What is pansexuality?

Pansexuality is, at its essence, the rejection of gender roles and stereotypes in regards to sexuality. Pansexuals do not choose to limit themselves to only being sexually attracted to individual groups of people, but instead embrace the opportunity for sex to include anyone.

Whereas a heterosexual man may be sexually attracted to women, a homosexual man attracted to only men, and a bisexual man attracted to either a man or woman, a pansexual is attracted to anyone. I understand how this can seem redundant, as most would think bisexuality covers all of the bases. It doesn't, and here is why. Bisexuality implies that there are only two real genders or sexual natures. Pansexuality, on the other hand, embraces people of all genders or sexual identities. From transexuals to the simpler identities of just being "straight" male or female, pansexual people can and often will be attracted to the whole gamut.

In addition, a percentage of the pansexual population subscribe to no binary gender label. It really is oppressive to have to quantify one's sexual ID (personality, desires, and impulses) just for society to judge and separate each person. There is no absolute, and as such they don't try to fit everyone's cookie cutter molds. This is extraordinary simply for the fact that in a world of infinite judgement, pansexuals are seriously one of very few minorities that don't care "what" you are, but more for "who" you are.

In my experience, most pansexual people have huge hearts, and generally just LOVE people. They will accept anyone for themselves, and not try to assign labels or judge someone based on their appearance or sexual tastes. People who identify themselves as pansexual make wonderful friends and confidants.

You may have pansexual friends and not realize it. I've found that often the pansexual friends are the ones taking care of everyone, making everyone feel welcome, and just having a good time.

I'm not a pansexual personally (to be honest, sometimes I wonder where to identify myself), but I love my pansexual friends. If you ever meet a pansexual, or hear someone speaking about it, ask questions. Learn from them. Don't be an ass to some of the kindest people on the planet just because you don't understand their attraction to something!

Remember: Sex isn't nasty, and everyone deserves to be happy!