"So... you're attracted to pans?"
If you're pansexual, you've heard this joke approximately 47,000 times. And whilst we appreciate the effort at humour, let's clear something up: pansexuality has nothing to do with cookware, and everything to do with how attraction works.
Pansexuality means experiencing attraction to people regardless of their gender. It's not about being attracted to everyone—it's about gender not being a determining factor in who you're attracted to.
Let's explore what that actually means.
The term "pansexual" comes from the Greek prefix "pan," meaning "all." But here's the important bit: pansexual doesn't mean you're attracted to all people (that would be exhausting). It means gender isn't a relevant factor in your attraction.
Think of it this way:
When a pansexual person is attracted to someone, gender doesn't enter the equation. They're attracted to the person—their personality, energy, sense of humour, the way they laugh at terrible jokes—and that person's gender identity (man, woman, non-binary, genderfluid, etc.) simply isn't part of what draws them in.
It's not that gender is ignored or invisible. It's that it doesn't determine whether attraction is possible.
"Isn't that just bisexual?"
This is the question, isn't it? Here's the truth: there's significant overlap between bisexuality and pansexuality, and some people use both labels interchangeably. Many pansexual people previously identified as bisexual. Some people identify as both.
The distinction often comes down to personal preference and how people experience their attraction. Many bisexual people are attracted to multiple genders (including non-binary people). Many pansexual people describe their attraction as "gender-blind."
Neither definition is "more inclusive" or "better." They're simply different ways people describe their experiences. The bi vs pan debate? Honestly, we're all on the same team.
"So you're attracted to literally everyone?"
No. Absolutely not. Pansexual people have preferences, standards, and types—just like everyone else. Gender not being a factor doesn't mean attraction is indiscriminate. You can be pansexual and still have specific things you're drawn to in people (intelligence, kindness, someone who laughs at your terrible puns).
"That's not a real sexuality."
Except it is. Pansexuality has been documented and discussed within LGBTQ+ communities for decades. Just because it's gained mainstream visibility more recently doesn't make it any less valid.
"You're just greedy/confused/going through a phase."
This tired accusation gets thrown at bisexual and pansexual people constantly. Attraction to multiple genders isn't greed—it's simply how some people experience attraction. And being certain about your identity isn't confusion.
Discovery:
Many pansexual people describe a moment when they realised gender just... wasn't relevant to their attraction. Perhaps they found themselves drawn to people across the gender spectrum and thought, "Oh, I suppose gender doesn't really matter to me."
For some, it's a lightbulb moment. For others, it's a gradual understanding that the way they experience attraction doesn't fit neatly into straight, gay, or even bisexual categories.
Dating:
Pansexual people navigate dating across the full spectrum of gender identities. This can mean:
Finding Community:
The pansexual community is wonderfully diverse—because, well, that's rather the point. Online spaces, LGBTQ+ groups, and Pride events offer places where pansexual people can connect without having to explain themselves constantly.
Many pan people find community within broader bisexual/bi+ spaces, whilst others seek specifically pan communities. Both are valid.
For years, pansexuality was relatively unknown outside LGBTQ+ circles. When celebrities like Janelle Monáe, Brendon Urie, and Bella Thorne came out as pansexual, it sparked necessary conversations—and unfortunately, also a lot of confusion and debate.
But visibility matters because:
When someone sees a pansexual pride flag or bracelet and thinks, "Wait, what's that?"—and then learns something new—that's progress.
The pansexual pride flag features three horizontal stripes:
Together, they symbolise attraction across all gender identities. The flag was created in 2010 and has become a widely recognised symbol of pan identity and pride.
In a world where your orientation might not be immediately obvious (especially if people make assumptions based on your current partner), having a visible signal can be powerful.
Wearing a pansexual pride bracelet isn't about broadcasting to everyone you meet. It's about:
When someone spots your bracelet and their face lights up with understanding—or better yet, when another pan person sees it and you share that knowing look—that's the magic of visibility.
Our pansexual bracelet is designed to be that subtle signal. Workplace-appropriate, conversation-starting, community-building. It says: "I see beyond gender, and I'm proud of it."
If you're pansexual, you're not alone. Whether you're just discovering this identity or you've known for years, there's a community here.
Resources:
Books & Media:
YouTubers & Creators:
Books:
Representation:
Tip: The LGBTQ+ creator landscape is constantly evolving—search #pansexual on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram to discover current voices in the community.
Pansexuality is a valid, beautiful way of experiencing attraction. Whether gender factors into your attraction or not is simply part of the vast diversity of human experience.
You don't need to justify your identity. You don't need to prove it. You don't need everyone to understand it.
You just need to be yourself.
And when you're ready to signal that identity to the world—or just to others who understand—we're here for that.
Explore RCREW's pansexual pride bracelet and wear your identity with pride. Because attraction without boundaries deserves to be celebrated.
This Christmas, we want to say thank you—to every LGBTQ+ person who refuses to be invisible, who shows up authentically, who makes space for others. 2025 tested us with DEI rollbacks and political backlash—2026 may bring more challenges. But we've survived worse. We're recommitting to solidarity, visibility, and supporting each other through what comes next.
"You're just confused." "Pick a side." "You're going through a phase." If you're bisexual, you've heard it all. Here's the truth: bisexuality is attraction to multiple genders. It's not confusion, not a phase, not "half and half." It's the largest group within the LGBTQ+ community—and it's time we talked about it properly.
For many LGBTQ+ people, the most meaningful Christmas gift isn't under the tree—it's sitting across the table. Acceptance isn't something you can wrap in a bow, but it's the gift that changes everything. Here's what it looks like, and how to give it.