Pansexuality is an umbrella term for individuals who are attracted to people regardless of their gender identity, which means they can be attracted to cisgender, transgender, intersex, non-binary, or agender individuals. It is often used to describe a person's attraction towards different genders, but it can also refer to attraction towards multiple genders. Pansexuals do not consider gender when evaluating potential partners, so they may find themselves interested in all kinds of people, from males to females and everything in between. They may have romantic feelings towards some men, others women, or even both at once.
Many pansexuals believe that gender does not matter when it comes to attraction, while others believe that gender plays a role in how they feel about someone. Regardless of whether they consider gender, pansexuals often seek out sexual interactions based on other factors like physical appearance or emotional connection rather than just their biological sex. This could mean that they find themselves attracted to certain features such as long hair or broad shoulders, or they might focus more on compatibility or chemistry instead of traditional markers of masculinity or femininity. While some people might assume that this makes them promiscuous or polyamorous, these assumptions are unfounded.
The concept of being pansexual has been around since the 1950s when it was first coined by psychologist William Alfred. Since then, many individuals have adopted the term as their own way of describing their sexual orientation, though there is still a lot of confusion surrounding what it actually means. Some people use it as an umbrella term for any type of sexual identity outside heterosexuality, while others argue that it should be reserved only for those who identify as non-binary or gender fluid.
Pansexual individuals may face challenges in terms of finding partners who understand their unique experiences, but with the rise of online dating apps and communities specifically for pansexual people, it's becoming easier to connect with others who share similar identities. Still, many pansexuals continue to struggle with societal norms and stigmas surrounding their identity, including being labeled "confused" or "undecided." In addition, some people may experience difficulty coming out because family members or friends do not understand what pansexuality is and may view it as a phase or passing fad.