this post was submitted on 02 Aug 2023
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Alright this probably isn't the right place to ask this, and I fear I'm about to start a shitstorm, but what is the actual difference between bisexual and pansexual? As far as my own understanding goes it's just semantics and they really mean the same thing, but if I'm wrong I'd love to be corrected. I feel I should clarify I do not care if you prefer to use pansexual over bisexual or vice versa, whatever makes you happy I'm cool with, just genuine curiosity here.
I call myself bi because I am attracted to many genders&body types but not all; a few combinations of gender expression and body features don't work for me.
The people I know who are pan say something like "I'm attracted to people's personalities and character, the body is irrelevant". While that's a pretty inspiring way to be, that ain't me.
There isn't really a good term for people like me that has a good etymology imo, but bi is closest.
As a Trans Women/Enby Pan person here, some people try to set up "rules" for the distinction but it's kinda just a vague vibes thing. The general theme is that Pansexuals are on average attracted to a wider range of people than Bisexuals. But contrary to what some people think bisexual is not limited to the binary genders. Honestly this could also be said for most identities, it's just what label you choose to call yourself.
For instance, I call myself Pansexual because not only do I like both genders (though I lean towards women), androgynous people specifically get to me. It's like both sides of my sexuality light up at the same time.