Tasmania has become the first state in Australia to officially add the letter ‘A’ to its LGBTIQA+ gender and sexuality acronym on government documentation.
The move recognises asexual, aromantic and agender people and has been hailed by advocates as a step forward for inclusion and equity.
Ash McCullough, who identifies as part of the ‘A’ community, advocated for Tasmania’s change from LGBTIQ+ to LGBTIQA+.
“I’m proud to live in a state that is once again leading the way in sending the message: you can have authentic relationships with yourself and others, however that looks for you,” McCullough said.
“This is a step forward not just for people who identify as asexual, aromantic or agender, but for the entire Tasmanian community.”
Equality Tasmania spokesperson Lucy Mercer-Mapstone congratulated the State Government “for ensuring official references to our community are as inclusive as possible”.
“Asexual, aromantic and agender Tasmanians have been invisible for too long and now have their place alongside other members of the state’s LGBTIQA+ community,” Mercer-Mapstone said.
Asexual people don’t experience sexual attraction and/or doesn’t desire sexual contact, while aromantic people don’t or rarely experience romantic attraction.
The decision to officially include ‘A’ was made at a recent meeting State Government department secretary meeting.
“The Tasmanian government’s vision is for an inclusive community where all Tasmanians are treated with dignity, respect and without discrimination,” Minister for Community Services and Development Nic Street said.
