What Does 'Pansexual' Mean? Plus, How Pansexuality Differs from Bisexuality

While many of us know what LGBTQ+ stands for, there are a lot of sexualities represented by that “+” and sometimes they’re not as well known as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. One of those labels is pansexual, which might seem like a newer sexuality; it is definitely used more frequently nowadays than it was even 10 years ago. But it's not a new thing at all; pansexuality has a long history and the term has evolved in its meaning over the decades.

So, what exactly does pansexual mean and who identifies as such? Plus, what's the difference between bisexuality and pansexuality? We have all the answers for you below, so read on.

Related: ‘Queer’ Has Changed Meanings a Few Times—Here’s What It Means Now and How It’s Used

What does pansexual mean?

According to VeryWellHealth, the word “pansexual” uses the Greek prefix “pan” which means “all.” While that doesn’t mean pansexual people like all people (they're not attracted to everyone, just like being a straight woman doesn't mean you like all men), pansexuality is defined as being attracted to or having the potential to be attracted to all genders. This can be romantic or sexual attraction, and pansexuals can have a preference; it doesn’t have to be an equal attraction to all genders.

VeryWellHealth reported that pansexuals might describe themselves as “gender-blind,” meaning that they don’t date someone based on gender.

Where did the word ‘pansexual’ come from?

As the dating app Feeld reported, the word "pansexual" first showed up in 1914 but it was written as “pan-sexual” in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology. As you can guess, this word didn’t mean the “pansexual” meaning we know today; it instead used the literal Greek prefix “pan” to mean “all” and referred to the idea that sex motivates all things (“pan-sexuality,” get it?).

But of course, as we already stated, that’s not what pansexual, as a sexuality and label, means now. Feeld reported that this use of the term popped up in the 1920s and 1930s for those who "loved across labels and boundaries.” The term “pansexual” really didn’t take off as we know it today until the 1960s.

And yet the word has gone through even more evolution since then. In the 80s and 90s, the word was used to mean people who liked a ton of different kinds of sex (in the queer and kink communities), rather than liking multiple genders. As them reported, the word “pansexual” was also used to describe more queer artists or concepts. During this time in the 90s, people who weren’t just attracted to one gender—sexually fluid people—wanted to grow and evolve past things already set in stone. And that’s kind of where pansexual got its current meaning and usage.

Related: How To Go Gender-Neutral in Your Salutations

What’s the difference between being bisexual and pansexual?

The difference between bisexual and pansexual can be a tricky topic just because people have some misinformation that might impact their thoughts on one over the other and what they choose to identify as. Essentially, both are under the bi+ umbrella. This umbrella covers a large group of sexualities that are attracted to more than one gender (non-monosexual sexualities).

However, in past decades, when it came to bisexuality, there was a misconception that it was limiting because of the prefix “bi-” which means “two.” Some thought (and still think, unfortunately) that bisexuality only means that you like men and women, enforcing the gender binary. But that’s not true; the Bisexual Manifesto from the 1990s points out that bisexuality is “a whole, fluid identity.” It doesn’t hold “binary” ideals and the manifesto even writes, “In fact, don’t assume that there are only two genders.”

So, while pansexuality is sometimes seen as a more inclusive or more progressive sexuality than bisexuality, that’s not the case. Bisexuals are people who are attracted to their gender and other genders, and pansexuals are attracted to all genders or to anyone regardless of gender.

It’s a very, very similar concept and as them reported, some people identify as both pansexual and bisexual. But of course, others just identify with one label or they use “bi+” or queer to encapsulate it all.

Related: 17 LGBTQ+ Pride Flags and What They Each Represent

Who identifies as pansexual?

With all that said regarding the difference between bisexual and pansexual, how do you know which one you are? Considering their definitions are so similar, it all comes down to what you want to identify as.

Some people prefer “bisexual” because it’s a more well-known label and easier to explain (or something they don't have to explain at all). Some people feel better with “pansexual” because they feel like it covers their sexuality better. There is no right or wrong answer on what label to use if you like more than one gender or don’t care about gender when dating. It’s truly a personal call.

Also, any gender can be pansexual; you can be transgender, cis, non-binary or anything else and choose pansexual as the label for your sexuality.

How do you know if you’re pansexual?

As is the case with any queer identity or label, if you’re Googling for “Am I gay?” or “Am I pansexual?” quizzes, odds are you probably answered your own question. But it’s totally normal to want more information on your feelings or for someone to tell you who you are when you’re “confused” or growing into your sexual or romantic desires.

While we can’t give you a checklist of things that make you pansexual—because it could mean so many things and because you might want to use a different label—you can probably lean toward the “I’m queer/gay” route if you have crushes on people of your gender and other genders. So first, figure out if you’re queer; do you want to date partners of the same gender as yourself or non-gendered people? Are you sexually attracted to them or can see yourself having romantic feelings for them?

Also, remember your dating history doesn’t define your sexuality; you can be bi or pan and have never dated someone of the same gender or been in an outwardly queer relationship. Bisexuality and pansexuality are often about the potential for attraction. So again, just ponder on who you are attracted to.

Related: What Does LGBTQ+ Mean? What the Acronym Stands For

How do pansexuals respond to claims their sexuality isn’t valid?

As with bisexuality, pansexuality has a lot of stigma and misconceptions about it. People might think you’re greedy or confused; they might say you need to pick a side, gay or straight. Unfortunately, people who are straight or only like one gender don’t always understand the concept that other people have the capacity to be attracted to all genders or more than one.

Someone’s misunderstanding and bigotry does not impact whether your sexuality is valid or not. As Stonewall wrote, you’re not greedy and not confused. If you’re pansexual, you’re probably going to experience a lot of these stigmatized beliefs, unfortunately. But you know yourself best and, again, no one can make your sexuality invalid or untrue just because they don’t get it. They just need to educate themselves more. And that’s not on you to make sure they do so.

Next up, learn more about what nonbinary is and what it means to identify as nonbinary.