What is the difference between bisexuality and pansexuality?

Bisexuality and pansexuality seem like similar sexual orientations, which may be why people wonder how they are different.

The “bi” in “bisexual” refers to two. People often use the term to label someone who is sexually attracted to two genders (a binary): men and women. The “pan” in “pansexual” means all and refers to someone who can be attracted to people who identify anywhere on the gender spectrum. This includes people who identify as transgender, genderqueer and non-binary.

Pansexual is usually seen as more inclusive than bisexual, but there’s still debate over the definitions. Some pansexual people choose to identify that way because bisexuality seemingly implies only two genders. However, some people believe that bisexual refers not to a gender binary but instead to having an attraction to more than one gender.

In the end, people can choose the label they feel best represents them. Some people may choose not to use labels because they can be limiting. Others may choose to use different labels over time. How people choose to identify is ultimately about what feels right to them.