Polysexual

Key Features

• Attraction to Multiple Genders: Polysexuality involves sexual attraction to people of multiple genders, but not universally to all genders. The exact genders that a polysexual person is attracted to can vary, and these attractions may span binary genders (male, female) as well as non-binary identities (genderfluid, agender, etc.).

• Not Necessarily All Genders: Unlike pansexuality, which suggests attraction to people regardless of their gender, polysexuality focuses on attraction to a range of genders but not all of them. For example, a polysexual individual may feel attraction to male, female, and non-binary individuals, but may not be attracted to every possible gender identity (e.g., they may not feel attraction to a specific gender or may not identify attraction to all non-binary identities).

• Sexual Orientation Spectrum: Polysexuality, like many sexual orientations, exists on a spectrum. Polysexual people may experience varying degrees of attraction to different genders, and this attraction may be fluid or flexible over time.

• Sexual but Not Necessarily Romantic: Polysexuality is specifically a sexual orientation, meaning it relates to the sexual attraction an individual experiences. This is distinct from polyromanticism, which involves romantic attraction to multiple people, and may not necessarily overlap with sexual attraction. While someone may be polysexual, they may not necessarily form romantic attachments with all the genders they are sexually attracted to.

Context

Polysexuality challenges the traditional binary understanding of sexual attraction, which typically categorizes people as either heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual. Polysexuality adds another layer of complexity to how individuals experience attraction, as it recognizes that some people are attracted to a range of genders, but not all of them. This term is part of a broader effort to understand and recognize the diversity of human sexual experiences, and it fits within the spectrum of non-monosexual orientations.

People who identify as polysexual may find that their experiences of attraction go beyond the scope of being attracted to only one gender (heterosexuality or homosexuality) or two genders (bisexuality). It acknowledges that sexual attraction can span multiple genders without the need to encompass all possible gender identities.

Complexity of Attraction

Polysexuality emphasizes the complexity of human attraction, reflecting that people may be drawn to multiple genders but not all. The term helps to articulate an experience that does not fit into the binary options of heterosexual or bisexual attraction, allowing for more precise identity labels within the spectrum of sexual orientations. For example, a polysexual person might feel a strong attraction to both men and women but not feel the same connection to non-binary people. This flexibility gives voice to a diverse range of sexual experiences and recognizes the nuances of gender-based attraction.

Break from Binary Gender Norms

Polysexuality challenges traditional gender norms and the heterosexual binary that has historically dominated the narrative around sexuality. It reflects a growing awareness of and recognition for diverse gender identities beyond the male/female binary, which has long defined sexual attraction for many people. Polysexuality is part of the broader cultural shift toward recognizing and validating non-binary, transgender, and genderqueer identities in both the sexual and romantic realms.

Intersection with Other Identities

Polysexuality may overlap with other sexual identities, such as bisexuality or queerness, though it is distinct in its recognition that attraction to genders is not universal. Some polysexual individuals may also identify as bisexual, but the difference lies in the fact that bisexuality often involves an attraction to both genders in a more equal or universal sense. Polysexuality, however, may not encompass attraction to all genders and can offer individuals a way to differentiate their sexual experiences within the wider LGBTQIA+ spectrum.

Fluidity and Personal Experience

Polysexuality can be fluid, and each polysexual individual may experience their attraction in unique ways. One person might feel an equal attraction to men, women, and non-binary individuals, while another might only feel attraction to a specific combination of genders. This variability in attraction reflects the importance of personal experience in defining one's sexual orientation and challenges rigid, one-size-fits-all approaches to sexual identity.

Challenges of Misunderstanding and Erasure

As with many other non-heteronormative sexual orientations, polysexual individuals can face challenges in having their identities recognized and respected. Polysexuality, like bisexuality, is sometimes misunderstood or erased, with people assuming that attraction to multiple genders means that someone is actually pansexual or simply confused about their orientation. This misunderstanding can lead to confusion or frustration, especially for polysexual people who seek to establish clear and valid labels for their experiences.

Cultural Relevance

As more people embrace fluidity in their sexual and romantic lives, polysexuality has gained recognition as an important identity within the LGBTQIA+ community. It highlights the diverse ways in which individuals experience attraction and sexuality. Polysexual individuals, like others with non-binary or non-traditional sexual orientations, may find solidarity and understanding within LGBTQIA+ spaces, which are increasingly becoming more inclusive of diverse identities.

Visibility within the LGBTQIA+ Spectrum

Polysexuality is an important addition to the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, contributing to the growing diversity of sexual identities that exist outside of traditional heterosexuality. By embracing the idea that attraction can span multiple genders but not all, polysexuality provides a more nuanced perspective on sexual attraction. This contributes to the cultural recognition of diverse sexual experiences and reinforces the importance of self-identification in a world where rigid definitions of sexuality no longer fully capture the complexity of human desire.

Challenging Heteronormative Standards

The rise of polysexuality reflects an ongoing cultural push to challenge heteronormative standards and the assumption that heterosexuality is the default or only “natural” sexual orientation. Polysexual individuals, like others in the LGBTQIA+ community, can offer alternative perspectives on what it means to experience sexual and romantic attraction, further contributing to the deconstruction of binary gender and sexual norms. The existence of polysexuality as a valid identity helps to validate the diverse ways in which people experience love, affection, and connection.

Influence on Relationship Dynamics

Polysexuality may also influence cultural conversations about relationships and monogamy. It invites a broader definition of romantic relationships that is not constrained by gendered expectations or the idea that attraction to a single gender is the norm. As society shifts towards accepting diverse relationship structures, polysexuality intersects with conversations about open relationships, polyamory, and other non-monogamous lifestyles, further normalizing the idea that attraction to multiple genders does not necessarily mean that one must have multiple partners at once.

Erasure and Stereotypes

Just as polysexuality faces misunderstandings, polysexual individuals often contend with erasure within both mainstream and queer communities. Some may view polysexuality as "bisexuality in disguise," leading to confusion about where polysexuality fits within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. The erasure of polysexual identities can make it difficult for individuals to feel validated or understood. It is essential for both LGBTQIA+ and mainstream cultures to embrace polysexuality as an authentic and valid sexual orientation to ensure that individuals can openly express their identities without fear of marginalization or invalidation.

Contribution to Sexual Fluidity Conversations

Polysexuality plays a role in the broader cultural conversation about sexual fluidity, encouraging more people to embrace the idea that attraction can change over time and be experienced in varying degrees. This recognition of sexual fluidity is significant for breaking free from fixed, binary labels, and allows people to experience and express their attraction in a way that feels authentic to their evolving identities.