What is Pansexuality?
Pansexuality is sexual, romantic, or emotional attraction towards people of all genders, or regardless of their sex or gender identity. Pansexual people may refer to themselves as gender-blind, asserting that gender and sex are not determining factors in their romantic or sexual attraction to others.
Pansexuality is sometimes considered a sexual orientation in its own right or, at other times, as a branch of bisexuality (since attraction to all genders falls under the category of attraction to people of the same gender and different genders) to indicate a lack of gender preference. Mycberclinic explains while pansexual people are open to relationships with people who do not identify as strictly men or women, and pansexuality therefore explicitly rejects the gender binary in terms of the chosen etymology, this is by no means a feature which is exclusive to pansexuality and can also be found in broad definitions of homosexuality, bisexuality and the asexual spectrum.
Pansexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by romantic or sexual attraction to people regardless of their gender identity or sex. It’s an orientation that falls under the broader umbrella of bisexuality, but it emphasizes attraction to individuals regardless of gender, often described as being “gender-blind”.
Pansexual vs Bisexual – What’s the Difference?
Bisexuality and pansexuality both involve attraction to more than one gender, but they differ in how they perceive gender in attraction. Bisexuality generally refers to attraction to two or more genders, while pansexuality emphasizes attraction regardless of gender, meaning they are attracted to people irrespective of gender.
BISEXUAL means being attracted to the gender the same as your own, AND to other genders. Some people use it to mean “attracted to two or more genders”.
A lot of people assume that BI-(meaning two)-sexual means is that bisexuals don’t know non-binary people exist, or are never attracted to non-binary people, or completely discount trans people. You heard it here pals: that isn’t the case.
While some people might use bi to mean they only like girls and boys, that isn’t a universal definition.
PANSEXUAL however, means attracted to (or has the potential to be attracted to) people of ALL genders. Binary or not.
Some people use the word pansexual to be specifically inclusive of trans people, but keep in mind that trans people aren’t their own separate category. Because “trans” in and of itself isn’t a gender. It’s a descriptor of how you experience your gender.
Really, it just means “attracted to all genders” and that can include that you don’t factor gender into whether you’re attracted to someone at all. You can have gender preferences and still be pan, but you can also genuinely not care.
So, how are they different?
Well, they don’t have to be. You can identify as bi and pan, because they can definitely fit into a broadly similar definition (depending on YOUR experience of being bi or pan). But there are a few reasons why you might prefer one over the other.
Bisexual, for starters, can mean you’re attracted to same and other genders – but not all of them. You might be attracted to boys and non-binary people, girls and non-binary people, boys and girls, or a range of specific non-binary genders but not all of them. You might be attracted to any number of people with any number of different identities, and that’s totally cool. Don’t feel like you have to like everyone to call yourself bi.
On top of that, bisexual has a long, long history. Holding onto the label of bisexual can be about remembering all the people like you who came before you, and aligning yourself with them as a community.
You might prefer pansexual, though, because it makes it really obvious that you mean all genders. It makes it easier to communicate what your preferences are without getting specific, and makes it well known right from the start that you mean non-binary people too.
Pansexuality in the Nigerian Context
Talking about pansexuality in Nigeria can be sensitive. The country has strong religious and cultural values that often view anything outside heterosexual norms with suspicion or hostility.
However, Nigeria is home to a growing number of young people who are learning more about gender and sexuality. With social media and access to global content, many Nigerians are starting to recognize and respect the diversity of human experience, even if they don’t always agree with it.
In Nigeria, pansexuality, like other LGBTQ+ identities, faces significant societal challenges due to legal restrictions and strong cultural norms that prioritize heterosexual relationships. While some Nigerians may identify as pansexual, the limited visibility and societal acceptance mean that many individuals keep this aspect of their identity private or choose to explore it more openly outside the country.
Challenges Faced by Pansexual People in Nigeria:
- Social stigma and discrimination
- Lack of legal protection
- Misunderstanding or invisibility
- Mental health stress from hiding their identity
Why Understanding Matters
Whether or not one agrees with pansexuality, knowledge is power. In a diverse society like Nigeria’s, it’s important to create space for respectful conversations. By understanding what pansexuality means, we build a more informed and compassionate society.
Conclusion
Pansexuality means being attracted to people regardless of their gender. It is not about confusion or rebellion, but about how someone feels attraction. While Nigerian society is still grappling with LGBTQ+ issues, it’s vital that we at least approach the conversation with understanding, not hostility.
Everyone deserves the right to be seen and respected, including pansexual Nigerians.
FAQ
1. What does pansexual mean in simple terms? Pansexual means being attracted to people no matter their gender — male, female, transgender, non-binary, etc.
2. Is pansexual the same as bisexual? They are similar but not the same. Bisexual means being attracted to two or more genders, while pansexual means being attracted to all genders or not caring about gender at all.
3. Can someone be pansexual and Nigerian? Yes. Sexual orientation is a personal experience. There are Nigerians who identify as pansexual, even if they face challenges in society.
4. Is pansexuality accepted in Nigeria? Generally, LGBTQ+ identities face stigma and discrimination in Nigeria, including pansexuality. However, awareness is growing, especially among the youth.
5. How do I support a friend who is pansexual? Respect them, listen without judgment, and don’t try to change them. Even if you don’t fully understand it, kindness goes a long way.
