High Five: Kate Forton

Kate provided this brief bio: I am a veterinary technician by day and a professional theatre artist by night/weekends! I discovered my queerness just before I turned 30 - I spent the first part of my life heavily invested in being a good ally to my queer friends.

Kate identifies as asexual.

Question 1: What's your aspec origin story? How did you figure out you were aspec?

I realized that I had "confusing" feelings toward a non-binary cast mate in a show i was in when I was about 29. I'd always been deeply invested in friendships and suddenly realized that some of those investments were actually panromantic attraction- I figured since I didnt want to sleep with any of those friends, that this was just friendship. It was a big moment to realize that I myself was actually amongst the community I so loved.

Question 2: What's one or two important lessons being aspec has taught you?

It has taught me to really embrace the celebration of significant connections amd bonds in my life, it doesn't have to be about partnering or romance.

Question 3: What's missing in the aspec community? What do you wish to see improved in the community?

I want to see more talk about queer platonic relationships and significant friendships!

Question 4: What do you think is going right in the aspec community? What are your aspec joys?

I loved reading recent infographics you posted about polyaffectionate and amatopunk because that so speaks to how I interact with my closest loves. I have a best friend that I call my Soul Friend, and my bond with him is a significant platonic friendship. I love having such a deep well of love for my closest friends and not feeling the "weird allonormative pressure" of exploring sex with any of the people that I hold close.

Question 5: (Choose your own adventure here!) What's a question you wish I'd asked, and what is your answer?

Honestly I just want to thank you for your book "I Am Ace" -- it was so comforting to read and understand myself better. You are an elder queer hero and one of my favorite people to follow. Thank you for this opportunity to share and create community.

(Ace Dad: That’s incredibly kind, Kate! We share a love of theatre, although I”m less of a practitioner these days. I’m glad you’re here.)

If you want to follow Kate on Instagram, you can find her there @MamaKateFort.

If you want to take the “High Five” interview, you can! Just click through to it here.