Creating Change 2020 – Ace and Aro Programming

We are excited to be attending the Creating Change conference on January 15th-19th, 2020! Below, we’ve compiled all the events and activities relating to asexuality and aromanticism that we’re aware of. If there are any changes to the program, we’ll try to include that here.

We encourage you to leave feedback on the ace and aro programming at Creating Change and to sign up to hear about the work of ace and aro advocates at future conferences. Visit the sign up form to get more information!

Ongoing

Aces & Aros
Thursday – Saturday
Exhibition Hall

Come visit the Aces & Aros booth to get resources that you can take home and to discover the local community organizing that’s taking place in cities across the county.

Ace and Aro Hospitality Suite
Thursday – Saturday, 8am-8pm
Center Tower, Room 755

Come visit the Ace and Aro Hospitality suite to meet other aces and aros! See below for information about specific programming.

Sessions

Ace and Aro Q&A: An Introduction to Asexuality and Aromanticism
Workshop Session 3 – Friday, January 17th 3:00-4:30pm
State Room 4, Convention Ctr, 3rd fl

Every year, more asexual and aromantic people show up in LGBTQ+ spaces seeking support, resources, and community. In order to accommodate this growing group in your organization, work, and activism, a clear understanding of these identities is essential. This session will build that understanding, while highlighting specific intersectional issues that arise from systemic racism, ableism, and cissexism. Take this unique opportunity to ask questions, participate in discussions, and connect with resources about aromanticism and asexuality.

Presenters:

Emily Karp, TAAAP
Isabel Nathan, TAAAP
Kade Craighead, TAAAP
R., aroallo community member

Helping Professionals Seeing Asexual and/or Aromantic Clients
Friday Caucus – 6:30-7:30pm
City View 1, Hotel 4th flr

People on the asexual and aromantic spectrums are some of the most misunderstood within the broader LGBTQ+ community, especially by helping professionals. Many of these clients find their identities are misconstrued, discouraged, or otherwise invalidated by providers. Come hear the feedback of ace and aro people regarding their experiences with helping professionals. Then discuss the advice, suggestions, and questions other helping professionals have shared with us related to seeing clients with these identities.

Presenters:

Emily Karp, TAAAP
K. Skyler Davis, TAAAP
R., aroallo community member

Ace and Aro Community Organizers Caucus
Friday Caucus – 6:30-7:30pm
Trinity 5, Hotel South, 3rd fl

This session will be an opportunity for asexual and aromantic spectrum community organizers to come together to strategize best practices for growing our communities. Along with discussing effective methods for starting and maintaining in-person groups for aces and aros, we will explore how we can build support and representation in our communities for folks affected by racism, transphobia, and other forms of discrimination.

Presenters:

Laura Guenzel, Aces & Aros and TAAAP
Brian Langevin, Aces & Aros

Including Aces and Aros in LGBTQ+ Youth Spaces
Workshop Session 5 • Saturday, January 18 9:00-10:30am
Dallas D2, Convention Ctr, 1st fl

Asexual and aromantic youth often seek support and community from LGBTQ+ youth spaces, but when they face barriers to inclusion, many are left with nowhere to go. This workshop will familiarize you with ace and aro youth issues, especially as they intersect with racism, sexism, disablism, and transphobia. We will provide you with resources and knowledge to support these youth, and will help you build an action plan to make your youth spaces more inclusive.

Presenters:

Brian Langevin, Aces & Aros
Laura Guenzel, Aces & Aros and TAAAP

Asexual and Kinky
Workshop Session 6 • Saturday, January 18 10:45am-12:15pm
State Room 4, Convention Ctr, 3rd fl

(Explicit content warning 18+) Because of the hypersexualization of BDSM sometimes asexuals can be left out of the discourse surrounding BDSM education. Kink is so much more than just rough sex. In this class, we will discuss a lack of sexual attraction or desire in a sex-focused community. We will also present 101 information on rights and advocating for yourself when engaging in the lifestyle from predators and outings that could affect your livelihood.

Presenters:

Kitty Hyatt, DFW Asexual meetup
Jane Hyatt, DFW Asexual meetup

Asexual & Aromantic Spectrums Caucus
Saturday Caucus – 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Trinity 5, Hotel South, 3rd fl

This is a space for people who identify under the asexual and/or aromantic umbrellas to come together and share experiences. Intersectionality of aromanticism or asexuality with attendees’ other marginalized identities, such as race or gender identity, will be given careful consideration as we brainstorm how to make our activism and support spaces more inclusive and respectful. Please note this is not for 101 questions, though curious allies are welcome to come listen.

Presenters:

Emily Karp, TAAAP
K. Skyler Davis, TAAAP

Suite Activities

Ace & Aro Suite – Rm 755

Friday:

12 pm – 2 pm: Quiet time

Exactly what it says. Shh.

3 pm – 5 pm: Aro-Talks

Aromantics come in just as many flavors as every other identity. Let’s talk about what “romance” and relationships mean to us.

5 pm – 8 pm: Game night

Stop by for a laidback and open discussion of any topic that comes to mind. Games available.

Saturday:

10 am- 12:30 pm: Study Hall

Allo partners and allies welcome during this time.

1 pm – 3 pm: Allo partner resource grab

Room open to those identifying as allosexuals/alloromantic to come in and grab available resources. Feel free to ask questions and get advice while in this space.

4 pm – 6 pm: Connection meetup

All welcome to attend. Come find your connections from the connections board.

5 pm – 8 pm: Ace-spec Community Social Night

Welcoming the entire ace-spec, allo partners, and allies alike.

Trans Suite – Rm 1055

Saturday:

8:30 pm – 9:30 pm: Gender and Orientations Intersection Discussion

Join us at the Trans Suite for a discussion on how sexual and romantic orientations intersect and impact gender identity and presentation.