A-spectrum, or A-spec, is an umbrella term for all identities on the asexual spectrum and aromantic spectrum, including aromantics, asexuals, demisexual/romantics, greyasexual/romantics, lithosexual/romantics, fraysexual/romantics, and so on.
The term a-spectrum was introduced by Tumblr users warriorsdebt, whes, and strategicgoat in approximately late 2015.[1][2]
It is also sometimes used more broadly to include other identities that use the "a-" prefix.[3]
Controversy
Aces and aros have sometimes been accused of appropriating the term "a-spec" from the autistic community.[4] This is impossible, as the term was created in 2015 specifically for aces and aros and has no prior usage history before that point.
With the ace and aro communities, the term "a-spec" has also been criticized for introducing confusion through frequent misuse.[5] In response to aces sometimes using "a-spec" when only aces are relevant (excluding some aros), aros have introduced the backformation "acespec" (instead of simply using "ace") and emphasized that it's important not to say a-spec when what is meant is acespec; unfortunately, for many people, "a-spec" and "acespec" are phonetically indistinguishable when spoken aloud. This move is also unnecessary since the term "ace" is already an umbrella term for the entire asexual spectrum.[6] In addition to these issues, the variety of different usages can sometimes make its intended meaning unclear.
Flag
The a-spec flag was created by Tumblr user The-Moon-Is-Aroace on March 25, 2019.[7] The compass rose in the middle is a symbol of how people all experience attraction in different ways, if at all. The green and purple are on opposite sides of the quadrant to show that asexuality and aromanticism are their own separate and independent identities, with the black and grey quadrants connecting them. Black represents the aro ace community and grey represents grey communities.