To be pansexual is to experience attraction regardless of someone's gender, a spectrum-based understanding of sexuality distinct from bisexuality.
Pansexuality exists on a spectrum. Some pansexual individuals feel equal attraction to all genders, while others experience varying degrees of attraction. This fluidity aligns with modern understandings of gender as non-binary.
Many confuse pansexuality with non-binary identities, but they're separate concepts. Pansexuality describes attraction, while non-binary refers to gender identity. Another myth is that pansexuality is a new term, but it dates back to the 1970s.
Celebrities like Miley Cyrus and Jack Halpern publicly identify as pansexual, helping normalize the term. In my work, I've seen pansexual inclusion improve workplace diversity programs by expanding gender-inclusive language training.
The term "pansexual" was coined to distinguish from bisexuality, which some associate with a binary view of gender. Using precise language helps avoid erasing non-binary experiences. For example, saying "partner" instead of assuming a gendered term respects pansexual relationships.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Pansexual | Attraction regardless of gender |
| Bisexual | Attraction to multiple genders, often with varying degrees |
| Non-binary | Gender identity outside the male/female binary |