There are many terms that fall under the umbrella term “bisexuality”, including omnisexual, pansexual, polysexual, skoliosexual, and abrosexual. This page breaks down these labels to help you better understand them. Even though you may think you identify as one of these terms, it’s important to remember that you do not necessary have to use one label over another. You don’t have to use any labels if you do not want to! This page is here for anyone who wants to learn more about theres terms and is not meant to be representative of every bisexual experience.
BISEXUAL: A sexual orientation that refers to someone who is sexually attracted to more than one gender. This does not mean the attraction to multiple genders occurs at the same time, in the same way, or to the same degree (Robyn Ochs per The Trevor Project)
Some people believe that the term bisexuality enforces the gender binary, or the idea that there are only 2 genders, male or female. This leaves out those who do not align with either male or female, such as those who are non-binary or gender fluid. However, the contemporary definition of bisexuality does not necessarily take the “bi” (meaning two) in “bisexuality” seriously. Nowadays, bisexuality means an attraction to more than one gender, not just the attraction to 2 genders.
However, there is still much debate about the term bisexuality and many are still uncomfortable using it because it suggests an adherence to the gender binary. As a result, many other “multisexual” labels have come out to describe those who want to move away from or broaden the term bisexuality.
Check out our Bisexual Book Recs!
PANSEXUAL: A sexual orientation that refers to someone who is attracted to any gender, or refers to attraction that happens regardless of the sexual or gender identity of their prospective partner.
Pansexuality is often compared to bisexuality, although pansexuality is typically thought of to be broader and refers to an attraction that happens regardless of gender. However, some people still use the terms interchangeably.
Check out out Pansexual Book Recs page!
OMNISEXUAL: A sexual orientation that includes attraction to all genders where gender is an important part of the attraction.
Whereas pansexuality is an attraction regardless of gender, omnisexuality emphasizes the importance of gender as part of the attraction. Compared to bisexuality, omnisexuality also emphasizes the attraction to all genders as opposed to more than one.
POLYSEXUAL: A sexual orientation that refers to an attraction towards multiple but not ALL genders.
For example, someone who is polysexual and identifies as a woman can be sexually attracted to other women and non-binary individuals, but not attracted to cis-gender men. Whereas omnisexuality refers to an attraction to all genders, polysexuality is more restrictive and emphasizes there are certain genders one is not attracted to. However, polysexual individuals still feel like this term is more inclusive than the bisexual label which, again, some people feel emphasizes only two genders.
SKOLIOSEXUAL: A sexual orientation that refers to an attraction to transgender and non-binary people.
Those who identify as skoliosexual do not find themselves attracted to cis-gender (those whose sex assigned at birth matches their current gender identity) individuals.
ABROSEXUAL: A sexual orientation that refers to fluid attraction or a constantly changing attraction.
Someone who is abrosexual may change their sexual preferences over time or it might change constantly depending on the situation. There is not one singular, fixed sexual orientation that applies to them. Even though many individuals feel like their own sexualities can be fluid over time, abrosexuality emphasizes a constant change
Rainbow Stacks 