What's the Real Difference between Bi- and Pansexual?

Bisexuality and pansexuality are both sexual orientations that involve attraction to people of more than one gender. The main difference between the two orientations is in how they define and interpret gender.

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Bisexuality typically refers to attraction to people of two genders, typically binary genders (i.e., male and female). Bisexual people may be attracted to men, women, or both.

Pansexuality, on the other hand, refers to attraction to people regardless of their gender. Pansexual people may be attracted to people of any gender, including those who are transgender, gender non-conforming, genderqueer, or non-binary. Pansexuality is often seen as a more inclusive orientation that recognizes and affirms the full spectrum of gender identities and expressions.

In both cases, however, it’s important to remember that sexual orientation is a personal and individual experience. What one person identifies as may be different from another person, and labels are not always accurate or sufficient to describe someone’s sexual orientation. It’s important to respect people’s self-identification and not make assumptions about their orientation based on preconceived notions.

Some well-known celebrities who identify as pansexual include Miley Cyrus, Janelle Monáe, and Bella Thorne.