The difference between bisexuality and pansexuality

Slowly throughout time, we have come to use different terms in order to identify our own types of sexuality. Now, many of them are pretty self-explanatory, such as heterosexual and homosexual which are two well known categories people place themselves into. However, there are many more we can choose to label ourselves with, and it can get very confusing when it comes to distinguishing the difference between some of them as they are very similar, but with significant differences. In this article, we're talking about bisexuality and pansexuality: two very important words which can make a whole lot of difference to many people.

Bisexuality is a sexual attraction to both males and females. However, it can also be defined as an attraction to only two genders. 

Pansexuality is a sexual attraction to anyone, regardless of a persons biological sex or gender identity. Some pansexuals refer to themselves as 'genderblind', which means that they do not distinguish people by gender, as this is insignificant to them, but more by their personality and other things.

Neither of these sexualities mean that there is an equal attraction between each different gender, as you could be more attracted to one gender than others, but this term can still apply to you if you want it to. Some people who suspect they may be bisexual may decide to label themselves as bi curious before they stick to the bisexual label, as it can get confusing if you have slight attractions to the opposite gender to yourself.

If you have attractions to people of different genders and don't know how you feel about it you can also be labelled as 'questioning', as this is you exploring the different labels. I think I would put myself in the bi curious/ questioning category, because in reality I'm not actually sure- who knows how my views will change through the years! Sure, all these sexualities can be confusing, especially if you've not have any prior experience to give you any directions. 

I still get confused sometimes with the difference between them both and as to what I feel I might identify with (I'm really confused, ok!) as I've never experienced being with anyone who is not cisgender (same gender as their biological sex) or the same sex, but I do get attracted to other people who aren't and this is what really confuses me. I still haven't worked it out but hopefully one day I will. As always there's not need to conform or feel tied to any of your labels, they are what you make them and as long as you are happy, then there is no problem!

-Elle ^-^