#pluto day

Belated art I made for Pluto Day (18th February) and the Kickstarter fanart theme :D

Some fanart to celebrate Pluto Day featuring Pluto from Milky Way and the Galaxy Girls.

I think its sort of fitting that a day to commemorate the dwarf planet Pluto has fallen on aromantic awareness week - as mad as that sounds I have my reasons for saying this- Pluto (the astral object) is a body once given the credit of being a planet and then reduced to a dwarf planet and no longer the same as the other planets orbiting our star - coincidently the roman god Pluto (his Greek name being Hades) of the underworld was once given similar status as the other gods before being stripped of it and is largely excluded and made othered by the gods. As wild in a leap of logic as this, is I have noticed there is a unfortunate trend of aromantic folks being excluded either by supposedly progressive Cishets not acknowledging them or giving them valid representation in media, or by other members of the LGBT+ community either outright denying their validity in that community or simply not allowing for adequate safe spaces for aromantic folks - and on a wider scale, existing as a person who does not experience romantic attraction (or experiences it to a lesser degree) in a a society that values romantic relationships as something that everyone must try to attain- sometimes even suggest we are not human without them (which is beyond ridiculous)- my point being this is a incredibly othering experience and whilst as said before the similarities between aromantic folks and the planet Pluto are notable, they shouldn't be. I am not aromantic, and understanding that what I have just said in my slightly geeky metaphor about exclusion in the form of planets and mythology is shaped from an outside perspective on that experience; I have nothing but respect and admiration for those in the aromantic spectrum who are out in spite of the adversity they face everyday from those in our community and outside it, compassion and hope for those aren't out or are still questioning and hope that however they feel they are supported and allowed discovery their identity at whatever pace they need, and a wish we can create environment that is less othering for all the groups of people in our community that aren't thought of as often, In nutshell - happy aromantic awareness week, I have nothing but good vibes for ya'll.

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Pluto was husband to the goddess Proserpina (or Persephone) a goddess of plants and spring. Their marriage is the reason for the seasons. Proserpina remains in the underworld with Pluto for six months of autumn and winter, before returning to the surface for six months of spring and summer.