Pansexual
Definition
Pansexual refers to someone who can feel sexually and/or romantically attracted to people regardless of their gender. It is about the person themselves, not their gender identity or biological sex.
Explanation of pansexual
Pansexuality falls within the spectrum of sexual orientations and is often described as “attraction to people, not gender.” For pansexual individuals, gender does not play a determining role in their attraction; it is mainly about personality, energy, character, connection, or intellectual and emotional chemistry. This does not mean that gender is completely irrelevant to them, but that it is not an exclusive factor.
Pansexuality can play an important role within BDSM. Because BDSM revolves around energy, dynamics, and roles – Dominant or submissive, leading or following – pansexual people may find that their attraction changes depending on the role or the chemistry between them. For example, a pansexual Dominant woman may be attracted to both male and female subs, as long as the energy and dynamics are right. The same applies to submissives who are attracted to Dominants of different genders.
The concept is sometimes confused with bisexuality. Although there is overlap, pansexuality explicitly emphasizes that attraction can fall outside the binary male/female mindset. Pansexual people often say that they could love or desire “anyone,” depending on who the person is.
Safety & points of attention
Pansexuality is not in itself a risk factor within BDSM, but because pansexual people are not bound by traditional gender preferences, misunderstandings or assumptions can sometimes arise within the BDSM community. Open communication about desires, boundaries, preferences, and expectations remains important, especially when a pansexual person plays with different partners or within multiple dynamics.
In addition, it is necessary to avoid stereotypical assumptions. For example, pansexuality does not mean that someone is “always open to everyone” or “easy.” Boundaries remain individual and must always be taken seriously.
Related terms pansexual
Bisexual
Gender-bending
Homosexual
Lesbian
Queer
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