Omnisexuality refers to someone who is attracted to all genders, while pansexuality describes someone who is attracted to all genders as well as non-binary or genderqueer individuals. There may be other differences between these two terms, but those are the main distinctions.
What is Omnisexual?
Omnisexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by the potential for aesthetic and/or romantic attraction to people of all gender identities and expressions. Unlike bisexuality, which suggests that gender is a binary, omnisexuality rejects the notion that there are only two genders. Instead, it acknowledges the existence of a wide range of gender identities, making it possible for people of all genders to find themselves attracted to others. While the term omnisexual is relatively new, the concept has been around for centuries. In fact, many cultures have traditionally recognized the existence of multiple genders, making it clear that the notion of a binary is a relatively recent construct.
What is Pansexual?
Pansexuality is the sexual, romantic or emotional attraction towards people regardless of their sex or gender identity. Pansexual people can feel attracted to people who identify as male, female, transgender, genderfluid, agender, or any other non-traditional gender identity. The prefix “pan-” comes from the Greek word for “all”. Pansexuality is sometimes also referred to as omnisexuality. It is important to note that pansexuality is different from bisexuality, which is attraction to two sexes or genders. Pansexuality is not limited to two sexes or genders.
Difference between Omnisexual and Pansexual
Omnisexuality is defined as a sexual attraction to all genders, while pansexuality is defined as a sexual attraction to all individuals, regardless of gender. This distinction is important because it highlights the fact that pansexuality is not limited by gender. For example, a pansexual person could be attracted to someone who is transgender, or to someone who does not identify with any specific gender. In contrast, an omnisexual person may only be attracted to people who identify as male or female. Though both orientations are inclusive of multiple genders, pansexuality is more inclusive overall.
Conclusion
Omnisexuality typically refers to a person who is attracted to all genders but does not necessarily have to act on those attractions, while pansexuality describes someone who feels sexually attracted to people of all genders and sexes.
