Image ID from under the cut:
A graphic labeled “BI & PAN” with the bi and pan pride flags shown. Underneath the title it says “Bi and pan are two labels some people use to describe their sexual or romantic orientation. There is a lot of debate about their use, often based on misunderstandings from both sides. Let’s clear some of that up!” Below the title are three subheadings.
Subheading 1: Definitions
Both labels have multiple definitions depending on who you ask. Some definitions are fine, while others have problematic implications. Here are some common ones.
Bi is listed on the side with examples labeled “Cool!” and “Not Cool!”
Cool!:
“Attraction to two or more genders”
“Attraction to same and different genders”
“Attraction to multiple genders”
Not Cool!:
“Attraction to men and women”
Why: This generally implies that there are only two genders. (It is possible they recognize nonbinary people and just are not attracted to them, however that isn’t usually the case.)
Pan is listed on the side with examples labeled “Cool!” and “Not Cool!”
Cool!:
“Attraction to all genders”
“Attraction regardless of gender”
Not Cool!:
“Attraction to men, women, and trans people”
Why: By separating out trans people, this implies that trans men are not men and trans women are not women.
“Attracted to hearts, not parts”
Why: This implies that people of other sexual orientations are only attracted to genitals.
Subheading 2: Reasons for Using Them
Since the two terms are similar and have a significant amount of overlap, people who fall under these definitions each have their own reason for choosing one or the other (or both). Like definitions, some of these are fine while others are problematic. Here are a few common reasons.
Bi is listed on the side with examples labeled “Cool!” and “Not Cool!”
Cool!:
“Bi is more well-known and doesn’t require me to explain it when I come out.”
“The bi community is well-established and has a long political history.”
“I am attracted to multiple genders but not all.”
“I experience attraction differently for different genders.”
“I am more comfortable with the term bi.”
Not Cool!:
“Pan people are just bi people trying to be special.”
Why: There is a difference between pan and bi, and each person uses the term they feel fits them best.
Pan is listed on the side with examples labeled “Cool!” and “Not Cool!”
Cool!:
“I am attracted to all genders and I like that pan explicitly states that.”
“Gender does not play a part in my attractions so the definition ‘attraction regardless of gender’ fits my experience best.”
“I am more comfortable with the term pan.“
Not Cool!:
“Bi people are transphobic and exclude nonbinary people, and I don’t want to be a part of that.”
Why: While some bi people are this way, it is unfair to categorize the entire identity as transphobic or binarist.
“But bi means two!”
Why: The prefix bi does mean two, however it is not up to others to define bi for bi people. Many bi people define it in the inclusive ways listed above.
Subheading 3: In Conclusion
Bi and pan are both valid terms that some people use, and neither is inherently problematic. Each person has their own experiences and feelings about each term, and chooses their label based on a variety of reasons. We can and should address problematic definitions and reasonings for both groups, while supporting people’s right to choose how they are most comfortable identifying.
At the end of the graphic are two pink hearts.
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