Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDifferencesAttraction in PansexualityAttraction in OmnisexualityCan You Be Both?Coming to Terms
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Differences
Attraction in Pansexuality
Attraction in Omnisexuality
Can You Be Both?
Coming to Terms
Pansexual people are physically, emotionally, and romantically attracted to people of all genders. Some pansexual see their attraction as existing regardless of a person’s gender identity.Omnisexualpeople are also attracted to people of all genders.This article will explain how pansexuality differs from omnisexuality. You’ll also gain insight into the subtle differences in how attraction for people of these gender identities looks, coming to terms with your gender identity, how to open up the conversation about your gender identity to others if you choose, and resources that can offer support and information.Marko Geber / Getty ImagesHow Pansexuality Is Different From OmnisexualityPansexual and omnisexual people are attracted to all genders, but how they view or make sense of this attraction may differ. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but there can be a subtle distinction. Pansexuality is different from omnisexuality in that pansexual persons may consider their attraction devoid of gender preference.Origins of Pansexuality and OmnisexualityThe term “pansexual” originates from the Greek prefix “pan” meaning “all.” It has been used since the early 20th century, and has origins in abnormal psychology.The term’s meaning has evolved over time to represent not a mental health condition but a sexuality. Omnisexuality, on the other hand, is a more recent term stemming from Latin origin in which the prefix “omni” means “all.“The Subtle DistinctionPansexual people often describe themselves as being attracted to other people regardless of gender identity whereas omnisexuality does not have that association. Pansexuality is sometimes generally associated with a lack of gender preference, also known as gender blindness, but omnisexuality is not.What Is Gender Blindness?Critics of gender blindness in institutions and workplaces may argue that it erases the real impact of gender ideology and gender-based discrimination or violence on gender minorities, which includes cisgender women as well as transgender and nonbinary people.Proponents may argue gender blindness may help fight againstgender-based biases, including transphobiaand sexism.What’s the Difference Between Bisexuality and Pansexuality?Attraction in PansexualityPansexual people may lack a gender preference. However, they can still have preferences in who, from people of all genders, they find attractive.The pansexual pride flag first appeared online in 2010. Although the exact origin of the flag isn’t clear, the pansexual pride flag representshow attraction in pansexuality works(and how it is similar to bisexuality). The Gender and Sexuality Resource Center at the University of Northern Colorado (GSRC) explains what the colors, from top to bottom, represent:Pink represents attraction to women.Yellow represents attraction to those who identify as genderqueer, non-binary, agender, or androgynous.Blue represents attraction to men.Gender IdentityAttraction in OmnisexualityAttraction in omnisexuality is slightly different. Omnisexual people are attracted to people of all genders, but gender does play a role in this attraction. Omnisexual people can still have preferences when it comes to attraction.The omnisexual pride flag is said to have first appeared onTumblr in July 2016,with the note that it could be interchanged with the pansexual pride flag, but offering no explanation of what the colors mean. The original flag design, attributed to @pastelmemer, showed five stripes.From top to bottom, they are: light pink, pink, black, blue, and light blue. The colors have since been explained based on omnisexual attraction as follows:Light pink and light blue represent the gender spectrum.Pink represents attraction to femininity and women.Blue represents attraction to masculinity and men.Dark purple represents attraction to people whose gender falls outside of the categories above.What Is Genderqueer?Can You Be Both?Pansexuality and omnisexuality are both terms that fall under the multisexual umbrella.The subtle differences in pansexuality and omnisexuality exist on an individual basis, so being both pansexual and omnisexual at the same time is possible. This is true even as some people view themselves strongly as omnisexual or pansexual and would not identify with the other label.Gender vs SexualityGender identity and sexuality are discussed together a lot, but they are very different terms. Gender is a social construct and it exists on a spectrum. It is about how you see yourself as a woman, man, both, or something entirely different. Sexuality is about who (if anyone) you find attractive. If you are questioning your gender, you are not alone. Some great resources include The Trevor Project,The