Queerplatonic relationship, or QPR, is an umbrella term for any relationship that bends the rules for telling apart romantic relationships from non-romantic relationships.[1]
In some societies, hard lines are drawn between appropriate behavior for a romance vs. a friendship. For example, cultural norms might say that romantic partners are more physically affectionate or more close emotionally than friends are, as well as more likely to partner in major life activities such as buying a house or raising a child together.
Wherever those lines are blurred, that relationship can be called queerplatonic. For example, queerplatonic relationships can include friendships and ambiguously-romantic relationships that go beyond friendship norms in emotional intensity, physical affection, or other areas. Some queerplatonic partners also live together or get married.
A queerplatonic relationship can be monogamous or polyamorous, involving more than two people. Pursuing a queerplatonic relationship is not necessarily mutually exclusive with pursuing romantic relationships, and the term is not restricted to any identity category.
Queerplatonic Attraction
Queerplatonic attraction is a form of emotional attraction that may be considered the queerplatonic version of a crush. Similar terms for this experience include platonic attraction and alterous attraction.
History
The term queerplatonic originated among asexuals to describe an ambiguous category outside the strict boxes of romance and friendship.[2] The term was first used by Meloukhia in the comment section of a 2010 Dreamwidth post.[3] In 2011, Meloukhia, also known as S. E. Smith, introduced the term on Tumblr.[4]
Symbolism
Currently, there is no consensus on queerplatonic symbolism. At least eight different flag designs have been proposed for queerplatonic or related concepts.[5]