May 24: Pansexual Visibility Day — what pansexuality means

Pansexuality is attraction to people regardless of their gender. For a pansexual person, the other person's gender is not what determines whether they will feel attraction. On May 24, Pansexual & Panromantic Visibility Day is observed, a day to make pan people visible, break myths, and let a identity be heard that is often misunderstood or ignored, even within the community itself.

The day is one of May's stops in the LGBTQ+ calendar of visibility and remembrance days, just a few days after IDAHOBIT on May 17.

What pansexuality means

“Pan” means “all.” A pansexual person may feel attraction to men, women, trans and non-binary people, because for them gender is not the criterion. What matters is the person.

But be careful: “can be attracted to all genders” does not mean “is attracted to everyone.” A pan person has tastes, preferences, and boundaries, like any other person.

Pansexual and panromantic

The day is called Pansexual & Panromantic Visibility Day, and the distinction matters. Sexual attraction and romantic attraction do not always overlap. Someone can be panromantic, meaning they fall in love regardless of gender, and at the same time experience sexual attraction differently, for example being ace. Labels exist to describe, not to limit.

Pansexuality and bisexuality: what is the difference?

It is the most common question. Bisexuality is usually described as attraction to more than one gender. Pansexuality emphasizes that gender does not play a role in attraction.

In practice, the two terms overlap, and many people could use both. The right answer is simple: the term someone uses for themselves is the right one. It is not a competition of labels. Pan and bi people often face the same stereotypes, as we also wrote in the article about the stigma that still accompanies bisexuality. Autumn has its own day for this too: Bi Visibility Day on September 23.

Myths about pansexuality that need to stop

• “It’s just a phase.” No. Pansexuality is an identity, not a stage before you “decide.”
• “So you like everyone.” No. Not making gender the criterion does not mean you have no criteria.
• “You can’t be faithful.” Faithfulness in a relationship has nothing to do with sexual orientation.
• “It’s a new internet trend.” The word may be heard more often lately, but the people who live it have always existed. They just have an easier name for it now.
• “If you’re in a relationship with someone of the opposite gender, you’re not pan.” Your identity does not change depending on who you love right now.

The pansexuality flag

The pan flag has three horizontal stripes: pink, yellow, and light blue. If you see it in a parade or in a bio, now you know what it means. Want to test how many more flags you recognize? The quiz at the end of the article is for you.

Pan in Thessaloniki: visibility and allies

In Thessaloniki, as everywhere, pan people often hear “choose.” From family, from apps, sometimes even from the community itself. Visibility starts with not having to explain from scratch every time who you are.

And if you’re reading this article and thinking, “Could this be me too?”, you don’t need to rush. You don’t owe anyone a final answer or a public announcement. You can try the word first with yourself or with someone you trust. For when and how, take a look at our article about coming out in your own time.

That is exactly what a queer space tries to be. At Enola, on Valaoritou 19, the safer space policy means zero tolerance for harassment and discrimination. You do not need to declare anything at the door. No dress code, 18+ with ID, every day from 23:30. Come as you are.

How to be an ally to a pan person

1. Believe them. When someone tells you they are pan, don’t ask for proof or a “clearer” answer.
2. Don’t make it a joke. “Pan, like a frying pan?” they’ve heard that thousands of times. A smile is enough, and then move on.
3. Don’t assume from the relationship. Someone’s partner does not tell you their orientation.
4. Use the word. When you talk about the community, say “pan” too. Visibility starts with vocabulary.
5. Learn more. Organizations like the Human Rights Campaign have useful material on sexual orientations and identities.

And after May 24, June comes with all the Pride. Pansexuality does not need to be visible only one day a year.