Pansexual is a term that has been growing in recent years as a way for people to better identify their sexual identity.
The word Pansexual is derived from the Greek prefix pan, meaning “all”.
Pansexuality is also sometimes referred to as omnisexuality.
It is reflective of those who feel they are sexually, emotionally and spiritually capable of falling in love with all genders and sexes (male, female, intersex and transsexual).
They may be potentially attracted to anyone but not necessarily attracted to everyone. It can be said that those who identify as bi-sexual may fall under this category if they have heard of the term and understand its meaning.
As stated earlier that more and more people are now coming out and accepting themselves as pansexual. However, to the more conservative and reserved heterosexual individual pansexual may refer to as someone who is greedy for sex and attachment due to their promiscuous behaviour.
A pansexual is a person open to different sexual activities and themselves may display their sexuality in many different ways.
Most pansexual people get classed under the LGBT category. Because it is a lesser acknowledged sexuality and under-represented due to lack of awareness.
Some may confuse pansexuals with being Bisexual. But as stated a pansexual person is attracted to people of every gender identity.
With most people only use to two genders of ‘male and ‘female’, for pansexual people, this is not the case. They happily class and accept other genders such transgender, non-binary and genderfluid and can have a normal attraction to any of these.
One example is that of Lavanya Narayan, an Indian journalist. She confirms being attracted to both sexes from an early age and classified herself as a pansexual and gender fluid. In her own words, she prefers “being seen as human, rather than male or female”, taking androgyny and gender fluidity as ways of identity.
Sociologist Shiv Visvanathan, says:
“Sexual preference is now no longer about gender. What were closet identities are now fairly transparent. Beyond dualism (of male and female or of homogeneity), there is a new plurality. Today, there is an explosion of new kinds of identities centred around the body.”
There are a whole plethora of identities that make up the LGBT spectrum and being pansexual is one of them and it is is something as natural as being ‘gay’ or ‘straight’ for those who are of this sexual orientation.
Saidat Khan is an experienced psychosexual and relationship therapist who treats individuals and couples with sexual dysfunctions and intimacy issues. He also facilitates structured group-work; programmes for sex addiction/compulsive behaviour. Based at his Harley Street practice in London, he is open minded and empathetic to client’s needs. Information about his services is available on his website.
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