Gender Unicorn, and theTransgender Law Center.Being More Comfortable With Your SexualityComing to terms with your sexuality can be a process that looks quite different for everyone. Some people may be certain of their sexuality from a young age, whereas others may question, explore, and evolve their understanding of their sexual identity over their lifetime.Questioning your sexuality is a healthy part of working toward coming to terms with your sexuality. If you’re struggling with the concept of pride due to fear of pansexual or omnisexual stigma, you’re also not alone in this. People who fall under the multisexual umbrella are less likely to be out than gay people and are at a higher risk for mental health struggles, as well as intimate partner violence.Some helpful resources geared toward coming to terms with multisexuality specifically include:American Institute of BisexualityPeer Support Space Inc.(Florida)Bisexual Organizing Project(Minneapolis)Harriet Hancock LGBT Center’s Bi+ Space (South Carolina)If you have suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor. If you or a loved one is in immediate danger or feel like you may be in a position to hurt yourself or others, call 911 immediately.How to Start a Conversation With OthersStudies have shown that concealing your multisexual identity may have negative mental health outcomes, including risk of internalized stigma, rejection sensitivity, anxiety, and depression.Talking about it can help and conversations about your sexuality can be started in any way you feel comfortable.However, you are under no obligation to have these conversations. Coming to terms with your sexuality doesn’t have to follow some script. You can take your time, talk to whomever you feel comfortable with, or reach out to groups and people who you know will be open-minded and safe people to talk with.There are safe spaces you can use to start conversations with others about your sexuality. Some resources include:Visiting alocal LGBTQ+ community centerJoining live chats with peers atQ Chat SpaceChecking out LGBTQ-focused organizations such as theHuman Rights Campaign(HRC),The Trevor Project, andParents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays(PFLAG)Summary"Pansexuality” and “omnisexuality” are terms under the multisexual umbrella of sexual identity. While they are sometimes used interchangeably, they refer to subtly different sexual identities. People who are attracted to all genders can still have preferences in who they find attractive. Coming to terms with your sexuality looks different for everyone. If you’re questioning your sexual preferences, or are not sure how you feel, it’s important to talk to someone you trust, or seek a safe support system.Gender-Affirming Care Bans Harm More Than Just the Trans Community
Pansexual people are physically, emotionally, and romantically attracted to people of all genders. Some pansexual see their attraction as existing regardless of a person’s gender identity.Omnisexualpeople are also attracted to people of all genders.
This article will explain how pansexuality differs from omnisexuality. You’ll also gain insight into the subtle differences in how attraction for people of these gender identities looks, coming to terms with your gender identity, how to open up the conversation about your gender identity to others if you choose, and resources that can offer support and information.
Marko Geber / Getty Images
How Pansexuality Is Different From Omnisexuality
Pansexual and omnisexual people are attracted to all genders, but how they view or make sense of this attraction may differ. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but there can be a subtle distinction. Pansexuality is different from omnisexuality in that pansexual persons may consider their attraction devoid of gender preference.
Origins of Pansexuality and OmnisexualityThe term “pansexual” originates from the Greek prefix “pan” meaning “all.” It has been used since the early 20th century, and has origins in abnormal psychology.The term’s meaning has evolved over time to represent not a mental health condition but a sexuality. Omnisexuality, on the other hand, is a more recent term stemming from Latin origin in which the prefix “omni” means “all.”
Origins of Pansexuality and Omnisexuality
The term “pansexual” originates from the Greek prefix “pan” meaning “all.” It has been used since the early 20th century, and has origins in abnormal psychology.The term’s meaning has evolved over time to represent not a mental health condition but a sexuality. Omnisexuality, on the other hand, is a more recent term stemming from Latin origin in which the prefix “omni” means “all.”
The Subtle Distinction
Pansexual people often describe themselves as being attracted to other people regardless of gender identity whereas omnisexuality does not have that association. Pansexuality is sometimes generally associated with a lack of gender preference, also known as gender blindness, but omnisexuality is not.
