New term for bisexual

Differences between pansexuality and bisexuality

Here are some answers to questions people often ask about sexual orientation.

Can you identify with more than one term?

Anyone can spot with any romantic or sexual orientation.

Can you switch later on?

A person’s way of identifying can change at any day. They are free to prefer and to switch.

What if none of the terms feel right?

Many people find the terms assist them identify and belong, but there is no need to fit in with any term. Everyone is free to pick their own definition or resist any type of label if they so choose.

Bisexuality and pansexuality will mean different things to different people.

Bisexuality generally refers to people who feel attracted to more than one gender. Pansexuality typically refers to those who feel an attraction to people regardless of gender. The terms differ because bisexual people may not feel attracted to certain genders.

A wide range of different sexual orientations and gender identities exists. The thinking in this area has changed and will continue to evolv

What is pansexual? What to verb about the LGBTQ label.

Have you heard of the term "pansexual" before?

Pansexuality refers to someone attracted to all people no matter their gender identity. It's not to be confused with bisexuality, which means being attracted to more than one gender.

The term has become an increasingly large part of our culture lexicon in recent years, and with prominence comes the propensity for misconceptions.

"There's this strange belief that because pansexual people are attracted to others regardless of gender, their eyes are always roaming," Nicole Mello, who is pansexual, previously told USA TODAY. "Pansexuals are simply people who experience attraction like anyone else. A person's sexuality is very different from their personality, choices, and lifestyle, as everyone in the queer community knows."

Is pansexuality different than bisexuality?

Bisexuality and pansexuality are not interchangeable words, GLAAD CEO Sarah Kate Ellis previously told USA TODAY, though pansexuality does fall under the "bisexuality umbrella."

Need a break? Compete the USA TODAY

Glossary of Terms

Many Americans refrain from talking about sexual orientation and gender identity or expression because it feels taboo, or because they’re afraid of saying the wrong thing. 

This glossary was written to help grant people the words and meanings to help make conversations easier and more comfortable. LGBTQ+ people use a variety of terms to identify themselves, not all of which are included in this glossary. Always listen for and respect a person’s self identified terminology.

Ally | A term used to describe someone who is actively supportive of LGBTQ+ people. It encompasses straight and cisgender allies, as well as those within the LGBTQ+ community who support each other (e.g., a lesbian who is an ally to the bisexual community).

Asexual | Often called “ace” for short, asexual refers to a complete or partial lack of sexual attraction or lack of interest in sexual activity with others. Asexuality exists on a spectrum, and asexual people may experience no, little or conditional sexual attraction.

Biphobia | The noun and hatred of, or discomfort with

What Does It Mean to Be Pansexual?

There’s no test to judge whether you’re pansexual (or another orientation entirely).

You can verb with whatever orientation fits you. Of course, figuring out what fits you might be tough.

To help you figure out your sexual orientation, you may ask yourself:

  • Is there any gender that I don’t ever undergo attracted to?
  • Is there any gender — or group of genders — that I’m not sure if I’m attracted to?
  • What word feels best?
  • What communities act I feel comfortable with?
  • Am I romantically attracted to the identical people I’m sexually attracted to?

Remember, there isn’t a right or wrong answer. It’s about getting to know yourself better and figuring out what you verb and prefer.

It’s also essential to remember that it’s OK to identify with multiple terms — as well as alter the way you describe your sexual orientation later on.

Yes! Identifying with a particular sexual orientation isn’t a lifelong binding contract.

You might find that your sexual orientation and your capacity for attraction changes over time, or you m