EXPLORING YOUR SEXUALITY
Pansexual was first used in psychology to refer to the idea that sex is the primary driver of all human behavior, pan– here from the Greek meaning “all.” The word was originally leveled against the ideas of Sigmund Freud as far back as 1914. Critics were still arguing against this supposed pansexual psychology in the 1950s and 1960s.New meanings for pansexual emerged in the 1960–70s. A 1960s study described pansexual rats who paired sexually with other rats regardless of their sex. In 1966, Life magazine described poet Allen Ginsberg as being in favor of pansexual freedom, apparently meaning complete sexual freedom. On a similar note in 1974, the Saturday Review saw a trend of pansexuality or “sexual anarchy” in New York theater. Around the same time, an article in Ramparts magazine made reference to pansexuality as a sexual identity, contrasting it with “the older term bisexual.” A 1979 book titled The Gay Report also includes reports from people who called themselves pansexual.A handful of celebrities have spread awareness of the term when they came out as pansexual. Superstar Miley Cyrus described herself as pansexual in an interview with Elle UK in August 2015. In a later interview with Variety, she said, “I don’t ever think about someone being a boy or someone being a girl.” In 2017, she released a song, “She’s Not Him,” which Billboard called “a pansexual milestone in mainstream music.”In an April 2018 Rolling Stone interview, artist Janelle Monae identified as pansexual. She noted that she previously called herself bisexual, but then learned of pansexuality and thought that fit, saying “I’m open to learning more about who I am.” Google searches for pansexuality spiked in April 2018 after the interview.In March 2021, singer Demi Lovato described themself as pansexual during an interview with Joe Rogan on his podcast The Joe Rogan Experience. When asked by Rogan if Demi liked “girls” and “boys,” Lovato answered “Yeah, anything, really.” Rogan responded by asking if pansexual was the correct term and Lovato answered that it was. Lovato’s interview with Rogan was covered extensively by the mainstream media. In May 2021, Lovato announced that they identify as nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns.
What Is Omnisexual?
People who identify as omnisexual are attracted to those of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Omnisexuality is in the category of multisexuality, which includes people who are attracted to more than one gender. Omnisexual people are often categorized in this group along with those who are bisexual, polysexual, and pansexual. There’s no one way to identify as omnisexual. Omnisexual and pansexual, which refers to being attracted to people of any gender identity, are often used interchangeably, though there are differences between the two Omnisexual people may find their gender identity confused with other sexual orientations in the multisexuality category, and some may feel pressure to conform to a label more familiar to others.
What Is the Difference Between Omnisexuality and Pansexuality?
Many people use the terms pansexual and omnisexual interchangeably. While they are closely related, there are differences between the two. Those who identify as pansexual feel attraction to people without noticing their gender, while omnisexual people recognize the gender of potential partners.
Some people put it this way: Pansexual people are gender-blind, while omnisexual people are not. Even though omnisexual individuals recognize the gender of those to whom they feel a romantic attraction, it doesn’t play a huge factor in their choice of partner.
Myths and Misconceptions About Omnisexuality
Omnisexual people, like others in the multisexual category, often find themselves facing intolerance of their sexual identity. Finding literature about their specific orientation can be difficult. People may not recognize or understand the term, and they may even try to put omnisexual people in a more familiar category.
It’s far easier to find information about other identities on the spectrum of multisexuality, like bisexuality or pansexuality. Even guides to bias-free language may use terms like pansexual, multisexual, and omnisexual interchangeably without regard to the distinctions.
The lack of information on omnisexuality can cause confusion. Without clearer guidance around different identities, people may have trouble recognizing where they are on the spectrum of sexuality. It can take time and experience before they realize that they identify as omnisexual versus another sexual orientation.
Omnisexual people may encounter misconceptions about their identity. It’s a problem often faced by those who fall into the multisexual category.
One myth omnisexual people face is that they aren’t willing to settle down with one person. Another is the perception that they are more promiscuous than others.
Those who feel confident in identifying as omnisexual may want to share their experiences with the broader LGBTQIA+ collective. This may help clear up misunderstandings about what it means to be omnisexual. Further insights on omnisexuality may help others who are working through the intricacies of their sexual identity.
How Omnisexuality Works in Relationships
Your partner may not be familiar with the term omnisexual. Take time to explain what it means to you to identify as omnisexual and your understanding of it.
With time and more understanding of gender and sexual identities, the list of sexual preference labels continues to expand. Some believe that making room for more categories allows people to push past an initial focus on gender. They also believe that opening up the sexual spectrum clarifies sexual attraction, or lack thereof, and increases freedom to express sexual fluidity.
Understanding your preference can assist you in communicating your wants and needs to partners regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Mutual respect can lead to a better appreciation of each other’s differences along with validation of your specified identity. (WebMD Medical Reference)