What Is Gender Blindness?Critics of gender blindness in institutions and workplaces may argue that it erases the real impact of gender ideology and gender-based discrimination or violence on gender minorities, which includes cisgender women as well as transgender and nonbinary people.Proponents may argue gender blindness may help fight againstgender-based biases, including transphobiaand sexism.
What Is Gender Blindness?
Critics of gender blindness in institutions and workplaces may argue that it erases the real impact of gender ideology and gender-based discrimination or violence on gender minorities, which includes cisgender women as well as transgender and nonbinary people.Proponents may argue gender blindness may help fight againstgender-based biases, including transphobiaand sexism.
What’s the Difference Between Bisexuality and Pansexuality?
Pansexual people may lack a gender preference. However, they can still have preferences in who, from people of all genders, they find attractive.
The pansexual pride flag first appeared online in 2010. Although the exact origin of the flag isn’t clear, the pansexual pride flag representshow attraction in pansexuality works(and how it is similar to bisexuality). The Gender and Sexuality Resource Center at the University of Northern Colorado (GSRC) explains what the colors, from top to bottom, represent:
Gender Identity
Attraction in omnisexuality is slightly different. Omnisexual people are attracted to people of all genders, but gender does play a role in this attraction. Omnisexual people can still have preferences when it comes to attraction.
The omnisexual pride flag is said to have first appeared onTumblr in July 2016,with the note that it could be interchanged with the pansexual pride flag, but offering no explanation of what the colors mean. The original flag design, attributed to @pastelmemer, showed five stripes.
From top to bottom, they are: light pink, pink, black, blue, and light blue. The colors have since been explained based on omnisexual attraction as follows:
What Is Genderqueer?
Pansexuality and omnisexuality are both terms that fall under the multisexual umbrella.The subtle differences in pansexuality and omnisexuality exist on an individual basis, so being both pansexual and omnisexual at the same time is possible. This is true even as some people view themselves strongly as omnisexual or pansexual and would not identify with the other label.
Gender vs SexualityGender identity and sexuality are discussed together a lot, but they are very different terms. Gender is a social construct and it exists on a spectrum. It is about how you see yourself as a woman, man, both, or something entirely different. Sexuality is about who (if anyone) you find attractive. If you are questioning your gender, you are not alone. Some great resources include The Trevor Project,The Gender Unicorn, and theTransgender Law Center.
Gender vs Sexuality
Gender identity and sexuality are discussed together a lot, but they are very different terms. Gender is a social construct and it exists on a spectrum. It is about how you see yourself as a woman, man, both, or something entirely different. Sexuality is about who (if anyone) you find attractive. If you are questioning your gender, you are not alone. Some great resources include The Trevor Project,The Gender Unicorn, and theTransgender Law Center.
Being More Comfortable With Your Sexuality
Coming to terms with your sexuality can be a process that looks quite different for everyone. Some people may be certain of their sexuality from a young age, whereas others may question, explore, and evolve their understanding of their sexual identity over their lifetime.
Questioning your sexuality is a healthy part of working toward coming to terms with your sexuality. If you’re struggling with the concept of pride due to fear of pansexual or omnisexual stigma, you’re also not alone in this. People who fall under the multisexual umbrella are less likely to be out than gay people and are at a higher risk for mental health struggles, as well as intimate partner violence.
Some helpful resources geared toward coming to terms with multisexuality specifically include:
If you have suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor. If you or a loved one is in immediate danger or feel like you may be in a position to hurt yourself or others, call 911 immediately.
How to Start a Conversation With Others
Studies have shown that concealing your multisexual identity may have negative mental health outcomes, including risk of internalized stigma, rejection sensitivity, anxiety, and depression.Talking about it can help and conversations about your sexuality can be started in any way you feel comfortable.
However, you are under no obligation to have these conversations. Coming to terms with your sexuality doesn’t have to follow some script. You can take your time, talk to whomever you feel comfortable with, or reach out to groups and people who you know will be open-minded and safe people to talk with.
