The difference between bisexuality and pansexuality

[TeenHelp]

The difference between bisexuality and pansexuality
By Traci (Coffee.)

Labeling your sexual orientation is complex and is frequently blurred by lengthy definitions and technical terms. It’s common to experience what many call “identity policing,” where somebody corrects another person’s identity as they do not “fit” that identity definition. Those who identify as bisexual or pansexual get this frequently; somebody will tell them that they are actually straight, gay, or even switch the terms bisexual or pansexual around. Finding a label for your identity is an individual matter and something that you define, as our article “Advantages and disadvantages of labeling your sexual orientation and/or gender identity” talks about. This article aims to clearly define the differences between bisexual and pansexual so that everybody can find the label that works for them.

Bisexuality is typically defined as somebody who is sexually attracted to both males and females. They may prefer one sex more than another, have only dated one sex but have been attracted to another, or may choose to date within one sex while only have sexual relations with another. All of these would still put them within the bisexual spectrum as long as that is how they choose to identify. It doesn't matter if they have never dated or had sexual relations with both sexes; if they have sexual attraction to both sexes, and they identify as bisexual, then they are, in fact, a bisexual.

Pansexuality is a bit more complicated. Gender is not a clear binary, and many people do not identify within the gender binary, or put simply, as either "male" or "female." Pansexuals see this distinction and are attracted to all genders rather than those simply in the gender binary. Pansexuals may be attracted to somebody who is female, male, transgender male to female (MTF), transgender female to male (FTM), genderqueer, genderfluid, etc; their sexual orientation is not constrained by the binary sexes. Some refer to pansexuality as “omnisexual,” or attracted to all sexual orientations. They are also often referred to as "blind" to gender, and that their sexual attraction is not constrained by the construct of gender or sex. As with bisexuality, those who are pansexual do not have to have relations with every gender identity to identify as pansexual. As long as they possess the sexual attraction to those of all or multiple genders, they identify as pansexual.

Now, these definitions are not perfect, and many take offense at their limitations. Some define bisexual for its two parts (bi, meaning two) and consider this to mean they like two genders and not simply the two assigned sexes. Somebody who is bisexual may also like the same sex along with "other genders" which they may define on their own. While they may not be "blind" to gender, they are attracted to their own gender and others, and still consider themselves bisexual rather than pansexual. This is where defining sexual orientation becomes complicated. For example, if somebody who is male, is only sexually attracted to other males and those who are genderqueer, would they be considered pansexual or bisexual? It depends how you define the terms, and most importantly, it depends on how the individual defines their sexual orientation. This is when a large amount of “identity policing” comes in, and individuals often feel like their identity is wrong or challenged by others by not fitting a particular definition.

Besides identity policing, bisexuals and pansexuals deal with particular discrimination not often seen by others in the LGBTQA spectrum. These sexual orientations most frequently deal with monosexism, which is the belief that the attraction to one sex or gender is superior or more valid than being attracted to multiple. Bisexuals and pansexuals are often considered to be "in a phase" or "in denial" about their sexual orientation. This causes them to often be shunned, not only by heterosexual or "straight" people who view them as closeted homosexual individuals, but also be left out of "queer spaces." They are often believed to not be "true" to the LGBTQA community, and simply individuals experimenting with homosexuality while holding onto their straight privilege. This often makes bisexual and pansexual individuals feel unsafe, and that they don't belong in any community.

Sexual orientation is not clear-cut, and it’s important to define your identity how you want to define it. Both bisexuality and pansexuality are valid sexual orientations, and are two of the rainbow of different labels that one may choose to identify with (for more definitions, you can visit TeenHelp’s Queer dictionary). Whether you choose to define your sexual orientation as one of these terms, or any label at all, is completely your choice, and remember not to judge or label-police other people, as sexuality is never black and white.