“People are too complicated to have simple labels.”
-Philip Pullman
Definition
A queerplatonic relationship, also known as a QPR, is a relationship that spans the divide between a romantic relationship and a friendship. It is more than friends but less than a typical alloromantic relationship. This is also called a queerplatonic partnership or QPP.
The One with the Friendship
QPR is often a desirable type of relationship in the aromantic community. Many Aro people want a relationship that is more than friends but less than romantic. QPPs are not specifically monogamous but do not typically identify as polyamorous, as both of those relationship identifiers indicate romantic or sexual partnership. It is common for someone on the aromantic orientation spectrum to have multiple QPRs.
QPRs challenge the monogamous cultural standards for relationships that say only romantic or sexual partners should build lives together. QPPs will build lives where they raise children, live together, and plan a life together in a similar way to what heteronormative monogamous culture prescribes, but without it being necessarily heterosexual, monogamous and romantic. A Queerplatonic relationship breaks the norm that assumes amorous love is everyone’s goal.
The Golden Girls
In media there has often been hidden representation. One question is, were the Golden Girls in a queerplatonic relationship with each other? Being in a QPR does not mean that you are Aro or Ace, it just indicates that that particular relationship is asexual or aromantic. If you look at the Golden Girls, Blanche certainly dated but the series is mostly about these women being in a “more than friendship” with each other. It seems that a QPR is often a relationship that many people can’t quite put their finger on. They know it is not romantic or sexual but it is more than friends. A QPP is the “aunt” or “friend” who was always there. It is quite a beautiful thought that you can have more than a friendship with someone regardless of your romantic or sexual orientation.