There are safe spaces you can use to start conversations with others about your sexuality. Some resources include:
Summary
“Pansexuality” and “omnisexuality” are terms under the multisexual umbrella of sexual identity. While they are sometimes used interchangeably, they refer to subtly different sexual identities. People who are attracted to all genders can still have preferences in who they find attractive. Coming to terms with your sexuality looks different for everyone. If you’re questioning your sexual preferences, or are not sure how you feel, it’s important to talk to someone you trust, or seek a safe support system.
Gender-Affirming Care Bans Harm More Than Just the Trans Community
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.GLAAD.Bisexual people.Center for Positive Sexuality.#TuesdayTerms: Bi/pan/omni/polysexual.Them.Inqueery: The past and popular usage of the word “pansexual.”Dictionary.com.Omnisexual.UN.Gender-blindness.Gender and Sexuality Resource Center at the University of Northern Colorado (GSRC).Pride flags.Gender and Sexuality Resource Center at the University of Northern Colorado (GSRC).Pride flags.GLAAD.Glossary of terms LGBTQ.Youth.gov.Sexual orientation and gender identity.Bisexual Resource Center.Bi+ info.Feinstein BA, Xavier Hall CD, Dyar C, Davila J.Motivations for sexual identity concealment and their associations with mental health among bisexual, pansexual, queer, and fluid (bi+) individuals.J Bisex. 2020;20(3):324-341. doi:10.1080/15299716.2020.1743402
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.GLAAD.Bisexual people.Center for Positive Sexuality.#TuesdayTerms: Bi/pan/omni/polysexual.Them.Inqueery: The past and popular usage of the word “pansexual.”Dictionary.com.Omnisexual.UN.Gender-blindness.Gender and Sexuality Resource Center at the University of Northern Colorado (GSRC).Pride flags.Gender and Sexuality Resource Center at the University of Northern Colorado (GSRC).Pride flags.GLAAD.Glossary of terms LGBTQ.Youth.gov.Sexual orientation and gender identity.Bisexual Resource Center.Bi+ info.Feinstein BA, Xavier Hall CD, Dyar C, Davila J.Motivations for sexual identity concealment and their associations with mental health among bisexual, pansexual, queer, and fluid (bi+) individuals.J Bisex. 2020;20(3):324-341. doi:10.1080/15299716.2020.1743402
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
GLAAD.Bisexual people.Center for Positive Sexuality.#TuesdayTerms: Bi/pan/omni/polysexual.Them.Inqueery: The past and popular usage of the word “pansexual.”Dictionary.com.Omnisexual.UN.Gender-blindness.Gender and Sexuality Resource Center at the University of Northern Colorado (GSRC).Pride flags.Gender and Sexuality Resource Center at the University of Northern Colorado (GSRC).Pride flags.GLAAD.Glossary of terms LGBTQ.Youth.gov.Sexual orientation and gender identity.Bisexual Resource Center.Bi+ info.Feinstein BA, Xavier Hall CD, Dyar C, Davila J.Motivations for sexual identity concealment and their associations with mental health among bisexual, pansexual, queer, and fluid (bi+) individuals.J Bisex. 2020;20(3):324-341. doi:10.1080/15299716.2020.1743402
GLAAD.Bisexual people.
Center for Positive Sexuality.#TuesdayTerms: Bi/pan/omni/polysexual.
Them.Inqueery: The past and popular usage of the word “pansexual.”
Dictionary.com.Omnisexual.
UN.Gender-blindness.
Gender and Sexuality Resource Center at the University of Northern Colorado (GSRC).Pride flags.
GLAAD.Glossary of terms LGBTQ.
Youth.gov.Sexual orientation and gender identity.
Bisexual Resource Center.Bi+ info.
Feinstein BA, Xavier Hall CD, Dyar C, Davila J.Motivations for sexual identity concealment and their associations with mental health among bisexual, pansexual, queer, and fluid (bi+) individuals.J Bisex. 2020;20(3):324-341. doi:10.1080/15299716.2020.1743402
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