Being bisexual refers to being sexually attracted to two or more genders. On the other hand, being pansexual means being sexually attracted to someone no matter what their sexuality or gender is.
Talking about gender and sexuality is becoming more common in today’s culture, which is why it’s important to understand the difference between these two terms.
Table of Contents
Pansexual vs Bisexual
| Pansexual | vs | Bisexual |
| A pansexual person feels attracted to someone based on their personality rather than the gender | Definition | Being attracted to both male and female sex. |
| Omnisexual | Other terms | Ambisexual |
| Pansexuals may have a sexual attraction to all genders/ sexes- male, female, non-binary, and gender fluid person. | Sexual attraction | Bisexuality does not have as broad a connotation as pansexuality. It means sexually attracted to two or more sexes. |
| Physical attributes like sexual organs do not define a pansexual person | Role of physical attributes | In the modern context, physical characteristics do not make a difference for bisexuals. They may feel attracted to multiple sexes |
| Focuses more on spiritual than physical intimacy | Concept of sex | Focuses on physical intimacy |
What Does Pansexual Mean?
The prefix pan is a Greek word and it means all.
The word pansexual means someone who is attracted to all genders or sexes. The term further means that sexual attraction is not limited to any gender or sex, so a pansexual person may fall for someone irrespective of the opposite person’s gender.
Pansexual people can be attracted to anyone. This includes male, female, gender fluid, or non-binary people. A pansexual person can get attracted to someone of their gender and the opposite gender or non-binary gender.
Plus, pansexual is a more inclusive term where it includes people of all genders. So you will find people of any gender in pansexual communities.
They believe in gender fluidity, and if a pansexual person now feels attracted to a man or a female, it’s not necessary that he or she will always feel attracted to the same gender. Anyone can be pansexual.
What Does Bisexuality Mean?
The word bisexual has changed meaning bisexual people can be sexually attracted to both male and female sex.
Current Definition
The prefix bi means two, so it was earlier thought that a bisexual person would be attracted to the male and female sexes but not to a transgender or non-binary person.
But that is not true in the current sense. The meaning of the term has evolved over the years. Now, a bisexual person refers to anyone with a sexual or romantic attraction to different genders and not necessarily to the male or female sex.
Some bi people may be attracted to only the male and female sex. In contrast, others may be attracted to people with different sexual orientations. There isn’t a fixed or rigid definition, and it may mean different things to different people.
Diversity Within Bisexuality
Two people who both identify as bisexual could have different preferences. In some senses, both bisexuality and pansexuality are similar as it means not restricted to a particular gender expression or sex.
Pansexuality vs Polysexuality
People often confuse the definition of pansexuality with polysexuality, but these terms don’t mean the same thing. Being a polysexual means being attracted to many but not to all sexes. Pansexual, as we already said, means attracted to all sexes.
Some myths about pansexual people are that they feel attracted to someone more frequently than other sexes, which is not true. Even though they may be attracted to anyone, just like other homo or heterosexual people, pansexual people also have their preferences. They will only fall for those with whom they feel connected.
Other Sexual Orientations
- Multisexual
- Asexual
- Gay
- Demisexual
- Bicurious
- Spectrasexual
How Do You Know if You’re Pansexual or Bisexual?
As we grow old, we become more aware of our sexual orientation. We may suddenly feel different than what we have been identified until now. Some of the factors that will help you decide if you are a bi or pan are-
- You may not feel attracted to your opposite sex.
- You may feel attracted to the same sex or both the sexes or any gender-fluid person.
- You are unable to make up your mind whether you like males or females.
- You fantasize about your own gender.
Difference Between Bisexual and Pansexual
The term pansexual is defined as being sexually or romantically attracted to all. A pansexual person feels attracted to someone based on their personality rather than the gender.
Bi means two, so bisexual means being attracted to both male and female sexes.
The meaning has evolved, and a bisexual person is not restricted to only being attracted to a male or female. A bisexual person may be attracted to anyone, irrespective of gender.
These labels regarding gender identity and sexuality may seem confusing. There are many common misconceptions among people, so educating yourself about these terms is crucial to ensure you don’t hurt the feelings of members of these communities.
Most people also use an umbrella term to define the whole LGBTQ community, which is again not ethical. Sexual identities are individual choices, and we should always be welcoming and respectful towards people of all genders and sexuality.
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