Cody Casey
Pansexual people are attracted to others regardless of their gender identity. They can be attracted to people of all genders, including non-binary, transgender, and gender non-conforming individuals. While pansexuality has become more commonly discussed, there is still confusion and overlap with other terms such as bisexuality, omnisexuality, and polysexuality. Labels are simply tools to help individuals understand themselves, and they should feel free to try different terms out. Finding pansexual people may involve connecting with LGBTQ+ communities, both online and in person, and exploring one's feelings and attractions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Sexual, romantic, or emotional attraction towards people of all genders, or regardless of their sex or gender identity |
| Synonyms | Omnisexual, pansexualism |
| Related Terms | Bisexual, queer, fluid, asexual |
| History | The term was first used in 1878 by Brazilian writer Machado de Assis, and later in 1914 by opponents of Sigmund Freud |
| Visibility | Celebrities such as Miley Cyrus, Janelle Monae, and Jazz Jennings have come out as pansexual, raising visibility |
| Common Misconceptions | That pansexual people are attracted to everyone they meet, or that they are more sexually forward |
| Individual Experience | Some pansexual people are attracted to the personality or connection with a person, rather than their gender; others may still experience attraction in different ways depending on gender |
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What You'll Learn
Understanding pansexuality
Pansexuality is a sexual, romantic, or emotional attraction towards people of all genders, or regardless of their sex or gender identity. The prefix "pan-" comes from the Ancient Greek "πᾶν" (pan), meaning "all, every". Pansexual people may describe themselves as "gender-blind", asserting that gender and sex do not factor into their romantic or sexual attraction to others.
Pansexuality is sometimes considered a sexual orientation in its own right, or a branch of bisexuality, as attraction to all genders includes attraction to people of the same gender and different genders. However, pansexuality explicitly rejects the gender binary, and this feature is not exclusive to pansexuality, also appearing in broad definitions of homosexuality, bisexuality, and the asexual spectrum.
Pansexuality is often confused with bisexuality, and the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably. However, they are distinct concepts. Bisexuality involves attraction to two or more genders, while pansexuality means attraction to people of all genders. It is important to note that neither pansexual nor bisexual people are automatically attracted to all people of those genders, just as a heterosexual man is not attracted to all women.
The distinction between bisexuality and pansexuality is often misunderstood, with some assuming that bisexual people are erasing non-binary people. However, many bisexual communities do acknowledge non-binary people, and many non-binary people identify as bisexual. Pansexuality is not a more "politically correct" form of bisexuality, it is simply another term to describe a sexual orientation.
The term "pansexual" was first attested in 1914, coined by opponents of Sigmund Freud to denote the idea that the sex instinct plays a primary part in all human activity. The term "omnisexual" is often used as a synonym for pansexuality, and some prefer this term as it implies that gender is still a factor in attraction. However, the distinction between the two is hazy, and the choice of term depends on an individual's personal feelings and experiences.
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Differences between bisexuality and pansexuality
Bisexuality and pansexuality are distinct sexual orientations, but they are related, and there is some overlap between them. While bisexuality generally refers to attraction to multiple genders, pansexuality refers to attraction to people of any gender.
Bisexuality is often defined as attraction to two or more genders. This could mean attraction to people of the same gender and people of another gender, or it could include attraction to people who are gender-fluid or nonbinary, for example. However, some people who identify as bisexual may have a preference for one gender over another, or they may feel more attraction to certain genders.
Pansexuality, on the other hand, is typically defined as attraction to all genders. The prefix "pan-" means "all" in Greek, indicating that pansexual people can feel attraction to anyone, regardless of their gender identity. This could include people who are agender, or who do not identify with a specific gender. However, it is important to note that pansexual people, like anyone else, are not attracted to every person they encounter. Instead, they may feel attraction to people of any gender equally, without gender being a factor in their attraction.
While these definitions provide a general framework, it is important to recognise that individuals may have their own unique interpretations of these terms and how they apply to their modes of attraction. Some people may identify as both pansexual and bisexual, while others may identify as only one of these labels. Ultimately, a person's way of identifying is their choice, and they are free to choose and switch labels as they see fit.
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Pansexual people in popular culture
Although pansexual characters are not often seen in mass media, they have appeared in various films, TV series, literature, video games, graphic art, and webcomics. Some of these characters have been criticised for perpetuating stereotypes, while others have been praised for expanding representation of the LGBTQ+ community.
One of the most well-known pansexual characters in popular culture is David Rose from the Emmy-winning comedy series Schitt's Creek. In the show, David explains his sexuality to his friend Stevie, who thought he was just attracted to men, by saying he likes "the wine and not the label". The term "pansexual" is even used in the episode, which helped many viewers in coming out and explaining their own orientations.
Another example is the character of Klaus in the popular series The Umbrella Academy. In the show, Klaus is non-binary and goes by he/they pronouns. Their actor, Robert Sheehan, has also confirmed that Klaus is pansexual.
