Understanding The Difference: Am I Bi Or Pan?

Bisexuality and pansexuality are both valid sexual orientations. While they are similar, there are some differences between the two. Bisexuality means being attracted romantically or sexually to multiple genders, while pansexuality means being attracted to all genders. The prefix bi means two, and pan means all. However, it's important to note that bisexuality does not necessarily imply a binary or that bisexual people are only attracted to men and women. It can include attraction to non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals as well. Pansexuality, on the other hand, implies gender neutrality, where gender may not be a major factor in sexual attraction. Ultimately, the choice of label is a personal one, and it's okay if your label changes over time.

Bisexuality vs Pansexuality

Bisexuality and pansexuality are two different sexual orientations that are often confused with each other. However, there are some key differences between the two.

Bisexuality is defined as being attracted to one's own gender and genders other than one's own. This can include attraction to two or more genders, and does not have to fit into the binary "male" and "female" genders. In other words, a bisexual person may be attracted to non-binary people as well. Bisexuality can also include sexual attraction, romantic attraction, and preferring one gender over another.

Pansexuality, on the other hand, is defined as being attracted to people of all genders. The prefix "pan-" means "all", indicating that pansexual people are attracted to individuals regardless of their gender identity. This means that whether a person is agender, non-binary, cisgender, or transgender would not be a determining factor for a pansexual person.

While bisexuality includes attraction to multiple genders, it does not necessarily include all genders. In other words, a bisexual person may have gender preferences, whereas a pansexual person typically does not take gender into account when feeling attracted to someone. Instead, a pansexual person may focus on other aspects of the person, such as their personality or physical characteristics that are not related to gender.

It is important to note that both bisexual and pansexual people can have preferences for certain genders, and that sexual behaviour does not dictate orientation. Just because someone has only dated people of one gender does not mean they cannot identify as bisexual or pansexual. Additionally, both bisexual and pansexual people can choose to be in monogamous or polyamorous relationships.

The choice between identifying as bisexual or pansexual is a personal one, and there is no rush to decide. An individual may choose to use both labels interchangeably, adopt one label and then switch to the other, or reject labels altogether. What matters most is that the chosen term feels comfortable for the individual and accurately represents their sexual orientation.

The history of the terms

The term "bisexuality" was first used in 1859 by anatomist Robert Bentley Todd to refer to the possession of both 'male' and 'female' physical characteristics in the same body, which is now understood as being intersex. In the 19th century, the term shifted to focus on a combination of 'masculine' and 'feminine' gendered characteristics, or androgyny. The modern meaning of bisexuality, which describes sexual and/or romantic attraction, developed in the 1910s. Sigmund Freud, in 1915, referred to this as a combination of masculinity and femininity and as a sexual or romantic attraction.

The term "bisexual" was first defined in a binary approach as a person with romantic or sexual attraction to both men and women. This definition was popularized by German psychologist Richard von Krafft-Ebing in the 1800s and later by American neurologist Charles Gilbert Chaddock in his 1892 translation of Krafft-Ebing's book. Prior to this, the term "bisexual" usually referred to plants or education systems that included both males and females.

The term "pansexual" emerged in the 1990s as a response to concerns about bisexuality upholding the gender binary. The prefix "pan" implies attraction to all genders, suggesting that gender is not a factor in sexual attraction for those who identify as pansexual. This does not mean that bisexual people are only attracted to two genders, and there is significant overlap between the terms. Many people identify as both bi and pansexual, using the terms interchangeably.

The evolution of these terms reflects a growing understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity, and the language used to describe them continues to evolve.

Differences in definitions

Bisexuality

Bisexuality is defined as an attraction to multiple genders. The prefix "bi" means "two", and historically, the term "bisexual" was used to describe an attraction to two genders. However, the definition has evolved, and bisexuality now encompasses attraction to more than one gender. This can include non-binary people, as well as those who identify as men or women.

Bisexuality can include sexual, romantic, or emotional attraction, and it is common for bisexual people to have a preference for one gender over another. Some bisexual people may be attracted to different characteristics in different genders. For example, they may be attracted to femininity in women and masculinity in men, or they may be attracted to feminine women and more feminine men.

