fuckyeahbisexuals

janehumen asked: So, bisexuality and pansexuality are the same thing?

I thought being pan meant you didn’t judge by appearance.

Hello! I’m going to go all wordy again - sorry.

When you start getting into the direct definition of pansexuality and bisexuality you have to be really careful. A lot of people use bisexuality and pansexuality interchangeably, while others are very adament that they are completely independent things. Therefore, it’s very important to remember where somebody is coming from when they identify themselves a certain way - now lets think about the various uses, and history of these two labels:

In the strictest definition, bisexuality means a sexuality consisting of two instead of one - which was meant to reflect its deviation from the standard monosexual counterparts (just being gay, lesbian, or straight). And since then has been trying to fight the many stricter definitions of bisexuality (such as the myth that you must have a 50/50 attraction to both sexes to be justifiably bisexual).

Now, the term bisexuality got it’s popularity and awareness when identities such as genderqueer, or gender variant weren’t as widespread and as such - weren’t included in the term since it was derived from the notion that there are two sexes (once again - Intersex individuals are completely discounted).

Of course with the rising distinction between gender and sex, we can come to understand that people felt the need to distinguish whether they were comfortable dating individuals outside of the typical “gender-norm” they were use to seeing in society - this most likely stemmed the birth of the term pansexuality and omnisexuality.

Pansexuality itself directly translated to having a general attraction to any and all genders. Pan meaning the expanse of the gender-scale, or panning the entire scale - implying that they’re comfortable with all ranges between the two cisgender categories.

Of course, now with the further study of sexuality, gender, and other further research into societal regulations and human interaction - labels have become politically charged words: such as the term queer - which is morphing into a term of rebellion that can be applied - now and in certain contexts - outside of merely sexual orientation, such as behavior and mental disposition.

Bisexuality  then has also come into a political importance for some individuals (such as myself) who find the term empowering for various reasons. And, in fact, some individuals use labels merely as a political or social stance - more than an actual self-identifying term (many people have abdicated labels in general indicating that the words themselves are detrimental to full-self-awareness, or a self that is indescribable by mere words we can come up).

Also Bisexuality has, and can, be used as a basic umbrella term for the non-monosexual community on a whole since the general populace has been aware of the term prior than any other and it has already gained some recognition.

So, no - bisexuality and pansexuality aren’t technically the same thing. But one who identifies as bisexual, can also identify as pansexual - and if one identifies as bisexual you shouldn’t assume that they are merely interested in cis-gendered men and women. Most likely, it means they dont’ consider themselves monosexual.

This also means, one can identify as Pansexual, and not as a Bisexual. Interesting isn’t it - and kind of cool too. At least in my opinion.

Judging by appearance? To be honest, the only thing I really learned from my Masculinities class was that this whole societal game we’re playing - whether we think we’re fighting it or not - is based upon the building blocks of appearance. But - I think pansexuality means you don’t discriminate against gender - appearance, much like character - is dependent on whatever tickles your fancy.

I hope that helped! Sorry… I should stop answering questions again - too longwinded.

Peace and Love! <3
MsAdventures