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Polysexuality is the identity of someone who is attracted to multiple genders.
At first glance, polysexuality might seem similar to pansexuality or bisexuality.
Polysexual vs. Other Sexual Identities
The label of polysexuality is often confused with several other labels.
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Let’s look closely at how polysexuality is different from pansexuality, bisexuality, and omnisexuality.
Polysexual vs. Bisexual
The term bisexual has expanded in meaning over the years.
Initially, it meant a person who is attracted to women and men.
In recent years, the term has grown to encompass more expansive gender identities.
Someone might be attracted to women andgender-fluidpeople, or men and gender-nonconforming people.
because this distinction is fairly minor, pansexual and omnisexual identities are often used interchangeably.
Polysexuality is different from omnisexuality because it does not necessarily involve an attraction to all genders.
How to Tell Someone That You’re Polysexual
The process ofcoming outis a personal one.
Are Polysexuality and Polyamory the Same?
Both may be referred to as “poly,” but polysexual andpolyamoryare completely different things.
Polysexual people may also be polyamorous, but they may just as likely be monogamous.
Despite having the same prefix, one is a sexuality and the other is a relationship style.
The two are not the same thing at all.
How to Explain Polysexuality to Someone
Polysexuality is most easily explained as the attraction to multiple genders.
How to Support and Be an Ally to Someone Who Is Polysexual
LGBTQIA+ allyship is important.
LGBTQIA+ Resources
There are many resources available for polysexual people and their allies.
Here are some LGBTQIA+ resources.
There’s no hurry!
It’s perfectly ok to be unsure of your sexual identity.
It’s not a race, and there’s no prize for labeling yourself.
Take all the time you better discover who you are.
You might find that you’re polysexual, or you may realize you aren’t.
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American Civil Liberties Union.
