communities, particularly of BIPOC and Latinx people. [2] [22] [23] Janeth Montenegro Marquez argued that "AZE does a good job of creating a niche for individuals who crave it" by providing "other queer individuals, queer BIPOC individuals especially, a space of community to explore their identities" and theorize about their experiences where they may not be able to "in other queer spaces." [2] The magazine's issue on race was noted by Foster et al. to contribute to expanding perceptions of the asexual community beyond whiteness. [22] Justin Smith referenced a poem published on Aze to argue that there are inherent connections between blackness and asexuality. [9] Ben Brandley and Angela Labrador cited an article from the magazine that argued how people of color may feel excluded from the asexual community. [12]

Scholar Anna Kurowicka referenced the magazine's issue on disability to examine the intersections between asexuality and disability narratives, arguing for the need to trouble the boundaries between both experiences. [10]

In a book edited by Angela M. Schubert and Mark Pope, authors Stacey Litam and Megan Speciale refer to an article published on Aze that discusses different types of attraction as multi-layered, including sexual, romantic, aesthetic, sensual, emotional, and intellectual, to argue for the need to expand notions of attraction beyond sexual attraction within the context of interpersonal relationships. [24]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Romantic orientation</span> Classification of a persons romantic attraction towards others

Romantic orientation, also called affectional orientation, is the classification of the sex or gender which a person experiences romantic attraction towards or is likely to have a romantic relationship with. The term is used alongside the term "sexual orientation", as well as being used alternatively to it, based upon the perspective that sexual attraction is only a single component of a larger concept.

<i>LGBT</i> Initialism for "lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender"

LGBT is an initialism that stands for "lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender". It may refer to anyone who is non-heterosexual, non-heteroromantic, or non-cisgender, instead of exclusively to people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. A variant, LGBTQ, adds the letter Q for those who identify as queer or are questioning their sexual or gender identity. Another variation, LGBTQ+, adds a plus sign "represents those who are part of the community, but for whom LGBTQ does not accurately capture or reflect their identity". Many further variations of the acronym exist, such as LGBT+, LGBTQIA+, and 2SLGBTQ+. The LGBT label is not universally agreed to by everyone that it is generally intended to include. The variations GLBT and GLBTQ rearrange the letters in the acronym. In use since the late 1980s, the initialism, as well as some of its common variants, functions as an umbrella term for marginalized sexualities and gender identities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Asexuality</span> Lack of sexual attraction to others

Asexuality is the lack of sexual attraction to others, or low or absent interest in or desire for sexual activity. It may be considered a sexual orientation or the lack thereof. It may also be categorized more widely, to include a broad spectrum of asexual sub-identities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pride flag</span> Symbol for part or all of the LGBT community

A pride flag is any flag that represents a segment or part of the LGBT community. Pride in this case refers to the notion of LGBT pride. The terms LGBT flag and queer flag are often used interchangeably.

Over the course of its history, the LGBT community has adopted certain symbols for self-identification to demonstrate unity, pride, shared values, and allegiance to one another. These symbols communicate ideas, concepts, and identity both within their communities and to mainstream culture. The two symbols most recognized internationally are the pink triangle and the rainbow flag.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Demisexuality</span> Only experiencing secondary sexual attraction

Demisexuality is a sexual orientation in which an individual does not experience primary sexual attraction – the type of attraction that is based on immediately observable characteristics such as appearance or smell and is experienced immediately after a first encounter. A demisexual person can only experience secondary sexual attraction – the type of attraction that occurs after the development of an emotional bond. The amount of time that a demisexual individual needs to know another person before developing sexual attraction towards them varies from person to person. Demisexuality is generally categorized on the asexuality spectrum.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aromanticism</span> Lack of romantic attraction to others

Aromanticism is a romantic orientation characterized by experiencing little to no romantic attraction. The term "aromantic", colloquially shortened to "aro", refers to a person whose romantic orientation is aromanticism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gray asexuality</span> Spectrum between asexuality and allosexuality

Gray asexuality, grey asexuality, or gray-sexuality is the spectrum between asexuality and allosexuality. Individuals who identify with gray asexuality are referred to as being gray-A, gray ace, and make up what is referred to as the "ace umbrella". Within this spectrum are terms such as demisexual, semisexual, asexual-ish and sexual-ish.

