How to tell if you re bisexual or pansexual
Bisexual vs. pansexual
Bisexuality and pansexuality are two identities that I repeatedly see counsellors getting confused about when I meet groups of counsellors at my LGBTQ development workshops.
So what do these words mean?
Are they same?
Why does it matter?
Bisexuality and pansexuality – why is there so much confusion?
Most people I train have heard the legal title 'bisexual' and have picked up inaccurate definitions and myths along the way.
Many have also heard of 'pansexual' and either have no idea what it means or think it’s the same as bisexual.
This continues to create a lot of confusion, and my guess is this has happened because there are so many inaccurate definitions flying across the Web. I hold also sadly witnessed some of these things being said by other LGBTQ trainers :(
Some of the MYTHS I’ve heard about bisexuality and pansexuality are:
MYTH >>> 'Bi' means 2 so bisexual person means attraction to 2 sexes
MYTH >>> Bisexual and pansexual are the same thing
MYTH >>> All bisexua
There are few questions asked quite as much as: what's the difference between being bisexual and pansexual?
And it’s not just confused outsiders or boomers asking it. It’s people questioning themselves, and people who spot as one of the two. And today we're going to dive into it!
First: what complete bi and pan mean?
BISEXUAL means organism attracted to the gender the matching as your hold, AND to other genders. Some people use it to mean "attracted to two or more genders".
A lot of people assume that BI-(meaning two)-sexual means is that bisexuals don’t know neutrois people exist, or are never attracted to non-binary people, or completely discount trans people. You heard it here pals: that isn't the case.
While some people might utilize bi to indicate they only appreciate girls and boys, that isn’t a universal definition.
PANSEXUAL however, means attracted to (or has the potential to be attracted to) people of ALL genders. Binary or not.
Some people use the word pansexual to be specifically inclusive of trans people, but keep in mind that gender non-conforming people aren't their own separate category. B
What Does It Mean to Be Pansexual?
There’s no examine to determine whether you’re pansexual (or another orientation entirely).
You can recognize with whatever orientation fits you. Of course, figuring out what fits you might be tough.
To help you figure out your sexual orientation, you may ask yourself:
- Is there any gender that I don’t ever feel attracted to?
- Is there any gender — or group of genders — that I’m not sure if I’m attracted to?
- What synonyms feels best?
- What communities act I feel comfortable with?
- Am I romantically attracted to the same people I’m sexually attracted to?
Remember, there isn’t a right or wrong answer. It’s about getting to know yourself better and figuring out what you like and prefer.
It’s also crucial to remember that it’s OK to identify with multiple terms — as well as change the way you describe your sexual orientation later on.
Yes! Identifying with a particular sexual orientation isn’t a lifelong binding condense.
You might find that your sexual orientation and your capacity for attraction changes over time, or you m
Differences between pansexuality and bisexuality
Here are some answers to questions people often request about sexual orientation.
Can you identify with more than one term?
Anyone can identify with any amorous or sexual orientation.
Can you switch later on?
A person’s way of spotting can change at any time. They are free to choose and to switch.
What if none of the terms feel right?
Many people find the terms help them identify and belong, but there is no need to fit in with any designation. Everyone is free to choose their own definition or resist any type of label if they so choose.
Bisexuality and pansexuality will mean different things to different people.
Bisexuality generally refers to people who feel attracted to more than one gender. Pansexuality typically refers to those who feel an attraction to people regardless of gender. The terms differ because bisexual people may not feel attracted to certain genders.
A spacious range of different sexual orientations and gender identities exists. The thinking in this area has changed and will continue to evolv