Sexual Orientation: Understanding Omnisexuality, Debunking Misconceptions, and Supporting Allies
In the realm of human sexuality, the term omnisexuality is gaining more recognition. This orientation, which falls under the multisexual umbrella, signifies attraction to all genders, but with an important distinction - gender plays a role in the attraction[1][5].
Omnisexual people are attracted to individuals of all genders, but their attraction is influenced by the gender identity of the person[1][5]. This means that gender is a significant factor in whom they are attracted to.
On the other hand, pansexuality generally refers to attraction to people regardless of gender, often described as gender-blind attraction. Many pansexual people state that their attraction is based more on the person’s characteristics than on gender[1][4][5].
While both orientations emphasize attraction beyond traditional binary gender categories, omnisexuality highlights gender inclusivity with recognition, while pansexuality emphasizes attraction irrespective of gender[1][5]. However, these definitions can overlap, and many individuals may use the terms interchangeably, with personal meanings varying among people[5].
An omnisexual person can be monogamous or choose to have multiple partners. They can also be aromantic, and their relationship status remains unaffected by their orientation[2]. Other terms that fall under the multisexual umbrella include pansexual, queer, abrosexual, skoliosexual, and fluid sexuality[8].
Research from The Trevor Project has revealed concerning statistics about the mental health of multisexual youths. For instance, 44% of multisexual youths considered suicide in the past 12 months, 52% reported self-harm, 58% experienced symptoms of major depressive disorder, and 72% experienced symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder[3][4][6][7].
It is essential to note that being omnisexual does not change a person's relationship. Omnisexual people can face oppression from both heterosexual and LGBTQIA+ communities, but support sources such as The Trevor Project, GLAAD, and LGBTQIA+ Resource Center are available[1][2][8].
The term omnisexuality is believed to have been created by the poet Lawrence Lipton in 1959, although omnisexual people have always existed[9]. Despite the lack of official sources, the understanding and acceptance of this orientation continue to grow, providing a safe space for those who identify as such.
References:
- The Trevor Project
- GLAAD
- The Trevor Project
- The Trevor Project
- American Psychological Association
- The Trevor Project
- The Trevor Project
- It's Pronounced Met-ro-pol-itan
- Lawrence Lipton
- The realm of human sexuality also encompasses the term 'pansexuality', which refers to attraction regardless of gender, unlike omnisexuality where the gender identity of the person is a significant factor in the attraction.
- The mental health of individuals identifying under the multisexual umbrella, including omnisexual individuals, has been a cause for concern, with statistics from The Trevor Project showing that a significant number of multisexual youths have contemplated suicide, experienced self-harm, depression, and anxiety.
- In addition to relationships, omnisexuality can be a part of an individual's lifestyle, fashion, and beauty choices, as well as their health and wellness routines, particularly in terms of sexual health.
- Support for omnisexual individuals can be found in various organizations such as The Trevor Project, GLAAD, and LGBTQIA+ Resource Centers, which aim to create a safe and inclusive environment for individuals of all gender identities and sexual orientations.
