I am pansexual. It's a difficult sexuality to identify as. I have gotten countless amounts of misunderstandings remarked at me when I tell people about my identity in the love department. So, I'm here to point out some common remarks I get and the response I have for them.
1. "So, you're attracted to frying pans?"
Um, no. I'm not. See, the term "pansexual" is derived from the Greek prefix "pan", which means "all." Instead of being attracted to what's on your stove, it means I am attracted to all genders. Which brings me to my next misconception.
2. "ALL genders? There's only two. So you're bisexual."
The prefix "pan" means all, yes. However, "bi" means two. If you identify as bisexual, you are only attracted to men and women. People who are pansexual are attracted to any and all genders.
You are right to an extent. We do have two genders that we are assigned at birth. However, there are some people who realize that their originally assigned gender is not who they truly are. There are people who find themselves to be gender fluid, cisgender, bigender, agender, and many, many more. Pansexuals are gender blind. We don't find gender to be an issue when we want to find a partner.
3. "So you're attracted to everything? Including UFOs, animals, or objects?"
I said all genders, not all things. However, there is a sexuality for people who are attracted to objects, which isn't my thing.
4. "Pansexuality isn't a real thing."
Love is not defined by only three sexualities (gay, straight, bisexual). The most beautiful thing about this world is that we are all different, and that can apply to our love preference.
Pansexuality is more common than you think. Famous icons like Laci Green, Miley Cyrus, Jazz Jennings, even Deadpool identifies as pansexual as well.
5. "Are you sure you're not just desperate?"
I would like to think of it as open-minded. I can't wrap my brain around this one. Are you saying me identifying as pansexual would help me raise my options? Because that isn't my intention at all! I'm just super chill about who I date. I don't find gender to be an issue when I look for someone. I focus more on the soul rather than what's in their pants.
To learn more about pansexuality, visit Stop Homophobia! I also recommend this video created by a fellow pansexual who I have mentioned before, Laci Green.
