Pansexual is a new type of sexual orientation. what is it like?

Maybe all this time you've only heard of heterosexual and homosexual (gay and lesbian) as sexual orientation. However, it turns out that sexual orientation is a very broad spectrum. Not only heterosexual, homosexual, and bisexual can be classified as sexual orientation. Yes, some time ago the famous Hollywood singer, Miley Cyrus, stated that he is a pansexual. What is pansexual? Check out the explanation below.

Pansexual is…

According to sociologist Emily Lenning, quoted from Psychology Today, sexuality is an attraction to someone, regardless of gender, gender or sexual orientation.

Before explaining further about the concept of pansexual, it should be noted that gender means the biological characteristics a person has at birth. A person with a vagina, for example, is female. Meanwhile, people who are born with a penis are male.

Gender differs from gender. Gender is the social role and identity of a person in society, it may be irrespective of gender. So, someone who is born with a penis, but feels that he is a woman, may have a transgender gender (transgender-female). Or people who are born vaginally, but do not feel that they are female or male, could be a gender. Meanwhile, people who are born with a vagina and feel that their identity is as a woman, has a female gender.

Simply put, sexual orientation is to whom a person has sexual attraction. Attraction to the opposite sex is called heterosexuality. Same-sex attraction is called homosexuality (gay or lesbian). Attraction to both sexes and / or genders (male and female) is called bisexuality. Meanwhile, attraction to sex, gender, and any sexual orientation is called pansexual.

So to extend the meaning, pansexual is an attraction to someone, regardless of whether that person is gay, lesbian, transgender, male, or female. A pansexual person is attracted to other people as an individual, perhaps by their personality or character. Pansexual is a type of sexual orientation that is not limited and unique. Usually, pansexual people find attractiveness in someone through how romantic, emotional, and personality feelings are connected to one another.

Indeed, not many people claim to be pansexual

Quoted from Women's Health, Holly Richmond, Ph.D., a psychologist and sex therapist stated that less than one percent of the population of people who self-identify as pansexual. Because pansexuality is a fairly new concept of attraction for many people, it is difficult to determine exactly how many have that sexual orientation.

So, are bisexual and pansexual the same?

Pansexual is a sexual orientation that is different from bisexuality. A bisexual person is only interested in two types of gender, namely male and female. Meanwhile, a pansexual person sees that gender is a very broad spectrum, it cannot be limited to men and women only. Because of this, a pansexual person is able to feel sexual and romantic attraction to each identity on the gender spectrum. Be it transgender, genderqueer people (do not feel that they are male or female), and others.

However, just because a pansexual person can be attracted to anyone doesn't mean that he or she has a hobby of cheating. Just like a heterosexual (also known by the term straight), he can also commit to only one current partner.

Just like other sexual orientations, pansexuality does not show any physical characteristics. The only characteristic that a person is pansexual is when he is attracted (either sexually, romantically, or both) to anyone, regardless of gender, gender and sexual orientation.

Am I possibly pansexual?

It is important for everyone to find and acknowledge their identity, be it a matter of gender or sexual orientation. By acknowledging it, a person can continue to develop themselves and explore their potential. If you suspect you are pansexual, there is no need to rush to label yourself or deny this possibility. It takes time for someone to understand and accept his identity.

The reason is, until now experts have not been able to formulate with certainty what can determine a person's sexual orientation. Whether it's genetic factors, environmental factors, a combination of both, or even something else.

However, in the Guidelines for the Classification and Diagnosis of Mental Disorders (PPDGJ) which are taken from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), pansexuality not included mental disorders. This is because a person's sexual orientation will not cause clinical symptoms such as pain or organ dysfunction. Because it is not a mental illness or disorder, pansexuality is not a condition that should be corrected or treated in any way.

However, due to socio-cultural pressure from society, a pansexual person may be more susceptible to experiencing excessive stress or depression which of course disturbs his mental health. If you or someone closest to you begins to show symptoms of depression such as despair, loneliness, or prolonged sadness accompanied by changes in diet or sleep, see a doctor immediately.

Meanwhile, if you think there is a family member or closest friend who has the intention of trying to commit suicide, contact the Directorate of Mental Health Services, Ministry of Health, Republic of Indonesia at 021-500-454 or emergency number 112 . Counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This service is available to anyone. All calls are confidential.