Pansexuality

Pansexuality is defined as an attraction to all genders. The prefix "pan" means "all", indicating that pansexual people are attracted to people across the entire gender spectrum.

Like bisexuality, pansexuality can include sexual, romantic, or emotional attraction. While some pansexual people may say that gender does not play a role in their attraction to others, others may still be attracted to a range of genders, including women, men, non-binary, and gender-fluid people.

Similarities and Overlap

It is important to note that there is significant overlap between the terms "bisexual" and "pansexual", and the definitions will vary depending on the individual. Both terms describe an attraction to multiple genders and are valid sexual orientations.

Some people may use the terms interchangeably to describe their sexual orientation, or they may identify as both bisexual and pansexual. Additionally, sexual behaviour does not dictate orientation, and a person's romantic history does not necessarily reflect their sexual orientation.

Ultimately, the choice of label is a personal decision and should be based on which term feels most comfortable and accurate for the individual.

Deciding which label to use

Bisexuality means attraction to multiple genders, while pansexuality is attraction to all genders. However, it's important to note that bisexuality has never been limited to attraction to two genders. The "bi" in bisexual does not and has never meant attraction to the gender binary. Instead, it refers to attraction to one's own gender and genders other than one's own. This can include all genders or lack of genders.

Pansexuality, on the other hand, implies an attraction to all genders. This does not mean that pansexual people are "gender blind". Pansexual people may still consider gender a factor in sexual attraction but identify as pan to indicate an attraction to many different genders.

If you're still unsure about which label to use, here are some questions to ask yourself:

• Do I feel comfortable within any certain community?
• Are the people I am romantically attracted to the same people I want to have sex with?
• Are there any genders I don't find myself romantically or sexually attracted to?
• Are there any genders that I'm not sure if I'm attracted to?
• When I envision myself with someone, what do I envision?
• Do I need an emotional connection to experience attraction?
• How important is personality in my attraction?
• What role, if any, does gender play in my attraction to someone?

Remember, you define the labels, not the other way around. You can choose a label and define it from there, thinking of it as a broad starting point to give people a rough idea of your sexuality. As they get to know you better, they can develop a more complex understanding of your orientation.

Take your time and choose the term that feels comfortable for you.

Attraction to multiple genders

If you're attracted to multiple genders, you may identify as bisexual or pansexual. However, it's important to note that these two identities are not the same. Here are some key points to help you understand the differences between bisexuality and pansexuality, as well as some guidance on figuring out which label feels right for you.

Bisexuality

Bisexuality means being attracted to multiple genders. The prefix "bi" means "two", which traditionally implied attraction to two genders, typically "male" and "female". However, it's important to note that bisexuality is not limited to this binary. Bisexual people can be attracted to their own gender, other genders, and/or non-binary people. Bisexuality can include sexual, romantic, or both types of attraction, and it's common for bisexual people to have preferences for certain genders.

Pansexuality

Pansexuality means being attracted to all genders. The prefix "pan" means "all", indicating that pansexual people are open to relationships with anyone, regardless of their gender identity. For pansexual people, gender may not be a major factor in attraction at all, or it may be one of many factors. Like bisexuality, pansexuality can include sexual, romantic, or both types of attraction, and pansexual people can also have preferences.

Figuring Out Your Label

• Introspection: Reflect on your feelings and attractions. Who are you attracted to? What genders are they? Are there any genders you're not attracted to? Are there any genders you're unsure about?
• Consider your history: Think about your past romantic and sexual experiences. Who have you been attracted to? Have you ever been attracted to someone without knowing their gender?
• Think about your ideal partner: When you imagine your future relationships, does gender play a role? Could you see yourself with a partner of any gender?
• Explore different labels: Try on different labels and see how they feel. You might identify as bisexual, pansexual, queer, polysexual, or something else entirely. Remember, your label can evolve over time, and you're allowed to change it whenever you like.
• Connect with communities: Seek out LGBTQ+ communities, either online or in person. Talking to others who have had similar experiences can help you feel less alone and give you a sense of belonging.
• Remember, it's your choice: Only you can decide which label feels right for you. Don't feel pressured to choose a particular label, and don't let anyone tell you that you're using the "wrong" term. Your identity is yours alone to define.

Frequently asked questions