This is a timeline of asexual history worldwide. The briefness of this timeline can be attributed to the fact that acceptance of asexuality as a sexual orientation and field of scientific research is still relatively new.

Discrimination against asexual people, also known as acephobia or aphobia when directed at aspec people, encompasses a range of negative attitudes, behaviours, and feelings toward asexuality or people who identify as part of the asexual spectrum. Negative feelings or characterisations toward asexuality include dehumanisation, the belief that asexuality is a mental illness, that asexual people cannot feel love, and the refusal to accept asexuality as a genuine sexual orientation. Asexuality is sometimes confused with celibacy, abstinence, antisexualism, or hyposexuality.

<i>Sounds Fake but Okay</i> Comedy podcast on gender and sexuality

Sounds Fake but Okay is a weekly comedy podcast that focuses on asexuality and aromanticism. The podcast is hosted by University of Michigan alumni Sarah Costello and Kayla Kaszyca. Each Sunday, Costello and Kaszyca "talk about all things to do with love, relationships, sexuality, and pretty much anything else they just don't understand."

The portrayals of asexuality in the media reflect societal attitudes towards asexuality, reflected in the existing media portrayals. Throughout history, asexual characters have appeared in television series, animated series, literature, comics, video games, music, and film.

Queerplatonic relationships (QPR) and queerplatonic partnerships (QPP) are committed intimate relationships which are not romantic in nature. They may differ from usual close friendships by having more explicit commitment, validation, status, structure, and norms, similar to a conventional romantic relationship. The concept originates in aromantic and asexual spaces in the LGBT community. Like romantic relationships, queerplatonic relationships are sometimes said to involve a deeper and more profound emotional connection than typical friendship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Split attraction model</span> Discordance between sexual and romantic attraction

The split attraction model (SAM) is a model in psychology that distinguishes between a person's romantic and sexual attraction, allowing the two to be different from each other.

Allonormativity is the concept that all humans experience sexual attraction and romantic attraction. It is the force which upholds compulsory sexuality, the social systems and structures which privilege or incentivize sexual relationships over single individuals.

<i>Loveless</i> (novel) Young adult novel by Alice Oseman

Loveless is a novel written by Alice Oseman. Published by HarperCollins Children's Books on 9 July 2020, the novel follows Georgia as she begins university. Depicting her journey of self-discovery as an asexual and aromantic individual, the novel received positive reception from literary reviewers and media outlets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Paramo</span> American writer

Michael Paramo is a writer, academic, and artist known for founding the literary magazine Aze and for their work examining interpersonal attraction and love with consideration to asexuality, aromanticism, and agender identity. Paramo identifies on the asexual and aromantic spectrum and advocates for people of similar experience to express themselves toward expanding society's ideas of human sexuality, romance, and gender identity. They published a book Ending the Pursuit with Unbound in 2024.

