When you're meeting people on a dating site for pansexuals, you might encounter the term "omnisexual." It's a term that describes someone's sexual orientation, and it provides a glimpse into who a person is and isn't attracted to.
While bisexuality and pansexuality are pretty well-understood, omnisexuality often gets lost in the more extensive discussion of sexual orientations. This blog will describe what it means and how it differs from others on the LGBTQ+ spectrum.
What is Omnisexual?
If you think back to grade school, you might remember the prefix "omni" and get a good idea of what this orientation means. "Omni" means "of all things."
Omnisexual people can experience attraction to all people regardless of their gender identities and expressions. That means they can fall in love or be sexually attracted to men, women, and people who are gender-nonconforming.
The unique thing about omnisexuality is that people experience attraction to different gender identities in unique ways. For example, their feelings for women are often distinct from what they feel around men. Some people even change their perceived roles or how they act based on who they're currently feeling attracted to.
How is Omnisexuality Different from Pansexuality and Bisexuality?
Many people confuse these three terms. It can seem a little redundant when you see the word "omnisexual" on a dating site for pansexuals. However, there are a few key differences.
First, let's look at bisexuality. Generally, omnisexuality is more inclusive than bisexuality. Bisexuality implies that people are only attracted to two genders, not nonbinary folks.
When someone is pansexual, it typically means that they don't see gender. They usually feel attraction toward the person and not their gender identity. That's where the critical distinction is.
With omnisexuality, you see another person's gender, and it does matter. However, it's not the reason you're attracted to someone.
Final Thoughts
The best way to look at omnisexuality is to view it as an attraction to each and every person regardless of gender identity and expression. Gender still matters, and omnisexual people aren't gender-blind. But, gender usually isn't the primary factor that determines attraction.
Read a similar article about trans women dating here at this page.
