In the scope of contemporary society, knowledge about sexual orientation has expanded to an ever-widening array of dating identity categories and labels with various different characteristics. One such identity that is increasingly being taken into consideration is that of pansexual. With increasing acceptance of societal norms pertaining to diverse sexual orientations, many people today are taking the newfound freedom to explore and question their own identities. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Am I pansexual?” and are thinking about taking a quiz to find your answer, then you must get to understand what being pansexual really means.
Definition of Pansexuality
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Pansexuality is a sexual orientation that characterizes an attraction to human beings regardless of their gender identity. Unlike orientations, which have some aspect of the gender conformity of the individual in regard to attraction, pansexuality symbolizes the notion that there are no boundaries when it comes to love, attraction, and attachment to any particular gender or identity. Thus, an individual who identifies as pansexual feels an attraction to people identifying with being male, female, non-binary, gender-queer, or any other gender.
It actually becomes imperative to differentiate pansexuality from bisexuality, with which it is typically synonymous. More often than not, bisexuality stands for one feeling an attraction to more than one type of gender – to males and females; though not necessarily this way. In other words, an attraction to people of all genders denotes an individual as being pansexual since it is not restricted to two categories of gender.
Before you take any quiz (including our “Am I pansexual?”) in your life that might help you decide whether you are pansexual or not, it should be something that gives you a better idea of already having certain kinds of signs or experiences. Keep in mind that sexual orientation is very personal and each person’s experience is different.
You might be, or may have been, attracted to individuals of both or many gender identities. You might have reached a stage where you realized that gender did not matter much to you if you were attracted to a person. For example, you may be deeply connected to another person regardless of their identification as male, female, non-binary, or any other type of identity.
Another sign might be comfortable with is the fluidity in your attractions. Lots of pansexual people really seem to like that idea – that attraction is fluid and not limited by gender in any way. If you’re okay with maybe being attracted to a person because of how they are, how they make you feel, and so on, instead of being attracted to their gender, you probably relate to pansexuality.
Consider, too, what your attitudes are toward labels more generally. Many people identify as pansexual because it seems like that is one of the most inclusively descriptive labels for them. If you have had trouble with the labels you have used so far, though, and felt like they were really incomplete in describing your experience, then pansexuality may be a label worth looking into.
What Does a Pansexuality Test Serve?
A quiz that will support your sexual orientation is a very valuable tool in your adventure of self-discovery. The quiz must be construed not exactly as a defining statement about you but, instead, as an instrument to reflect on feelings and experiences in an organized manner. A quiz will do some aspects of yourself that you might never have thought of, thus bringing into perspective clarity and insight into your orientation.
Such quizzes involve questions on whom you are attracted to, your perception of gender, what different identities you identify with, etc. These responses should help you figure out which side you would be leaning towards and then you can approximate your position on the sexual orientation spectrum. While our “Am I pansexual?” quiz might push you one way or another, remember it’s only you who can truthfully define your identity.
Importance of Self-Reflection
While quizzes are fun and a good place to start, self-reflection is key to understanding your sexuality. Spend time reflecting on feelings and experiences over the years. Think back on past relationships or attractions, considering what about a person led you to desire to be with them. Is it their gender, or is it something in them that perhaps has nothing to do with gender?
Interacting with other pansexuals may be helpful: With a lot of people’s narratives, you’ll start seeing yourself in them at some point and may further reflect upon your identity. Additionally, knowing about the larger LGBTQ+ world and the plurality of orientations may also give some people a sense of affinity.
Questioning your sexual orientation is a big, and at times very private, experience. It is the journey one is on that matters the most, not necessarily the end—if there ever is an end to your finally saying you’re pansexual or another label that describes you more accurately for what you feel. This may help a quiz, but it is one small step on the way to your discovery.
You don’t have to rush into naming yourself, and it’s perfectly alright to slow down, feel a little, and explore what feels right to you. It’s finding a label—or no label at all—that feels authentic and true to oneself.
Answer this quiz open-mindedly because it makes you learn more about yourself. Your identity, valid by any of the test outcomes, means your journey toward self-discovery is yours.
