what is Pansexuality
What is Pansexuality? This is a question asked by many young adults alike. The word “pansexual” came about because of the bisexuality movement which was founded in the early 1970s. Bisexuality, however, is not similar to pansexuality. Pansexuality is characterized by a desire to have sex with both men and women, as well as a willingness to do so regardless of gender or identity.
Pansexuality can be discussed on a spectrum. The following terms are some common examples of the spectrum. On one end of the spectrum, there is simply pansexuality – someone who has a sexual attraction toward both men and women. On the other end of the spectrum are those who claim to be bisexual but actually have sexual attractions towards only one gender (i.e. a female pansexual).
Some examples of those who identify as asexual include: gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, intersex, asexual, asexual, and sexually attracted toward children. The term “pansexual” is sometimes used as an umbrella term for a variety of sexual orientations, such as heterosexuality and homosexuality. Some GLBTQ people (gay, lesbian,bi-anguine, and transgendered) identify as asexual, even if they fall on the more restrictive end of the spectrum. In fact, some GLBTQ individuals do not view themselves as having any type of sexual orientation, since they do not view themselves as having a preference between male or female.
In addition to those who claim to have a pansexual identity, the greater queer/bisexual community recognize two other self-defined sexualities – sexism and agoraphobia. Those who wish people knew what was pansexuality believe that there exists a distinction between being attracted to the same sex and being attracted to someone of the opposite sex. Many claim that these two attractions are poles apart. Some claim that attractions towards the same sex can develop over time into an attraction towards someone of the opposite sex, while others claim that even if an individual was born with a predisposition towards attractions towards the same sex, he/she may still have a strong erotic attraction for people of the opposite sex. Again, the terms may overlap. For instance, some claim that their sexual orientation is straight, while others believe that their orientation is homosexual.
Agoraphobia is the most common of the sexual orientations concerning which people claim to be asexual. Individuals who have this phobia have a fear of visiting, living with, and interacting with people who fall into a category related to their gender. While it’s believed that this phobia is based upon gender identification, many feel that their fears are based upon a fear of pain, possibly being ridiculed, or even hurt by someone who falls into a category related to their gender. Whether or not this describes your situation, it is important to understand that asexuality doesn’t typically describe a single condition, but rather a variety of related ones.
Celebrities have been the subject of much discussion as regards what is pansexuality, whether these celebrities fall into a male, female, intersex, or even a neutral category. In particular, actors and musicians have attracted the attention of those interested in what is pansexuality because of how commonly they depict acts which would appear to promote the idea in their work (e.g., switching genders in a fictional role or relating to one’s own body in a song). The commonality of these portrayals has lead many to identify these celebrities as having the same sexual orientation as they claim. However, many in the scientific community are looking toward the phenomenon of what is pansexuality as a symptom of certain mental disorders, and not necessarily something which define a sexual orientation.
For those who do not identify with the label of pansexual, what is pansexuality can be a struggle to understand. There is often a lack of understanding surrounding the term. There is often confusion as to whether this is a disorder an identification, or just the expression of one’s sexuality. Some may even believe that pansexuality and sexuality are actually different words used to describe the same sexual behavior. While this may seem like a semantic argument, the facts support the fact that pansexuality, like all expressions of sexuality, are a part of a broad spectrum, which includes various degrees of queerness and bisexuality, but does not necessarily define them.
If you, or someone you know, identify as asexual, it is important to get a grasp of some basic information. Not only is it helpful for learning more about your own sexual identity, but also to gain insight into how to overcome the discrimination that some folks can feel towards the sexual minority (especially if you identify as gay or lesbian). This can be a particularly important issue for those folks who have been rejected, overlooked, or hurt due to their sexual orientation. Knowing the facts can help you take control of the perceptions and actions that you take in regard to your own sexuality.
image credit British GQ