Bradley ACEs may be new to campus, but the organization embodies Bradley’s core values of inclusivity and connection.
Founded in the spring of 2024, ACEs stands for asexuality, community and education — the core pillars of a club meant to raise awareness and bring individuals together.
“The mission of the ACEs is to educate people and build community,” Kaia Wolfe, senior social work major and club president, said. “It does not matter if you are asexual or not, but rather that you know that you are always welcome. There are people who want to be your friend and support you.”
Globally, an estimated one percent of the population identifies as asexual according to the Asexual Visibility and Education Network. While that figure may seem small, in a world of 8.2 billion people, that’s 82 million individuals who may feel unseen or misunderstood.
Misconceptions about asexuality abound. Many assume it’s a choice or a rigid, binary identity. In reality, asexuality exists on a spectrum.
“People misunderstand exactly what being asexual is,” Wolfe said. “People think we are ‘broken’ or that we ‘haven’t found the one.’ People think we are just unlovable. But these stereotypes are not true. We are people who know that we are worthy, loveable and free to be ourselves.”
Through education, the ACEs aim to break these stereotypes.
The club’s roots trace back to another Bradley organization, Bradley Ballroom, where several members bonded over their shared sexual orientation. From there, the idea for ACEs was born.
“It was a little bit absurd how many people were being drawn to [Bradley Ballroom] who were ace,” Cathryn Loy, advisor of Bradley Ballroom and the Bradley ACEs, said. “While there are other LGBTQIA groups on campus, we wanted to have a space set aside because we didn’t see ourselves being represented.”
ACEs does not just teach the community about asexuality; it also teaches its members about themselves. Cade Naylor, junior and ACEs vice president, described the organization as a space where they truly thrive.
“It’s nice to have a space where I feel like I can be who I am,” Naylor said.
Whether you are an ally or a member of the LGBTQIA group, the Bradley ACEs are open to everyone. This is where the pillars of community and education come in. Looking ahead, club members plan to host educational events that teach people about the different ways one can be asexual.
By fostering discussions and promoting understanding, the ACEs aim to make a change. They advocate for safe spaces not only on campus but in society as a whole.
“It starts with us,” Wolfe said. “It starts with how we treat others. It is the determination and the strength we carry to want to make a change.”
The ACEs meet at 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays in GCC room 202. The door is open to all.
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