If you think you are attracted to one or multiple genders, then you might identify yourself as either bisexual or pansexual. But you are probably asking yourself; “aren’t they basically the same thing?”. Well it turns out that there are some differences between the two.
So even if it isn’t for you, you would probably benefit from knowing the difference between the two and really understand why a person identifies as one and not the other. Here’s how you can differentiate between bisexuality and pansexuality.
Table of contents:
- What is Bisexuality?
- Misconceptions about bisexuality
- What about Pansexuality?
- Misconception about pansexuality
- How to know if you are bisexual or pansexual?
- Is every attraction the same?
- Conclusion
What is Bisexuality?
Bisexuality is a term that is used to describe someone’s personal relationships with two or more different genders. It’s not all that common, but it’s part of our human experience and it’s important.
There are many people who are bisexual, but it doesn’t mean that they have to show public displays of affection with both men and women. In fact, many people who are bisexual do things like enjoy private relationships with two separate types of entities. This type of relationship can be called a “treat” or an “in-person” relationship.
Either way, it’s important to be comfortable with your sexuality and to explore your abilities within this category of relationships. It can be great for exploring new things together or leading to new experiences together.
It’s up to you whether you want them public or not – public usually means out there in the world where others might see you, which is generally a big fear for many.
However, there are also many people who identify as bisexual who simply choose to live without fear of being considered “on the side”. They are comfortable in their own lives and do not feel like they need to hide their feelings.
Bisexuals are an open book to others and do not need anyone to tell them what they should be or do. They are just like everyone else and should be treated like everyone else should be treated: with love and respect.
Bisexuals often face discrimination from society because they are recognised as different. They also have a difficult time finding friends among most people. This can be due to the fact that many bisexuals feel like they lack something that others have.
Misconceptions about bisexuality
The bisexuality of people is a topic that is often discussed but not always correctly. There are many misconceptions about bisexuality.
1. Bisexuality is a mental disorder
This is one of the most popular myths about bisexuality. It is not so, according to DSM5. Bisexuals don’t feel the need to identify themselves as straight or gay, which allows them to feel comfortable in multiple relationships.
2. Bisexuality is a lack of interest in either sex
This false idea that people who are bisexual cannot have children, or will never have children, because they do not have desires for either sex is yet another baseless misconception.
What about Pansexuality?
Pansexuality is a term that is used to describe someone who does not identify with any one specific gender or sexuality. Pansexuality can mean different things to different people, but in general, pansexuality means an individual’s love and feelings for all forms of alive creatures. To many, pansexuality means just being open and fluid about one’s sexuality.
In current society, where so much has been put into place to keep us following certain guidelines, this is often what people feel like doing. So when people say that pansexuality is their own way of living life, they are actually saying that they live their lives the way that makes them most happy. This isn’t to say that society’s guidelines are not important, it’s just that some people’s lives don’t quite fit into that mould.
Some people who are pansexual believe that it is a part of the human condition to want to be in different relationships than what we are currently in. Pan sexuality does not mean that you only are attracted to women; there are many men and women who are pan sexual.
Pan sexuality means that you have a strong interest in and connection with other sexes, which can be seen as a turn on for some people. It also means that you don’t always have to worry about your feelings around sex. Pansexuality is a unique kind of love that many find difficult to purchase
There is no one answer to this question, as everyone has their own unique experience with pansexuality.
Misconception about pansexuality
There is a common misconception that says a pansexual person cannot be healthy or happy if they’re not gay or straight. This statement means that there is something wrong with someone for them to want and experience sexual intimacy with another person.
This isn’t true. There are many people in the world who are happy and healthy because they enjoy physical activity, family time, close friends, and having fun together. It’s important to remember that everyone has their own unique needs and desires, so don’t take anything away from someone else simply because you don’t agree with it.
What are the differences between pansexuality and bisexuality?
There are a few key differences between pansexual and bisexual people. First, bisexual people typically do not identify as gay or straight. They instead identify with a third identity – called “bisexual.” Pansexual people, on the other hand, typically identify with both male and female elements.
