Pansexual vs. Omnisexual: Are They Different?

Medically Reviewed on 2/7/2022
Pansexual vs. Omnisexual: Are They Different
Although pansexual and omnisexual are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences between the two. Learn about the differences

Although pansexual and omnisexual are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences between the two. 

While both pansexual and omnisexual people are attracted to other people of any gender identity, pansexual people are gender blind, while omnisexual people are not.

Some people use the terms omnisexual and pansexual to indicate that they recognize gender fluidity or that there are more than two genders.

Pansexuality vs. omnisexuality

Pansexuality

  • Emotional or physical attraction to a person irrespective of gender—assigned or perceived gender plays no role in selecting a partner.
  • Attracted to the individual, not to their gender.
  • Can be attracted to anyone, including individuals who do not identify with their gender.
  • Not aware or do not consider the gender of the person they are attracted to.
  • Considered gender blind.
  • May be offended by being classified as bisexual because there is no role of attraction toward the gender expressed by their partner.
  • Represented with a flag that has three colors: pink, yellow, and blue.

Omnisexuality

  • Exhibit multisexuality where they are sexually attracted to people of all genders.
  • Place importance on gender because they are attracted to facial expressions and body language that is related to their gender identity.
  • Aware of the gender of the person they are attracted to.
  • Not gender blind.
  • May have gender preferences and discover that the gender of their chosen partner is important.
  • Represented with a flag that has five horizontal stripes of: light pink, pink, light blue, blue, and dark blue.

What is bisexuality?

Bisexual people are attracted to more than one gender and may have sexual and romantic relationships with other people regardless of gender identification or genitalia. 

Bisexuality is different from being gay and lesbian. Gay refers to male homosexuality, where a man is attracted toward another man. Lesbian refer to female homosexuality, where a woman is attracted toward another woman,. 

However, bisexual people are attracted to multiple genders, which could be males, females, or other sexualities, such as nonbinary, genderfluid, and demigender.

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Medically Reviewed on 2/7/2022
References
Image Source: iStock Images

Difference Between Omnisexual and Pansexual. http://www.differencebetween.net/science/difference-between-omnisexual-and-pansexual/

Difference Between Omnisexual and Pansexual (With Table). https://askanydifference.com/difference-between-omnisexual-and-pansexual/

What is the difference between bisexual and terms like pansexual, polysexual, omnisexual, ambisexual, and fluid? https://bi.org/en/questions/what-is-the-difference-between-bisexual-and-terms-like-pansexual-polysexual-omnisexual-ambisexual-and-fluid