Rat Ace

A rat ace (or rat asexual) is an asexual individual who prefers cuddles, hugs, kisses, and other affectionate and even sensual non-sexual acts over sexual acts. The term can be used by any ace-spec individual, but not all ace-spec individuals necessarily identify with it (for example, if they are Romance-Repulsed but Sex-Positive).

The lesbian equivalent is bambi lesbian. The vincian equivalent is [./https://lgbta.fandom.com/wiki/Bambi_Gay bambi gay]. The bi equivalent is [./https://lgbta.fandom.com/wiki/Squirrel_Bi squirrel bi]. The pan equivalent is [./https://lgbta.fandom.com/wiki/Fox_Pan fox pan]. Unlike these identities, which do not require the individual to be on the asexual spectrum, rat ace is exclusive to the asexual spectrum by its nature.

History
The term was coined by user PhoeniXXTalon on Urban Dictionary on January 15, 2022. A post on DeviantArt by PhoeniXXTalon also describes the definition of the term and explains the flag.

Flag
The colors of the flag are meant to appear similar in tone to the original asexual flag, but more muted and natural toned. All colors on the flag represent various colors of rats. The alternate rat ace flag depicts the silhouette of a rat emoji.