References

  1. 1 2 Ace and Aro Journeys: A Guide to Embracing Your Asexual or Aromantic Identity. Jessica Kingsley Publishers. 2023-04-21. pp. 252–53. ISBN   978-1-83997-639-1. AZE Journal is an online publication of agender, aromantic, and asexual people's creative expressions, including visual art, poetry, essays...
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Montenegro Marquez, Janeth (Spring 2022). "Asexual Latina/o/x Representation in AZE" (PDF). Feral Feminisms. 10 (2): 13–15.
  3. 1 2 3 "Asexual/Aromantic Education". UC Santa Barbara Resource Center for Sexual & Gender Diversity. Retrieved 2023-08-18. AZE is an independent online journal publishing ace, aro, and agender writers and artists. It was established in 2016 and has more than fifteen issues.
  4. 1 2 "About AZE". AZE journal. Archived from the original on 2023-04-14. Retrieved 2023-08-18.
  5. ↑ "Exploring Asexuality: The "A" in LGBTQIA+". Psych Central. 2021-10-26. Retrieved 2023-08-19. Michael Paramo — creator of AZE journal (originally known as The Asexual)
  6. 1 2 "Intersectional Identities | LGBTQ+ Resource Center". University of Milwaukee LGBTQ+ Resource Center. Retrieved 2023-08-18. A journal publishing asexual, aromantic, and agender writers and artists, created by Michael Paramo.
  7. 1 2 Leuzinger, Julie. "Guides: LGBTQ Studies: Ace Week-Books/Journals/Films". University of North Texas Library: LGBTQ Studies. Retrieved 2023-08-18. An independent online journal publishing the perspectives of ace, aro, and agender authors.
  8. 1 2 Oseman, Alice (2022-03-01). Loveless. Scholastic Inc. ISBN   978-1-338-75195-6.
  9. 1 2 Smith, Justin (2020). ""[T]he happiest, well-feddest wolf in Harlem": Asexuality as Resistance to Social Reproduction in Claude McKay's Home to Harlem". Feminist Formations. 32 (3): 51–74. doi:10.1353/ff.2020.0040. ISSN   2151-7371. S2CID   234928784.
  10. 1 2 Kurowicka, Anna (2023-05-04). "Contested intersections: Asexuality and disability, illness, or trauma". Sexualities: 136346072311707. doi:10.1177/13634607231170781. ISSN   1363-4607. S2CID   258524276. I explored the archives of AZE journal to find articles that address these issues. (...) A 2022 issue of the AZE journal devoted to disability...
  11. ↑ McInroy, Lauren B.; Beaujolais, Brieanne; Craig, Shelley L.; Eaton, Andrew D. (2021-11-01). "The Self-Identification, LGBTQ+ Identity Development, and Attraction and Behavior of Asexual Youth: Potential Implications for Sexual Health and Internet-Based Service Provision". Archives of Sexual Behavior. 50 (8): 3853–3863. doi:10.1007/s10508-021-02064-y. ISSN   1573-2800. PMID   34136992. S2CID   235460012.
  12. 1 2 Brandley, Ben; Labador, Angela (2023-10-02). "Towards an asexual-affirming communication pedagogy". Communication Education. 72 (4): 331–347. doi:10.1080/03634523.2022.2151638. ISSN   0363-4523. S2CID   254354072.
  13. 1 2 3 "Pride Reads: Three Queer Speculative Fiction Magazines to Check Out!". The Geekiary. 2021-06-10. Retrieved 2023-08-24.
  14. ↑ "A(gender): An Anthology". AZE. 2018-11-14. Retrieved 2023-08-24.
  15. ↑ "Journal". AZE. 2023-07-25. Retrieved 2023-08-23.
  16. ↑ "Indian Aces: Awareness and Activism in India". AZE. February 2018. Retrieved 2019-12-01.
  17. ↑ "Asexual Advocacy in India: An Interview with Dr. Pragati Singh". AZE. 2023-03-27. Retrieved 2023-08-24.
  18. ↑ "October 11th 2019: Michael Paramo on Asexuality, Aromanticism, and Agender Identity". VoiceAmerica. Retrieved 2023-08-19.
  19. ↑ Paramo, Michael (2024-02-08). Ending the Pursuit: Asexuality, Aromanticism and Agender Identity. Unbound Publishing. ISBN   978-1-80018-286-8.
  20. ↑ "Links | The Asexual Visibility and Education Network | asexuality.org". www.asexuality.org. Retrieved 2023-08-18.
  21. ↑ "Asexual and Aromantic Resources". Sounds Fake But Okay Podcast. Retrieved 2023-08-18.
  22. 1 2 Foster, Aasha B.; Eklund, Austin; Brewster, Melanie E.; Walker, Amelia D.; Candon, Emma (2019). "Personal agency disavowed: Identity construction in asexual women of color". Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity. 6 (2): 127–137. doi:10.1037/sgd0000310. ISSN   2329-0390. S2CID   149934489. ...an online journal dedicated to asexuality, recently dedicated an issue to the intersections of asexuality and race to promote a "message on the significance of prioritizing the voices of ace POC and decentering the whiteness of ace spaces.
  23. ↑ Döring, Nicola; Bhana, Deevia; Albury, Kath (2022-12-01). "Digital sexual identities: Between empowerment and disempowerment". Current Opinion in Psychology. 48: 101466. doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101466. ISSN   2352-250X. PMID   36242854. S2CID   252339766. Recent studies and reviews also look into digital asexual identities of people of color such as asexual male identified Filipinx on Tumblr or asexual Latinx in the aro/ace community journal AZE.
  24. ↑ Schubert, Angela M.; Pope, Mark (2022-09-20). Handbook for Human Sexuality Counseling: A Sex Positive Approach. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN   978-1-119-90413-7.
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