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Understanding Pansexual: Attraction Beyond Gender

December 12, 2025 5 min read

Understanding Pansexual: Attraction Beyond Gender

"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.

What Does Pansexual Mean?

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.

Common Misconceptions (Let's Clear These Up)

"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.

The Pansexual Experience

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:

  • Explaining your orientation repeatedly (yes, it gets tiresome)
  • Dating someone whose gender identity is new to you
  • Being accused of being "secretly straight" when dating someone of a different gender, or "secretly gay" when dating someone of the same gender
  • The exhausting reality that your identity is often questioned or erased based on your current partner

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.

Why Visibility Matters

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:

  • Validation: Seeing your identity represented reminds you it's real and valid
  • Language: Having a word for your experience helps you understand yourself
  • Community: Visibility helps pansexual people find each other
  • Education: The more people understand pansexuality, the fewer times you have to explain it

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

The pansexual pride flag features three horizontal stripes:

  • Pink represents attraction to women
  • Yellow represents attraction to non-binary people
  • Blue represents attraction to men

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.

Signals of Identity

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:

  • Being findable to other pansexual people
  • Signalling to potential partners that you're open across the gender spectrum
  • Having a daily reminder that your identity is valid
  • Creating small moments of recognition and connection

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."

Finding Your People

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:

  • Stonewall UK - LGBTQ+ rights and resources
  • The Bisexual Index - Despite the name, inclusive of pan identities
  • GLAAD - Media representation and education
  • Online communities on Reddit (r/pansexual), TikTok, and Instagram

Books & Media:

YouTubers & Creators:

  • Stef Sanjati - Canadian trans woman and pansexual advocate who creates content about identity, transition, and LGBTQ+ issues
  • Anthony Padilla - "I spent a day with..." series includes pansexual perspectives
  • Alayna Fender (alaynajoy) - Pansexual creator discussing LGBTQ+ life and relationships
  • Thomas Sanders - Actor, singer, and content creator who came out as pansexual in 2017

Books:

  • Ace & Aro Journeys anthology (includes pan perspectives)
  • The ABC's of LGBT+ by Ashley Mardell - Includes comprehensive pansexual discussion

Representation:

  • Increasingly, TV shows and films featuring pan characters (Deadpool, Schitt's Creek, Brooklyn Nine-Nine)

Tip: The LGBTQ+ creator landscape is constantly evolving—search #pansexual on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram to discover current voices in the community.

A Final Word

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.


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