LGBTQ+

What is Pansexuality? And Finding the Right Support.

Expansive Therapy

Defining Pansexuality

Pansexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by attraction to individuals regardless of their gender identity or expression. Pansexual individuals may be attracted to people of all genders, including but not limited to cisgender, transgender, non-binary, and genderqueer individuals. Pansexuality emphasizes attraction to the person as a whole, rather than solely based on their gender.

Debunking Misconceptions

Not Bisexuality: While pansexuality and bisexuality share similarities in that they both encompass attraction to multiple genders, they are not synonymous. Pansexuality explicitly includes attraction to individuals who identify outside the traditional binary of male and female, whereas bisexuality may be interpreted as attraction to only two genders.
Not Polyamory: Pansexuality is not synonymous with polyamory or non-monogamy. Pansexual individuals, like individuals of any other sexual orientation, may have a variety of relationship preferences and arrangements, including monogamous relationships.
Not Promiscuity: Pansexuality is not indicative of or synonymous with promiscuity or a lack of commitment, not to say there is anything wrong with someone who prefers casual sex to commitment. Like individuals of any other sexual orientation, pansexual individuals have diverse preferences and values when it comes to relationships, intimacy, and sexuality.

Embracing Diversity and Fluidity

Pansexuality emphasizes the fluidity and diversity of human attraction, acknowledging that attraction is not limited by gender. Pansexual individuals celebrate the uniqueness and complexity of each person, embracing a wide spectrum of gender identities and expressions in their attractions and relationships.

Defining Pansexuality

Debunking Misconceptions

Not Bisexuality: While pansexuality and bisexuality share similarities in that they both encompass attraction to multiple genders, they are not synonymous. Pansexuality explicitly includes attraction to individuals who identify outside the traditional binary of male and female, whereas bisexuality may be interpreted as attraction to only two genders.
Not Polyamory: Pansexuality is not synonymous with polyamory or non-monogamy. Pansexual individuals, like individuals of any other sexual orientation, may have a variety of relationship preferences and arrangements, including monogamous relationships.
Not Promiscuity: Pansexuality is not indicative of or synonymous with promiscuity or a lack of commitment, not to say there is anything wrong with someone who prefers casual sex to commitment. Like individuals of any other sexual orientation, pansexual individuals have diverse preferences and values when it comes to relationships, intimacy, and sexuality.

Embracing Diversity and Fluidity

Defining Pansexuality

Debunking Misconceptions

Not Bisexuality: While pansexuality and bisexuality share similarities in that they both encompass attraction to multiple genders, they are not synonymous. Pansexuality explicitly includes attraction to individuals who identify outside the traditional binary of male and female, whereas bisexuality may be interpreted as attraction to only two genders.
Not Polyamory: Pansexuality is not synonymous with polyamory or non-monogamy. Pansexual individuals, like individuals of any other sexual orientation, may have a variety of relationship preferences and arrangements, including monogamous relationships.
Not Promiscuity: Pansexuality is not indicative of or synonymous with promiscuity or a lack of commitment, not to say there is anything wrong with someone who prefers casual sex to commitment. Like individuals of any other sexual orientation, pansexual individuals have diverse preferences and values when it comes to relationships, intimacy, and sexuality.

Embracing Diversity and Fluidity

Seeking Support Through Therapy

Therapy can be a valuable resource for individuals who are exploring their pansexual identity or seeking support in navigating the challenges and complexities that may arise. A therapist who specializes in LGBTQ+ issues can provide a safe and affirming space for pansexual individuals to explore the spectrum of their attractions and develop coping strategies, resilience, and self-acceptance.

The difference between an LGBTQ specialized therapist and a therapist who doesn't have training with the community can be vast and impactful to your growth. To make sure you're with the right therapist, read their bio beforehand and request a free 15 minute consult before you get started. Be sure to ask questions about your sexual identity to gauge their comfort level.

Through therapy, pansexual folks can:

Explore Identity: Therapy offers a space for individuals to explore their pansexual identity, understand their feelings and experiences, and develop a deeper sense of self-awareness and self-acceptance. One of the best parts about LGBTQ affirming therapy is that it doesn’t create any sort of end goal or linear pursuit for your self exploration. Ultimately, the exploration is fluid and limitless.
Address Challenges: Pansexual individuals may face challenges related to identity acceptance, navigating relationships, or managing societal expectations. Often growing up outside of the heteronormative box creates shame and self-hatred as well. Therapy provides support and guidance in addressing these challenges with resilience and empowerment.
Find Validation: In therapy, individuals can find validation, affirmation, and support for their pansexual identity, helping them feel seen, heard, and understood in a world that may not always recognize or affirm their experiences.
Develop Coping Skills: Therapy equips individuals with coping skills, mindfulness techniques, and self-care strategies to manage stress, anxiety, or other emotional challenges that may arise in relation to their pansexuality.

Pansexuality is a growing identity in today’s LGBTQ world that celebrates the fluidity and complexity of human attraction. If you identify as pansexual or are questioning your sexual orientation, know that you are not alone, and that good support is available. Remember that the journey of self-discovery can be fun, exciting, and empowering when you have a solid foundation of support beneath you.