Pansexual means being attracted to people regardless of their gender.
Meaning
Pansexual describes a person who is attracted to others regardless of gender.
Pansexual vs bisexual
Bisexual often means attraction to two or more genders. Pansexual means attraction not limited by gender. The terms overlap, and people choose the one that fits.
Flag
The pansexual flag has pink, yellow and blue stripes.
Awareness
Pansexual Visibility Day is December 8.
Numbers
In a 2022 Gallup poll, 7.1% of US adults identify as LGBTQ+.
Definition
Pansexual describes a person who can be attracted to people regardless of gender. Some say their attraction is not limited by gender, and they may be romantically or sexually attracted to people of any gender identity. The prefix “pan” comes from the Greek word for “all.”
Difference from bisexual
Bisexuality means attraction to more than one gender. Many bisexual people use the definition as inclusive of all genders, so there is overlap. Some people choose pansexual because they feel gender is less relevant to their attraction. Both are valid identities, and individuals define them for themselves.
Flag
The pansexual pride flag has three horizontal stripes: pink for women, yellow for nonbinary or genderqueer people, and blue for men. It was created in 2010 by an internet user and spread online.
Pansexual Visibility Day
December 8 is International Pansexual and Panromantic Visibility Day.
Prevalence
In the US, a Pew Research Center survey of 2022 found that among adults under 30, about 2% identify as pansexual or omnisexual. Gallup polling in 2023 found that around 7.6% of US adults identify as LGBTQ+, with bisexual people the largest group within that.
Related terms
- Panromantic: romantic attraction regardless of gender.
- Omnisexual: similar to pansexual.
- Queer: umbrella term used by many.
- Asexual: little or no sexual attraction.
Research
Surveys show bisexual and pansexual people report higher rates of mental health challenges linked to stigma, discrimination and lack of acceptance, according to the CDC and the Trevor Project.
Support
The Trevor Project provides crisis support for LGBTQ youth at 1-866-488-7386 or by texting START to 678-678. In the US, call or text 988 for crisis support.
Meaning and distinction
Pansexual describes a person who can be attracted to people regardless of gender, so gender may not be a factor in attraction. Bisexual is often defined as attraction to more than one gender, and many bisexual people see their definition as including attraction to all genders, so the labels overlap, and people choose the one that fits them best. The pansexual pride flag has pink, yellow and blue stripes, and Pansexual Visibility Day is observed on December 8. Gallup’s 2023 survey found that about 7.6 percent of US adults identified as LGBTQ+, with bisexual people the largest group.
Support and research
Identity is self defined, and sexual orientation is not caused by parenting or a choice, according to major medical organizations. Young people may find support at The Trevor Project, which offers 24 hour crisis services at 1-866-488-7386, and the 988 Lifeline. Respectful language includes using the terms a person uses for themselves. Research on pansexual people is growing but still limited, with some studies showing higher rates of mental health challenges linked to stigma rather than orientation itself.
Based on data from Gallup and The Trevor Project
