Pansexual people can feel love and sexual attraction for all genders. They do not desire the gender per se, but the person - regardless of what gender characteristics he/she is endowed with or what he/she identifies as.
The term "pansexual" is based on the Greek word "pan". This stands in the German translation for "everything" or "whole". Equipped with this background knowledge, the word "pansexual" explains itself.
For many pansexual people it is especially important not to be called "bisexual". Some define pansexuality a bit more fluidly, as there is definitely one or the other overlap, but also an abundance of misunderstandings.
What is the difference between pan- and bisexual?
In order to be able to name the difference between pan- and bisexuality, it is important to look a little closer and refer to the two terms once again. While "pan" - as already mentioned - stands for "all" or "whole", the "bi" in "bisexual" stands for "two. This means: A bisexual person can love or find both (!) genders attractive. A pansexual feels the same for all (!) genders.
Here the sex characteristics, but also the gender identification, are completely irrelevant. The (or the) pansexual loves the human being.
In the meantime, another term has become established in this context: "bi+". With this term, pansexuals try to give outsiders an indication of their orientation, to show that their preferences are not limited to the two classic genders, but go further. If you want to be a little more general, you can of course simply use the term "queer".
Are pansexual people polyamorous?
This is a classic prejudice. Just because a person is capable of loving others completely regardless of their gender does not mean that they are polyamorous and/or cannot be faithful.
Pansexual people can have monogamous relationships without any problems. And those who live with them in a partnership do not have to worry because of "the big competition". Sure: Even among pansexual people there are those who are not too particular about fidelity. However, this is a character trait that has nothing to do with sexual orientation.
When did the term "pansexuality" originate?
Around 1900 the term pansexuality appeared in the English dictionary for the first time. Even then, psychologists in particular were researching the "phenomenon" and investigating how it can be possible for a person to love then really completely regardless of gender.
For a long period of time, many people were of the opinion that this was some kind of "crankiness". Only since a few years pansexuality as a sexual orientation has moved back into the focus. In the meantime, it also appears to science as quite realistic that it is possible to live men, women, but also all other genders.
Many pansexuals ultimately also benefit from the fact that the focus within the community is increasingly placed on this topic. Because: The fact that their way of loving or desiring others can now be described often helps them with their self-identification and also offers a certain degree of security.
I can't go along with that. For me, you either like something or you don't. It doesn't matter. I like men and horny cocks point!!!
that's generally really interesting, but isn't there always something special that appeals to you?
Sure. I especially like long, thin women. And black curls. I couldn't care less about gender. But if a fat short guy with freckles and a bald head has the right mindset, I could fall in love. I just like the brainfuck. But non-violent. There might be a certain temporary asexuality associated with it, but overall it's pansexual, even if I have preferences.