What does pansexuality mean? There’s already bisexual, what’s the difference really? I mean, how many words do we need?

Thanks,
Not an English Major

Hello NAEM,

Pansexuality is commonly defined as being attracted to people regardless of their gender. (It also is a word to describe events where everyone is welcome.) How is this different than bi? Well, by literally and etymologically, bi=two. Humans have more than two genders, and many people don’t fit into the heteronormative pink or blue box. M and F don’t cover the spectrum of human sex or gender, and many people (and institutes) are starting to reflect that in their terminology. There certainly are bisexual people who are into just two types of people, but many of us are correctly identifying ourselves as pansexual. For example, there are intersex, transgender, genderqueer, androgynous and two-spirit people, just to touch the tip of the iceberg of the complexity of human gender. The term cisgender was developed to give a specific term to people who identify and are comfortable with the gender they were assigned at birth.

In China, there is a proverb which I feel applies here: “The beginning of wisdom is to call things by their right names.” So, my answer to you is that we need as many words as required to correctly describe who we are and whom we love. There is a distinction, and to those of us who spend a lot of time in sexuality focused communities, those distinctions are the difference between an excellent connection and an awkward date.

Life is, some say, as complicated as you make it; for some, words such as pansexuality make the world less complicated.

So, Not an English Major, utilize the terminology that you need for you, and thank you for asking.

Enjoy yourself,
Julian

Flock Together is a new monthly event sponsored by Love Bird and Lust Bird and hosted by yours truly. Every second Thursday we meet at a wonderful private club close to Downtown (email for directions; you‘re personally invited!) for a happy hour that includes a meet and greet and an optional workshop. A workshop you say? Why yes! The first one was on Creating the Best Personal Profile Possible, and next month, we’re going to bring in special guests to join me on the Art of Flirting. Workshops are going to remain a $5 suggested donation, and each donation gets you a ticket for one of the fabulous door prizes. It’s a win-win. We’ll be there every second Thursday, and you’re more than welcome to stay for the alternative music night, where the people who enjoy goth, industrial and a mix of other fun beats gather to socialize and dance. No extra charge; just don’t forget to tip the bartender.

I hope to see you at the next Flock Together. It’s the place to be for New Mexico’s available adults.

Upcoming Flock Together Dates:
April 8
May 13
June 10