In July 2018, Caroline Cao of IndieWire asserted that Rose Quartz, in Steven Universe (2013-2019) and Steven Universe Future (2019-2020), was coded as pansexual because she "experiments with romances with Pearl and human men and women alike.". Similarly, in August 2019, Ian Jones-Quartey, creator of OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes (2017-2019), confirmed Lord Boxman, a villain in the series, as pansexual.
In addition to fictional characters, several celebrities have also come out as pansexual, including Miley Cyrus, Janelle Monae, Jazz Jennings, and Bob the Drag Queen. These individuals have helped raise visibility for the pansexual community and the LGBTQ+ community as a whole.
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Common misconceptions about pansexuality
Despite growing awareness and acceptance of pansexuality, several misconceptions about this sexual identity persist. Here are some common myths and misconceptions about pansexuality:
Pansexuality is a modern fad or trend
Pansexuality is often dismissed as a "modern fad" or "the latest trend". However, the concept has existed for over a century, and it is a valid and real sexual identity. The term "pansexual" was originally coined by Freud, albeit with a different meaning, and it has evolved over time to its current definition.
Pansexuality is the same as bisexuality
Another common misconception is that pansexuality is interchangeable with bisexuality. While there are similarities and overlaps between the two identities, they are not the same. Bisexuality is defined as an attraction to multiple gender identities, whereas pansexuality is an attraction to all gender identities, regardless of gender. Some individuals may align with the definition of pansexuality but choose to identify as bisexual, which is completely valid. It's important to respect individual preferences and the unique experiences of sexuality that each person has.
Pansexual people are promiscuous or greedy
There is a pervasive myth that pansexual individuals are sexually promiscuous or greedy. This misconception stems from the idea that pansexual people are attracted to everyone and will pursue multiple relationships. However, pansexuality does not imply a constant pursuit of others or a higher likelihood of infidelity. Like anyone else, pansexual people have types and specific attractions, and many prefer monogamous relationships.
Pansexual people are confused or indecisive
Pansexual people are often labelled as confused or indecisive, with their sexual identity dismissed as "just a phase" or a "stepping stone to being gay". This misconception assumes that pansexual individuals don't truly know what they want or whom they are attracted to. However, pansexuality does not indicate confusion but rather a broader spectrum of attraction that transcends gender boundaries.
Pansexuality is transphobic
Some people mistakenly believe that pansexuality is transphobic. This misconception may arise from the idea that pansexual people are attracted to all genders except transgender individuals. However, pansexuality does not exclude transgender or non-binary people. It simply means that gender is not a factor in a pansexual person's attraction to others.
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Finding pansexual people online
Dating Apps
- Taimi: Taimi is a dating app that caters to the LGBTQ+ community, including pansexual individuals. It includes people from all gender identities and provides a space to meet potential partners.
- OkCupid: OkCupid has a wide range of identity marker options, allowing users to curate their searches and find pansexual people.
- Grindr: While Grindr is most popular with cis men seeking other cis men, it calls itself the largest social networking app for gay, bi, trans, and queer people. It has a large user base, increasing the chances of finding pansexual individuals.
- The League: This is an application-based app that requires users to provide their job title, alma mater, and LinkedIn profile. It might be worth trying to find someone who aligns with your preferences and expectations.
- Feeld and #Open: These apps cater to those seeking ethical non-monogamy and polyamory. They create inclusive and respectful communities for individuals looking for multiple partners.
Friendship Apps
- Boo: Boo is a platform that focuses on meaningful connections, celebrating the pansexual community, and facilitating friendships that resonate on a deeper level. Its robust filtering capabilities allow users to find individuals who identify with the pansexual community and share similar interests and traits.
- HER: HER caters to LGBTQ+ women and non-binary individuals, offering a space for pansexuals seeking friends within these demographics. It includes event listings and group chats to enhance the friend-finding experience.
- Meetup: While not exclusively for the LGBTQ+ community, Meetup allows users to create and join interest-based groups. It can be a great way to meet like-minded friends, including those who identify as pansexual.
Online Communities
In addition to dedicated dating and friendship apps, exploring online communities and support groups specifically for the LGBTQ+ and pansexual community can be a great way to connect with people. These communities often have a presence on social media platforms, forums, and message boards, providing opportunities to meet and interact with pansexual individuals.
Remember to always prioritize your safety and comfort when interacting with others online. Choose platforms that align with your values and provide a safe and inclusive environment for the pansexual community.
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Frequently asked questions
Pansexuality is defined as an attraction to people of any gender or to people regardless of their gender. If someone tells you that they are pansexual, then they are pansexual.
You can try to find pansexual people by connecting with people online or in person at LGBTQ+ events.
If you know you are queer but certain terms like "bisexual" don't feel like they define your sexuality, this may be a sign that you are pansexual. If you feel that someone's gender doesn't matter as much as their personality or the connection you share, you might be pansexual.
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