Polysexuality is a sexual identity that is sometimes confused with other sexual orientations such as bisexuality and pansexuality. People who identify as polysexual are attracted to multiple genders. This term can help explain a person's sexual attraction to people of various gender identities, including cisgender, transgender, and nonbinary individuals. In this article, we will explore what polysexuality means, how it differs from other sexual orientations, and how to support individuals who identify as polysexual.

What Is Polysexuality?

To be polysexual means being emotionally, physically, or romantically attracted to multiple genders. A person who identifies as polysexual could find themselves attracted to individuals who are male, female, nonbinary, or transgender. The important thing to note is that polysexuality does not imply an attraction to all genders, but rather many, which is different from being pansexual (attracted to people of all genders).

Polysexual people do not necessarily need to identify as one specific gender themselves. A cisgender woman, for instance, may identify as polysexual if she is attracted to both cisgender men and nonbinary people. Someone who feels attracted to all genders except cisgender men might also identify as polysexual. The term is flexible and can vary depending on how individuals experience their sexual orientation.

Dr. Amney Harper, a clinical mental health counselor, explains that polysexuality can be understood in many different ways. Sexual identity is personal, and polysexual individuals should feel empowered to define their attraction in their own terms.

Signs of Polysexuality

Polysexuality manifests in various ways, depending on the person. Some signs that a person might identify as polysexual include:

  • Being attracted to more than one gender.

  • Feeling that other labels, such as bisexuality and pansexuality, do not fully capture their attraction.

  • Not having a specific gender in mind when imagining an ideal partner.

These signs can vary from person to person. Polysexuality is about flexibility and allowing individuals to embrace their unique experiences of attraction to multiple genders, without being confined to labels like heterosexual or homosexual.

Polysexuality vs Other Sexual Identities

Understanding sexual identities can be overwhelming, especially with the growing number of labels and terms used today. Polysexuality, pansexuality, and bisexuality all involve attraction to multiple genders but have distinct meanings.

Polysexual vs Pansexual

While both polysexual and pansexual individuals experience attraction to more than one gender, the difference lies in the role gender plays. A polysexual person is attracted to many, but not necessarily all, genders. On the other hand, pansexual people are attracted to all genders, regardless of gender identity. Pansexuality is often described as a gender-blind attraction, meaning gender does not influence the person's attraction. However, for polysexual individuals, gender is still a factor in who they are attracted to.

Polysexual vs Bisexual

The term bisexual refers to attraction to two or more genders, typically including both men and women. While some people may use bisexual and polysexual interchangeably, there are differences. Polysexuality extends beyond the binary concept of male and female and embraces a broader range of gender identities, including nonbinary individuals. Thus, polysexuality provides a more inclusive description for those attracted to people outside the traditional gender norms.

For example, a bisexual person may feel attracted to men and women, but a polysexual person may be attracted to men, women, and other gender identities such as gender-fluid or nonbinary individuals. This distinction allows polysexuality to be seen as more inclusive of a diverse spectrum of gender identities.

Is Polysexual the Same as Polyamory?

Although the prefix “poly” appears in both polysexual and polyamory, they are not the same thing. Polyamory refers to having romantic or sexual relationships with multiple people, with the knowledge and consent of all involved. It is about relationship structure, whereas polysexuality is about sexual attraction to multiple genders.

Dr. Harper explains, "We often use the 'poly-' umbrella, but it’s important not to confuse polysexual with polyamorous." These are two separate concepts, and it's crucial to avoid mixing them up. While polysexuality focuses on who a person is attracted to, polyamory focuses on how relationships are structured.

Helping Others Understand Polysexuality

Understanding and accepting polysexuality can be challenging for some, but education plays a critical role in breaking down barriers. People who identify as polysexual may face misconceptions, such as being labeled as confused or promiscuous. Others may wrongly assume that someone who is polysexual is "just going through a phase" or doesn't know what they truly want.

In reality, polysexuality is a valid sexual identity, and those who identify as polysexual experience attraction to many, not all, genders. Respect and openness are essential when discussing someone's sexual identity, and it’s important to ask questions and seek to understand their experience.

Supporting Polysexual Individuals

Being an ally to polysexual individuals is essential to create an inclusive environment. Here are ways to support the polysexual community:

  1. Be an ally: Stand up against the myths and stereotypes that polysexual people often face. If you witness discrimination or bias, practice bystander intervention to help counter it.

  2. Educate yourself: Learn more about polysexuality and the experiences of polysexual individuals. Engage in conversations, read articles, and be open to understanding different sexual identities.

  3. Validate their identity: When someone shares their sexual orientation with you, it’s essential to listen and trust their experience. Offer a safe space for them to express their identity and know that their feelings are valid.

A Quick Review

Polysexuality is a sexual identity that describes the attraction to multiple genders without the expectation of being attracted to all genders. It’s distinct from other sexual orientations like pansexuality or bisexuality and offers a broader, more inclusive understanding of attraction. To be an ally to polysexual individuals, it’s important to educate yourself, validate their identities, and help break down misconceptions.

Whether you identify as polysexual or support someone who does, creating an inclusive environment that acknowledges diverse sexual identities is key to fostering understanding and acceptance.