Yelena & the Importance of Aroace Identity (Revisited)

Yeah yeah I know, I have done this before. I have made a blog about this. But I think it’s time for a little reminder especially now. With Thunderbolts* out and all. I have noticed an increase in something and I think it’s time to say it once more for everyone to know and learn. So sit back and relax as I explain and teach you what aroace is and why this is important.

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What is AroAce?

Aroace in general is defined as an individual who has little to no romantic or intimate affection towards anyone. More or less it is a person who does not wish to be romantic or intimate in any way. Mind you they can have close relationships with others. But in this case these relationships are both platonic and familia instead. Being aroace does not mean you have no emotions. It just means you do not feel romantic ones.

Now if you want a more indepth explanation on the definition of it. Please read over my original blog Here

What Does Yelena have to do with it?

Now here’s a good question, the reason she is important here is because she herself has been confirmed to be aroace. The comic writers and even some MCU writers have confirmed she is indeed aroace. It is who she is as a person. It’s a part of her character, and in the MCU especially as it has been emphasized that she is looking for a FAMILY.

Her arc is finding belonging with people, to have a family like her sister Natasha had with the Avengers. In no way has she ever even mentioned romance or anything in her screen-time, and even then when she herself asked Natasha in Black Widow about relationships Nat may have had. Instead of answering it for herself, she actually changes the subject and mentions how she wants a dog. Which shows she has no interest in such things whatsoever as it is never even brought up again after this short scene. (Though she did get her dog Fanny at the end lol)

Many other instances as well, have also shown she doesn’t care for such things. And just like many of us aroace people we relate to her a lot due to it. Her wanting a family, a place where she can be herself.

Importance

While many will say “But it doesn’t harm anyone” when we ship characters. Or say do things like make a straight character bi or gay or anything. But in this case it can be harmful, as aroace is a minority and is rarely shown in media even today. And even in some cases it can be erased entirely like Jughead who was confirmed as aroace by his writers, but CW chose to erase it entirely. Erasure of an identity like this can make many feel like they aren’t important or their voices aren’t being heard.

As above many have changed characters like making Steve Rogers bisexual or even gay. But the difference is he was originally straight. Now you wouldn’t suddenly make say America who is a lesbian or Wiccan who is gay straight, would you? If your answer is “no I wouldn’t” then why is it suddenly hard for people to understand making an aroace person allo is the same thing as that? It’s erasing a part of the character and their identity especially one that is hard to find in any media today still.

My time here I have gotten many comments about it. Many disregarding aroace overall, and it’s why it is so important. But deep down it is just like any other identity under the LGBTQ+ umbrella. We all want to have a voice, a rep for us, someone we can see in media and go “omg they’re just like me!”

Believe me I get it. Shipping can be a blast, but sometimes we have to realize sometimes it can go too far. And sometimes it is best to step back and think before acting. Like I said get it I am an avid shipper too. But I know when not to cross the line when it comes to identities and who they are as a character.

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Conclusion

Thank you all for reading this. I thought it was the best time to make this. Especially with how popular Yelena has gotten as a character due to her time in the MCU. This blog was made to remind that identity is important to many, and minorities when it comes to it does exist. A reminder that sometimes it’s best to do research before doing anything involving an established character in media. If you are still curious or also want to double check for any other shipping please go read our Banned Ships PSA

Till Next Time! And Happy Pride Month everyone! 🏳‍ :rainbow: