A Love Without a Name: Examining the Language of Sexuality, Attraction, and Meaningful Connection Through an Aromantic and Asexual Lens

Abstract

While the English language’s ability to describe love and attraction has grown immensely in the past two centuries, many identities have struggled to find a place within the system of sexuality. Those who experience a lack of sexual or romantic attraction often find themselves within a linguistic limbo, lacking the distinction of a name while still facing very real barriers to communication within their relationships. The mainstream language surrounding meaningful human connection places an emphasis on sex and romance, failing to acknowledge the important relationships that can exist outside these two concepts as anything other than “friendship.” In rebellion of this invisibility, new vocabulary has been developed to better describe non-normative bonds and orientations. This essay follows the language of love and attraction from the late 1800s to present, highlighting aromantic and asexual perspectives and illustrating just how powerful a name can be.