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ABSTRACT
Pansexuality is a growing sexual identity that has become immensely popular in U.S. culture within the previous decade. Currently, little is known about the distinct difference between pansexuality and other sexual orientations/identities; most of what is known comes from popular press and statements by celebrities that have publicly identified as pansexual. As a method of distinguishing and privileging pansexuality as a distinct sexuality, a document and content analysis related to pansexuality was conducted on public blogs and posts from the Internet. Several themes were analyzed, including definition, comparison to bisexuality, identity development, celebrities/media, normalization, and panerasure. Through analysis of 55 unique online posts related to the topic, a proposal consensus statement is offered that attempts to give voice to the pansexual identity as distinctive. In addition, a discussion is offered related to the development and media influence of the pansexual identity—including the emerging concept of panerasure.
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Notes
1. ‘LGBTQ+’ is a term used to identify individuals who identify on the sexuality spectrum as non-heterosexual. Specifically, the acronym stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, queer, and the + stands for all other identities not already stated in an effort to be inclusive.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Christopher K. Belous
Christopher K. Belous is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences' Master of Family Therapy Program, on the Atlanta/Piedmont Campus of Mercer University School of Medicine - where he also serves as the Clinic Director for the onsite graduate training facility. Dr. Belous is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (GA), Certified Gay Affirmative Therapist (AAMFT-CA), Certified Family Life Educator (NCFR), and a Clinical Member and Approved Supervisor of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. His research focuses on sex and sexuality - broadly defined, social justice, and couple and family therapy education and supervision.
Melissa L. Bauman
Melissa L. Bauman, MFT, is a recent graduate of the Master of Family Therapy Program at Mercer University School of Medicine's Atlanta/Piedmont campus in Atlanta, GA. She has a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Idaho. She has worked professionally developing public policy briefings for legislatures related to underserved populations, and completing research on marginalized populations. She has a background in social services and nonprofit agencies for rural and underserved populations with mental illness. She currently works for the Department of Juvenile Justice providing mental health services to adolescent inmates.
