Pansexual is a sexual orientation that describes an individual who feels sexual attraction towards individuals regardless gender.[1] Someone who is pansexual can feel attracted to anyone, regardless of their gender identity, sex or gender expression.[2] For some, the gender of others don't matter, but other aspects of someone's physical appearance still do, and for others, someone may like masculine and feminine qualities for different reasons.[3] Someone who is pansexual may describe themselves as "gender blind," and don't see gender as an important factor in who they are attracted to.[4]
It is considered a sexuality under the multisexual spectrum.[5]
Etymology
The prefix pan- comes from the Greek prefix "all," and the -sexual suffix indicates which attraction is felt.[3]
History
The term has existed since the 20th century, and its current meaning has been used since the 1960s.[6]
Flags & Symbols
The pansexual flag was created around 2010 in order to bring awareness to the community. The hot pink represents attraction to women, the yellow represents attraction to non-binary individuals, and the blue represents attraction to men.[7]
Community
Controversy
Pansexuality is a controversial label within the LGBTQ+ community, due to misconceptions that the label is harmful towards those who are bisexual. Some assume that the term was coined because bisexual excludes non-binary individuals, but that is not the case.[1]
Perceptions and Discrimination
There is the belief that someone being pansexual means that they are also polyamorous, however that is not always the case. Pansexual individuals are also assumed to be unable to make up their minds, and some dismiss the label as a "passing fad."[6] There is also the misconception that pansexuality expands outside of attraction to humans, and can include animals.[5]
Pansexuality isn't always portrayed in a positive light. A survey by the Just Like Us charity found that 47% of 18-25 year olds "rarely or never" saw positive pansexual representation.[6]
Known Individuals
- Chris Stuckmann is a pansexual filmmaker[2]
Related Attractions
Sources
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sian Ferguson. “Is Being Bisexual the Same Thing as Being Pansexual?” Healthline, Healthline Media, 17 Sept. 2019, www.healthline.com/health/bisexual-vs-pansexual.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 “Definition of PANSEXUAL.” Www.merriam-Webster.com, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pansexual.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Cardenas-Soto, Sue. “Welcome to Zscaler Directory Authentication.” Thetrevorproject.org, 2024, www.thetrevorproject.org/blog/pansexuality-what-it-is-what-it-isnt/.
- ↑ Suitable-Warf4721. “Reddit - Dive into Anything.” Reddit.com, 2024, www.reddit.com/r/AskLGBT/comments/1d7lc17/can_someone_explain_pansexuality_to_me/.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Foster, Chloe. “Bisexual vs. Pansexual.” Rainbowcounselling, 6 Sept. 2024, www.sussexrainbowcounselling.com/post/bisexual-vs-pansexual.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Contributors, WebMD Editorial. “Pansexuality: What It Means.” WebMD, 20 Oct. 2021, www.webmd.com/sex/pansexuality-what-it-means.
- ↑ Munson, Olivia. “What Are the Colors of the Pansexual Flag? Get to Know the Pride Flag’s Meaning, History.” USA TODAY, 28 Apr. 2023, www.usatoday.com/story/life/2023/04/28/pansexual-flag-colors-meaning/11729588002/.