Activism

Since 2020, I’ve worked to bring greater visibility to asexual and aromantic identities. My efforts in activism began with a successful petition to have Wisconsin formally recognize Ace Week in 2022, a milestone that Wisconsin repeated in both 2023 and 2024. In 2025, another successful petition added Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week to the state’s calendar of recognition, significant as the signing came merely eight days after the inauguration of a new presidential administration with an anti-LGBTQIA+ agenda. In doing so, Wisconsin made it clear that the state stands with it’s queer citizens against the tyranny of fascism and fear. These achievements mark significant steps toward official acknowledgment of asexual and aromantic identities, creating space for deeper conversations about the aro and ace communities.

In addition to my direct advocacy work, I’ve partnered with the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project to help ensure that asexual and aromantic narratives are represented within the state’s broader LGBTQIA+ history. I’ve also collaborated with Marshall Blount, an asexual activist widely known as Gentle Giant Ace, to produce a comprehensive resource for petitioning state governments. This guide aims to empower others across the country to advocate for proclamations of Ace Week and Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week in their states, broadening awareness and understanding of these communities nationwide.

You can read more about projects I’ve done for both Ace Week and Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week below.

Courage+ presents “Unsheltered”: A collaborative art campaign with Bader Rutter, the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, and Fluently Aspec

Throughout the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, five cardboard beds appeared in the early morning hours in the days leading to Pride Month. These cardboard beds were designed by students at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design as part of a collaborative effort with Courage+, Bader Rutter, and with social media presence of local aromantic & asexual content creator Patrick Bex (Fluently Aspec). Courage+ is a non-profit organization based in Milwaukee whose aim is to provide safe and inclusive housing, trauma-informed care catered to the LGBTQ+ community, education, and reliable data-supported thought leadership.

This project, named “Unsheltered”, intends to raise awareness to the 1.7 million LGBTQ+ youth in the United States without a safe home, many as young as 12 years old. To learn more about Courage+ and the “Unsheltered” project, click the links below and watch the video collaboration here.

Wisconsin Governor Defies Anti-LGBTQIA+ Push, Promotes Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week!

In a bold statement by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, the state will recognize Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week in 2025.

From February 16th through the 22nd, my home state of Wisconsin will be officially recognizing Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week, officially signing the proclamation on January 28, 2025, in the Wisconsin State Capitol building in Madison, Wisconsin!

Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week is an annual international celebration and educational event. This is to my knowledge the first time Wisconsin will be recognizing the week. Unlike with past proclamations for Ace Week, this time feels extra meaningful given the timing and the political climate we are facing.

I am incredibly grateful to Governor Evers for hearing, seeing, and standing up for the LGBTQIA+ community at this time.

To learn more and find ways to get involved, visit the following website: https://www.arospecweek.org

Fluently Aspec/Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project

Collaboration for Ace Week 2024

  • Ace Myth Busting #1

  • Ace Myth Busting #2

  • Ace Myth Busting #3

  • Ace Myth Busting #4

Three Years of Ace Week Recognition in Wisconsin

For the third consecutive year, Wisconsin has officially recognized Ace Week, a significant milestone in raising awareness and fostering inclusivity for the asexual community. This year,
I had the privilege of picking up the 2024 proclamation from the Wisconsin State Capitol, a moment that underscores the progress we've made in ensuring aro and ace voices are seen and heard.

This achievement is a testament to the power of collective advocacy and persistence. By working alongside passionate individuals and allies, we've solidified Ace Week as a meaningful annual celebration in Wisconsin.

📹 Watch the video here to see this year’s proclamation and learn more about what it means for the community.