Archive of Our Own

DC Aspec Week is a fandom event to celebrate creators and characters who identity on the asexual and/or aromantic spectrums.

+ What does “asexual” mean?

Also referred to as “ace”, those who identify as asexual experience little to no sexual attraction towards persons of any gender. This term does not dictate how a person feels about having sex, if they ever want to, how active their libido is, whether or not they want romantic relationships, or a person’s romantic orientation.

+ What does “aromantic” mean?

Also referred to as “aro”, those who identify as aromantic experience little to no romantic attraction. A person who is aromantic does not have to be asexual, and they might still experience sensual and aesthetic attraction.

+ What does “demisexual” mean?

Demisexual or “demi” is an orientation where a person can only experience sexual attraction if a strong emotional bond is present. Although this bond is required for attraction, it is not a guarantee that attraction will occur. Demisexuality is often considered a type of gray-asexuality.

+ What does “gray-asexual” mean?

Gray-asexual or graysexual is an orientation where a person experiences sexual attraction rarely, only under specific circumstances, or without any accompanying sex-drive. This can also describe someone who fluctuates between periods of experiencing sexual attraction and periods of not experiencing sexual attraction.

+ Why do these sexualities need representation?

Many people who identify on the a-spectrum experience a period of uncertainty, where they struggle to find a label to “fit” their experiences with sexual and romantic attraction. Oftentimes, asexuals or aromantics can feel “broken” or be ostracized; the a-spectrum offers an identifier for those who want to know that they are part of a larger community, and that their experiences are not singular.

We hope, through more awareness and representation, that we can offer relief to those questioning their sexuality and those celebrating their sexuality, through a welcoming community to call home.

+ When does this event run?

Submissions are welcome from October 19th to October 25th 2025, during Asexual Awareness Week.

+ Do I need to sign up?

No sign-ups necessary! Simply put together your work(s) by the 20th October, and post them before October 26th to be included in the week. We will be reblogging any submissions tagged with “dcaspec” or “dcaspecweek” to the Tumblr blog, as well as accepting works to the Collection.

+ Will there be prompts?

There will be no prompts for DC Aspec Week. The event is open for any works submitted by DC creators who identify on the a-spectrum, or for any works that explore DC characters who identify on the a-spectrum.

+ Do I have to identify on the a-spectrum to participate?

Whilst a-spectrum creators are encouraged to participate, DC Aspec Week is open to creators who don’t identify on the spectrum who wish to explore the asexuality and/or aromanticism of characters in the DC Universe.

+ What’s the purpose?

DC Aspec Week is designed to celebrate people on the a-spectrum, and to raise awareness of what asexuality and aromanticism is. This is a community event, to connect those interested in exploring the diversity of aspec fiction, and as a launching point for those who may begin identifying on the spectrum.