Pansexuality is the sexual attraction toward people regardless of their sex or gender identity.[1] Since gender or sex are not determining factors in who a pansexual person is attracted to, some pansexuals might call themselves gender-blind, therefore rejecting the gender binary.[2]
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Etymology
The term "pansexual" is derived from the Greek prefix pan-, meaning "all" or "every".[3] like the term “omnisexual” is from a word with the same meaning
Community
Pansexual & Panromantic Awareness Day is internationally celebrated on May 24.[4]
Flag
The pansexual pride flag was designed by Jasper V in 2010.[5][6] It consists of three horizontal stripes: a magenta stripe at the top, a strong gold yellow stripe in the center, and a light cerulean stripe at the bottom.[7]
Jasper V stated on their Twitter that the pride flag's meanings were intended as follows: "Pink and blue, because of their gendered traditions, and yellow, a generally non-gendered colour, to represent nonbinary folks etc."[8] The meaning of the colors, however, is debated. Some say that the pink stands for attraction to women, yellow for attraction to non-binary or gender non-conforming individuals, and blue for attraction to men.[9][10][11] Others say that the blue, pink, and yellow stand for those who identify as men, women, and non-binary people, respectively.[12][13][14]
Distinction
Omnisexuality
- Main article: Omnisexual
Though very similar in the sense that both sexualities are attracted to all genders, the main difference is that pansexual people are often referred to as gender-blind, meaning they are attracted to people regardless of gender, whereas omnisexual people do recognize the gender of those they are interested in, therefore letting it play a part in their attraction.[15]
Bisexuality
- Main article: Bisexual
Bisexuality, due to the prefix bi-, is the sexual attraction to two or more genders. Pansexuality, however, composed with the prefix pan-, is the sexual attraction to all people, regardless of gender. Pansexual and bisexual identities have nuanced differences, and someone who is attracted to all genders may still identify as bisexual, as labels all come down to personal preference.[16]
Polysexuality
- Main article: Polysexual
Though attracted to several genders, polysexual people do not necessarily experience attraction to all genders. Pansexual people, however, do. Another notable difference between the two identities is that gender and/or sex often does play a significant role when it comes to a polysexual person's attraction.[17]
Perceptions and Discrimination
People may wrongly accuse pansexual people that they "just can't make up their mind about their sexuality." This is harmful, as it invalidates a pansexual person's feelings and experiences.[18]
There are also the assumptions people make about a person's sexuality based on the relationship they are currently in. If a pansexual man is dating a woman, people might assume he is straight. This is, however, not the case. These are also common assumptions when it comes to bisexuality and/or polysexuality.[18]
Media
Television
- Husk in Hazbin Hotel[19]
- Valentino in Hazbin Hotel[20]
- Isaac Vega from Tom Swift[21]
- Willow Park in The Owl House[22]
Music
Video Games
Comics/Misc
- Catriel from the Lemonqueen4 series on Flipanim[28]
- Deadpool from Marvel Comics[29]