Main Difference – Bisexual vs Pansexual
Bisexual and pansexual are two terms that refer to the sexual orientation of people. Before moving on to the difference between bisexual and pansexual, it is important to learn about gender. Although many assume that there are only two genders: male and female, this assumption is not correct. Individuals of transgender or third gender are also a category of gender. The main difference between bisexual and pansexual is that a bisexual is a person who is attracted to two genders whereas a pansexual is a person who gets attracted to all genders.
What is Bisexual
Bisexual can be defined as the attraction towards both men and women. It is usually used to denote romantic or sexual feelings toward both men and women. In this sense, a bisexual has both heterosexual and homosexual tendencies. However, some are of the view that bisexual does not necessarily mean that one is attracted to men and women; a bisexual can be attracted to any two genders; it can be a woman and transgender, not a man. But this view is not accepted by everyone.
It is also important to note that the term bisexual is well-known and common than the term pansexual. This term may be understood by people in different cultures and communities. Therefore, many people may identify themselves as bisexuals for the sake of convenience.
Bisexual Pride Flag
What is Pansexual
Pansexual can be defined as ‘not limited in sexual choice with regard to biological sex, gender, or gender identity.’ The prefix pan which has been combined to sexual indicates all. Therefore, a pansexual is a person who feels desire toward all genders. We often make the mistake of assuming that there are only two genders: male and female. But this is not so, the term pansexual itself implies that there are more than two genders. Pansexuals can also be attracted to people who do not belong to the gender binary such as transgender, genderqueer, transsexuals, etc.
The term pansexual is usually more inclusive than the term bisexual since it rejects the idea of the gender binary and is open to people of all genders.
Pansexual Pride Flag
Difference Between Bisexual and Pansexual
Implications
Bisexual implies that there are only two genders.
Pansexual implies that there are more than two genders.
Definition
Bisexual is the attraction towards two genders.
Pansexual is the attraction towards all genders.
Popularity
Bisexual is well known and common.
Pansexual is not much known.
Attraction
Bisexual people are attracted to males or females.
Pansexual people can be attracted to cisgender, transgender, intersex and androgynous people.
Inclusiveness
Bisexual is not as inclusive as pansexual.
Pansexual is a more inclusive term than bisexual.
Image Courtesy:
“Pansexual flag” by KiwiNeko14 – Web archive of pansexualflag.tumblr.com (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
“Bisexual flag” by (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
