Similarities Between Pansexuality and Bisexuality

There are similarities between panseuxality and bisexual which really came to my attention after a previous post I wrote about the differences between pansexuality and bisexuality garnered some debate and even anger from bisexuals. Some bisexuals have stated that my post was wrong and even rude. Perhaps I did not clarify my views on the issue clearly because I do not hold any disregard toward bisexuals, especially since I used to identify as one for a very long time. I hope this post helps to explain my views on sexuality, the complications of labeling oneself and the similarities between pansexuality and bisexuality.

Sexuality is Fluid

Whether one likes it or not, sexuality is fluid, not concrete. To me, this means that sexual identity is always in flux, in constant motion like the wind or a stream through a forest. It is never static and immobile. This explains why some straight people fall in love with someone of the same sex or some gay people fall in love with someone of the opposite sex. It happens all the time, whether we like to admit it or not. Is there anything wrong with this? Personally, I don't think so. You can't help who you fall in love with, or who you are attracted to. Isn't that the entire message of equality? To accept everyone for who they are?

"Pansexual" and "Bisexual" Are Similar and Just Labels

No one can define you but you. If you want to call yourself bisexual, then I completely support you. If you want to label yourself pansexual, then I completely support you, too. You can be bisexual and be attracted to all genders. No one can tell you that it's wrong. And if anyone tries to tell you that you're mistaken, then you should disregard them because they're not you. I don't mind calling myself bisexual to people, even though I switched over to pansexual. The reason why is because they're just labels, and labels mean different things to everyone. At the end of the day, I am me. I am not a label.

Similarities Between Pansexuals and Bisexuals

Sadly, I have seen a rift between pansexuals and bisexuals growing in our community. Instead of banding together, they seem to be growing apart. Once again, people love to focus on the differences instead of the similarities. No one should be attacked or criticized for choosing the label bisexual over pansexual. It is my current understanding that the two labels mean the same thing for many bisexuals/pansexuals: we can be attracted to anyone regardless of gender. That means a bisexual/pansexual can have feelings for a cisgender person (when your sex and gender match) or a transgender woman. We can even be attracted to genderqueer people, people with no gender, or people with more than one gender. Sexuality is complex and different for everyone, and if more people realized this, then we wouldn't have as much misunderstanding and debate.

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