Bisexual | Pansexual
Learn what it means to be Bisexual and Pansexual
Bisexual + Pansexual
Bisexuality and pansexuality both involve physical, romantic, and/or emotional attraction to more than one gender. Bisexual and Pansexual labels are sometimes interchangeable, but not always. Some individuals may identify as just Bisexual, Pansexual, or even identify as both. Asexual, Transgender, and non-binary individuals may choose to use bisexual or pansexual to describe their sexuality, but it does not mean individuals in those groups are automatically bisexual or pansexual.
Bisexual - also known as bi, refers to the sexual orientation of an individual who is physical, romantic, and/or emotionally attracted to more than one gender or gender identity.
Pansexual - refers to the sexual orientation of an individual who is physical, romantic, and/or emotionally attracted to a person regardless of gender or gender identity.
FAQ
Is bisexuality/pansexuality just a stepping stone to gay or lesbian?
Nope! While some gay and lesbian individuals did identify as bisexual/pansexual before identifying as gay, it does not mean all bisexuals or pansexuals will identify as gay or lesbian. Bisexuality and pansexuality are both completely normal expressions of sexuality.
Do I need to have sex with multiple genders to be bisexual or pansexual?
Nope! Just as gay, lesbian, and straight individuals do not need to have dated or had physical interactions to know their sexuality, bisexual and pansexual individuals do not need to have dated or had physical interactions with multiple genders to know they are bisexual.
Is bisexual or pansexual more inclusive?
Both! Some people argue that the prefix 'bi-' means two, while 'pan-' means all but this can be deceptive. Historically bisexuality has been defined as more than one gender. Additionally, the culture around bisexuality has been inclusive to all different gender identities and transgender individuals. So in short, both are equally inclusive.
Bisexual Flag
The Bisexual Pride Flag was created in 1998 by artist Michael Page. The flag has come to represent both bisexual and pansexual individuals, with each color representing:
Pink - Attraction to the same gender
Purple - Attraction to 2 or more genders.
Blue - Attraction to the opposite/different gender(s)
Pansexual Flag
The Pansexual Pride Flag was created in 2010 by an unknown artist. The flag has come to represent both pansexual individuals, with the design being a modification of the Bisexual Pride Flag. The flag has been adopted to increase visibility and recognition of pansexuality.
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Last Reviewed: November 2023