They also basically don’t feel like they need to fit into one specific gender type in order to be happy. Here are a few more differences between the two;
Sometimes the age of a person can also play a role in their sexuality. For example, older people tend to identify themselves more so as bisexual, whereas younger people such as Gen Z usually lean more towards pansexuality.
Bisexual people may feel attracted to more than one gender but there still might be some genders that are not included. As for pansexuals, they typically don’t exclude a particular gender and tend to gravitate towards every gender there is.
Regardless if a person is bisexual or pansexual, the kind of feelings and attraction they have for one person and gender may not be exactly the same for another. For example, a bisexual person may be sexually attracted towards one gender but romantically and emotionally attracted towards another gender.
How to know if you are bisexual or pansexual?
For the longest time, sexuality has been defined as black and white, but the truth is that it can be many different colours. Science tells us that a human’s sexuality exists on a spectrum. This means that not everyone can be 100% straight or 100% gay and so on. Here are a few ways to find out if you are bi or pan.
1. You are attracted towards both male and female
This is clearly the most obvious sign that you are not monosexual and that you might be bi or pan. If you find yourself being attracted to both men and women and are sure about it then you are on the spectrum.
2. Your own gender disturbs you
It is normal for people to push away people the same gender as them when they are early in their journey of self acceptance. You could be bi and pan, but because you have not yet come to terms with your own identity, you tend to avoid your own gender.
3. Your sexual fantasies include your own gender
If you don’t mind fantasising about your own gender, then you are probably either bi or pan. This could include things such as watching erotic videos, reading erotic novels etc, which includes a person the same gender as you or multiple people of only one gender same as you.
4. It just feels right
You are comfortable with talking about bisexuality and/ or pansexuality. Even if someone tries to insult you by calling you either one, you don’t take offense and are proud to be embracing yourself however you want. Even if you are not ready to come out of the closet, deep down you know that you might be interested in genders other than the opposite of yours.
Is every attraction the same?
Being bisexual or pansexual does not automatically mean that you are attracted to everyone you see. The gender of a person can influence your attraction if you’re bisexual, but you are still free to prefer one gender over another. People who identify as pansexual may also prefer particular genders.
Is there more than one kind of attraction?
Whether you are bi or pan, you can be attracted to people in more than one way. Contrary to popular belief, a person who is not heterosexual (straight) is often deemed as being only sexually interested in other genders, but this is not the case.
Though a person could be sexually attracted towards multiple genders and people, they may only prefer to have sex with one or few of them.
Romantic attractions are also similar to this. But they can categorised into unique labels with their own meanings.
Aromantic
An aromantic person is one who doesn’t or barely feels any romantic emotions towards another person. And this may or may not be affected by the person’s gender.
Heteroromantic
This is when a person is only attracted towards a person of an opposite gender or any gender other than their own.
Biromantic
People who are attracted towards someone of their own gender or any other gender besides theirs.
Demiromantic
These are people who need emotional connection in order to feel attracted towards someone.
Homoromantic
Individuals who are only attracted towards people of the same gender as them.
Panromantic
These are people who are attracted towards people of all genders.
Greyromantic
These are individuals who rarely feel any sort of attraction towards other people.
Conclusion
In today’s world, it’s important to be proud of your own body and come up with ways to express yourself that make you happy. So when we say that having a different sexuality is not a bad thing, we are actually saying that it’s a great thing.
Instead of trying to change everything about ourselves every day, why not take a step back and enjoy the aspects of our lives where we feel most good? For example, when we say that pansexuality is just a way of feeling comfortable without having to identify with any specific gender identity.
This allows us to be comfortable in all situations as long as we’re still mindful of how each situation will impact us. It also allows us to be open and fluid about our sexuality which can lead to more positive outcomes.
Having said that, always remember that being pansexual or bisexual can take many different forms. It may vary from person to person, and it is up to you to decide whether or not these terms relate to your sexual preference.
Take it easy on yourself; this can be difficult stuff to understand. You are free to decide later or not decide at all. Just do what feels right.
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