Polyamory Beyond Romance - IG Post

Polyamory

polyamory is defined as the practice or desire for multiple intimate relationships. Intimacy is assumed to be a romantic interaction. With that said, polyamorous relationships are overwhelmingly represented as multiple romantic relationships from social media and general community. While this is not inherently wrong, it does put a limited scope on how polyamory can be navigated. Beyond the fact that there are aromantic polyamorous people, there are also polyamorists who see it as an extension of the other types of love. When asked, these people define polyamory as multiple loves, including the filial, familial, and platonic. They see polyamory as simply loving multiple people, and this is not to be confused with relationship anarchy, where different relationships are valued similarly. For them, love is a deep affection, and they count in their friends, family, and sometimes the general public.

"If you love your family and friends, to me, you are polyamorous."

Is this right?

Obviously, words are created. The term polyamorous is credited to being coined by Neopagan and community leader Morning Glory Zell-Ravenheart in 1990. she defined the word as "the practice, state or ability to have more than one sexual loving relationship at the same time, with the full knowledge and consent of all partners involved." however, the concept and practice of polyamory are not new, no matter the language. Nothing against Morning Glory-Zell, her definition and interpretation of "polyamory" was based upon how she practiced romantically and s-xually with multiple people, especially within her spirituality/faith. with that said, those who see polyamory as something beyond romance (and s-x) may find her definition limiting. Some may decolonize their concept of polyamory, and others may opt for broader terms closer to their heritage. Some may go into detail on what polyamory means to them.

Inclusive

Terms evolve. With the realization of the importance of inclusivity, it is only natural that polyamory's definition expands to include different types of people. this includes aromantic and as-xual people who are polyamorous. Is someone "less" polyamorous because their multiple intimate relationships are not (as) romantic and s-xual as others in the community? Does polyamory have to only be romantic & s-xual in nature? should a line be drawn - and if so, who draws it?