Snowy And Gingersnap ❄️🍪

Couldn’t have said it better, yes I know none of those Alastor ships are canon but it is frustrating to see such a large amount of that kind of content of a confirmed ace character; as someone on the ace spectrum it hurts that no character can exist without being shipped, for the most part I’m not against shipping but in this case, it feels like erasure. And I don’t think it’s fair to say that just because it’s not canon doesn’t mean it doesn’t have an impact, because when the content is as widespread as it is in this instance, it overshadows Alastor’s canon orientation. Just my thoughts, I know not every ace person is bothered by this but I just thought I’d offer my opinion.

The Hazbin Hotel fandom’s issue with accepting aromanticism and asexuality

Now that it is officially Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week, I want to talk about this!

I find that, as an aroace myself, I am constantly grasping at good representation and coming up empty— it usually ends up in one of two ways.

One: the character is portrayed as emotionless, cold, and robotic in nature. It’s the question aromantic and/or asexual people are often asked: “Are you heartless?” The answer is no, of course, but general media makes it out to be the opposite.

Or two: Their lack of attraction is seen as something to “fix” because they “haven’t found the right one yet”, and they end up with a partner as a “happy ending”.

It frustrates me greatly because of how little people actually see aromanticism or asexuality as a true part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

So when I watched Hazbin Hotel, and I found out about Alastor being aroace, I was over the moon. I was on cloud nine. I also saw how his voice actor has looked up the term as an attempt to learn about aroaces, which makes me OVERJOYED?? Amir is truly a blessing, and I love that he’s proud to embody a character that’s part of our community. It’s so beautiful to finally have a proper character, a fan favorite at that, who just so happens to be aroace— and that’s another thing I love about this.

It’s never explicitly stated in the show (though it is stated in interviews), but it’s rather clear when you’re watching, isn’t it? Alastor’s aversion to any sort of sexual advancement, coupled with Rosie’s blatant “I know you’re an ace in the hole” comment sort of spell out his asexuality pretty clearly, as well as what side of the spectrum he falls upon. In addition, his Valentine’s day card was strictly platonic, which caters to his aromantic side. It feels so validating to finally be represented, to finally have a character in media who shares the same lack of interest in romance and sex as I do.

When I entered the fandom to look for more content, I kind of expected to see the same respect for Alastor’s orientation there too. But that… wasn’t the case? I am fully aware that aromanticism and asexuality are both spectrums— of course, aromantic and/or asexual people can enter those kinds of relationships. I’m not denying that and they belong in the community as much as anyone else on the spectrum.

But, the more I see the same line again and again and again, the more it feels like an excuse to just ship what you want.

Usually I don’t mind shipping? I’m often a firm believer in people shipping what they like as long as it’s harmless and they don’t go crazy over it. I also know for a fact that Viv doesn’t have a problem with people shipping her characters. They are fictional, after all.

But in this case, people are ignoring the very thing that makes Alastor a part of the aroace community! People are ignoring his lack of romantic or sexual attraction!

Is this not the same as changing a gay character’s orientation to suit a straight ship? If not, how so? I’m told that we are a part of this community, so why aren’t we being treated like it? Why is it so hard to accept the people on the end of the spectrum who aren’t interested?

Something I’ve been noticing throughout my life is that society has not exactly progressed very much on the idea of accepting asexual or aromantic identities. Maybe we have, a little, since the old days— but hell, people in “the old days”, which in truth wasn’t very long ago, believed that asexuality was a medical condition to be “fixed” by taking the right medication or having sex. That’s a pretty low bar to clear. And on the romance side, you’re seen as a “late bloomer” or “boring” if you don’t express interest. These days, being friends with someone is treated like a gateway to them possibly becoming a lover. Not getting married, not going on dates, not wanting a partner— it’s all treated like a crime when it’s not.

Maybe I’m selfish, or sensitive, or I’m butthurt over nothing, or I’m making it all about me. Maybe I’m gatekeeping or whatever the term is. But please, please, please, I just want an aroace character like me who simply is not interested in sex or romance.

And I want fandom to respect that. I admire the creations that fans make— the art, the animatics, the writing and the character analysis. And I want people to keep creating because creation is indeed a beautiful thing.

But I really would like people to treat aroace identities like they’re important. Like it’s more than just a spectrum to get wiggle room to wrangle in another ship.

Victor SLAYING that outfit, and my boi Yuri he’s so in love 🥹

These two *clutches heart*.

Commission for @neutronice 's fic Fool's Gold. ✨

Victuuri adorable as always, but can we talk about how this acknowledges the strain figure skating at their level puts on their body and feet especially, similar to ballet I’d imagine

[Lvl 30 Patreon reward] This art is part of this great viktuuri fic Short Programs, by @neutronstarchild

Go read!! :D

[Patreon]

It really is a tragedy, thank you for giving us girl scout Khun, it’s what the world needed 😭

Missing girl scout khun? I gotcha!

Such a pity lmao its a good fit😭

This is so cute I love this style!

🎉I'm a bit late but, happy new years!🎉

Hua Cheng didn’t wait 800 years for Xie Lian’s love—he waited 800 years for Xie Lian

…and that’s a difference some of y’all need to understand

Perfection

:))

Beautiful indeed 💅🏻

Our beautiful boy

There are so many little nods to various things that have happened in the story in this piece, I love it!! And also the fact that Khun putting himself in that position on the chess board has multiple interpretations

Khunbam Week Day 3- Bond/Gamble

I feel like the execution of these prompts worked better in my head but I also can’t figure out how to explain my thought process so interpret it as you will 🙂‍↕️ all I can say is that my brain had sm fun coming up w all the implications in this artwork it was so satisfying to draw fr

I think about this scene all the time LOL, was definitely on my mind for KhunBam week

KhunBam week 2024 day 5 - Faith

Season 3 Chapter 154

"Don't worry, we have the greatest scammer in the tower with us. I know we are going to win."

"Are you talking about me?"