- Pansexuality refers to an attraction that is not limited by gender or sex.
- However, different individuals who identify as pansexual may have their own unique definitions of their sexuality.
- Misconceptions about pansexuality include the mistaken belief that gender identity is the same as sexual orientation.
Around one-fifth of young adults worldwide do not identify as heterosexual. It is important to note that not all non-heterosexual individuals are gay, lesbian, or bisexual.
Pansexuality is a sexual orientation that encompasses attraction to individuals regardless of their gender identity. Let’s delve deeper into what pansexuality entails and address common misconceptions surrounding this label.
Understanding Pansexuality
The “pan” in pansexual derives from the Greek word for “all.” Therefore, pansexual describes individuals whose attraction to others is not limited by biological sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
In simpler terms, pansexual individuals are “multisexual” and may experience romantic or sexual attraction to people of any gender, including cisgender, transgender, nonbinary, and other gender identities.
Some alternative terms for pansexuality include “omnisexual” or “gender blind.” Additionally, many pansexual individuals describe being attracted to people based on their personality, rather than their gender, according to Tiffany Jones, a resident in counseling at Thriveworks counseling center.
However, it is important to acknowledge that sexuality is complex, and not all individuals who identify as pansexual define or experience it in the same way. A small 2018 study of individuals who identify as bisexual, pansexual, or queer found a range of descriptions for pansexuality:
- Some pansexual individuals have more defined parameters of attraction, such as being attracted to guys, dudes, and androgynous people.
- Others are predominantly attracted to females or feminine/androgynous people.
- Some express attraction to all genders/sexualities, including those who do not identify with a specific gender.
Misconceptions about Pansexuality
One common misconception about pansexuality is equating gender identity with sexual orientation. Pansexuality should not be confused with pangender, which refers to individuals who experience all genders within themselves. Different sexual orientations can coexist with various gender identities.
An incorrect assumption is that all pansexual individuals are also polyamorous, meaning they are involved in non-monogamous relationships with multiple partners. While this may be true for some, it does not apply to everyone who identifies as pansexual.
The Difference Between Pansexuality and Bisexuality
There is overlap between pansexuality and bisexuality, as both groups are multisexual and attracted to multiple genders. However, there is a distinction:
People who identify as pansexual are attracted to others regardless of gender or sexual identity. On the other hand, individuals who are bisexual can be attracted to others of the same gender or those of a different gender.
It’s important to note that not all bisexual or pansexual individuals have the same experiences or definitions, making it challenging to draw a distinct line between the two. Ultimately, individuals should be asked how they prefer to label themselves instead of making assumptions.
Some people object to the term “bisexual” because it suggests there are only two genders. Gender exists along a spectrum, and bisexual individuals can experience attraction to multiple genders beyond the binary concept of male and female.
Unfortunately, both bisexual and pansexual individuals often face stigma and misunderstanding. This includes the issue of “sexual identity erasure,” where an individual’s sexual identity is wrongly defined based on their current relationship instead of their overall sexual orientation.
For instance, if a pansexual woman is dating another pansexual woman, she may be mistakenly labeled as a lesbian. However, her next relationship could be with a man, a transgender person, or someone else entirely. Sexual orientation should not be defined solely by a specific relationship at a given moment.
Insider’s Takeaway
If you find yourself attracted to people of all genders, regardless of their gender identity, you may identify as pansexual. Coming out can be a challenging process, especially for individuals who previously identified as heterosexual. Seeking support from LGBTQ+ resources and helplines can help navigate this experience.
Remember, it is crucial to respect an individual’s chosen labels and ask about their self-identified words rather than making assumptions. Both bisexual and pansexual orientations are valid and should be understood within the context of individual experiences and preferences.
If you need assistance in coping with coming-out anxiety or discussing your sexuality, consider reaching out to organizations such as The Trevor Project or the LGBT Foundation in the UK.
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