What are the differences between pansexual and bisexual?
roy13
on
Jan 10, 2015
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Bisexual people are attracted sexually and romantically to both males and females, and are capable of engaging in sensual relationships with either sex. Despite being able to form meaningful, lasting relationships with both sexes, bisexual individuals may, to a small or large degree, have a preference for one sex over the other.
Similarly, pansexual people may be sexually attracted to individuals who identify as male or female; however, they may also be attracted to those who identify as intersex, third-gender, androgynous, transsexual, or the many other sexual and gender identities. The latter distinction is what draws the line between pansexuality and bisexuality. People who self-identify as pansexual do so with purpose, to express that they are able to be attracted to various gender and sexual identities, whether they fall within the gender binary or not. Recognition of the existence of different genders and sexualities is a major aspect of pansexual identity. Pansexual people are bisexual, in-fact; however, bisexuality does not place the same emphasis on sexual and gender identity awareness, but more simply indicates attraction to the two (generally accepted) biological sexes.
Anonymous
on
Jun 22, 2015
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The difference is mostly the personal preference of the specific person. A widely accepted definition of the two labels is that pansexual="attraction to all genders," and bisexual="attraction to two or more genders (or, your gender and other genders), but not necessarily all of them." Also, some pansexual people say that gender has no bearing on their attraction to a person, while a bisexual person might say that gender plays a role (for example, they might find different things attractive about different genders). Another difference is that the bisexual community has more of a political history, and is generally more connected to politics than the pansexual community. Whether a person identifies as pansexual or bisexual is entirely based on which label they feel fits them best.
RayvenNightfall
on
Jul 27, 2015
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Bisexual means you are attracted to two genders (male and female or other)
pansexual love people in general.... an easier way to look at it is that people who are pan love the soul more than they do the individuals body.
KindHeartedAnna
on
Jul 27, 2015
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There's quite a lot of difference between pansexuals and bisexuals. Though many get confused between the two, the difference has to do with gender.
Bisexuals: Bisexuals are people that feel sexual attraction to both males and females. This means that they act within what is known as the "gender binary" (the two traditional gender options, meaning male and female). Bisexual people feel sexual attraction towards both sexes.
Pansexuals: Pansexuals are people that feel sexual attraction to ALL GENDERS. This means that they do not adhere to the previously mentioned gender binary. What does this mean? It means that a pansexual person can be attracted to a male, female, a transgender person, a non-binary person (a person that does not adhere to the gender binary and often feels somewhere in the middle of the two traditional genders), a gender-fluid person (a person that sometimes feels male, female, or nonbinary), or an agender person (a person that feels they do not have a gender). Pansexuals feel sexual attraction towards all people regardless of gender.
If you are questioning whether you may be pansexual or bisexual, consider these definitions and do some careful reflection. There's no need to make a decision right this moment, so give it some time and feel free to identify with the sexuality that feels right for you. :)
Katie77
on
Nov 23, 2015
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Bisexual refers to someone who is attracted to their own and at least one other gender. For example, a boy is attracted to both boys and girls, or a trans woman who is attracted to women and men. Someone who is bisexual may be attracted to more than two genders, but not necessarily one of them. Pansexual refers to someone who is attracted to all genders (it encompasses attraction to all cis, trans, and non-binary gender identities).
creativeDay52
on
Feb 22, 2016
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Bisexual like boys and girls. Pansexual like trans boys and trans girls too. The pansexual motto is "hearts, not parts."
AyeshaAlexis
on
Jun 14, 2015
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Bisexuality focuses more on the standard male or female preference. Pansexuality is the preference of any gender or gender expression.
Moosey
on
Jun 22, 2015
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Bisexual is a person who can experience sexual attraction towards cisgender males and females while pansexual is a person who can experience sexual attraction towards as well cisgender male and females, but also transgender, transsexuals or genderfluid or people who don't identify within any gender.
Anonymous
on
Jul 14, 2015
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Bisexual describes attraction to both males and females. Pan sexual, on the other hand, describes someone who is attracted to males, females, and people who fall outside of those spectrums. So pansexuals may be attracted to males, females, gender fluid people, or someone who simply does not identify with any gender.
CompassionKat
on
Aug 10, 2015
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This is a complicated question with a pretty complicated answer, but for most people, it's just a matter of personal preference. Both pansexuals and bisexuals are attracted to more than one gender, but bisexuals might not be attracted to some genders, or they may be attracted to some genders more than others. Conversely, most pansexuals claim to be attracted to the person, and not the gender. Some people also label themselves as bisexual for "political reasons," such as increasing bisexual visibility or to connect themselves with a movement with deep roots in the LGBTQ+ community.
In the end, if you are attracted to more than one gender, either label can fit. It's simply a matter of which one your prefer.
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