Often times when someone hears LGBT they think of only those four identities (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transexual). However, there are more than just four colors to the rainbow and many identities to be recognized. Not only is there a lack of knowledge, there are misconceptions that are widely accepted as true. For example, many believe that bisexuality is a mixture of gay and straight while it is a completely different identity on its own.

A way to prevent making this mistake is to keep from comparing one identity to another, with phrases like “It’s like ______, but ______”.  Florian Palucci (Whitney Young art teacher) says that a solution would include “… Seeking out media (books, movies, TV, YouTube videos, etc.) made by LGBTQ+ people telling their own stories. That includes getting to know queer and trans people and recognizing that they are complicated and human.”

Google definition for Pansexual: One not limited in sexual or romantic choice with regard to biological sex, gender, or gender identity.

Google definition for Demisexual: One who does not experience sexual or romantic attraction until a strong emotional bond is formed.  

Our Interpretation: A pansexual is one who is romantically and/ or sexually attracted to someone based on their personality, NOT physical traits. A demisexual is one who looks for an emotional bond without necessarily having any sexual attraction.

Note: Many people confuse pansexual and demisexual and use the terms interchangeably, but that is INCORRECT, they are two different identities.

In other words, people who identify as pansexual mostly consider themselves to be romantically and/or sexually attracted to all genders. While people who identify as demisexual rarely experience sexual feelings outside of having a strong emotional bond or connection. Demisexuality is on the asexual spectrum. One must realize that there are many identities and different ways to learn about them. Pick up a book or surf the web; learning about the LGBTQ+ community can take as little as five minutes a day.

Upcoming Events & More

• LGBT Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony: November 9th
  • Open to the public (free)
  • Chicago History Museum
  • 1601 N Clark, Chicago, IL 60614  Phone (312) 642-4600

• LGBT Hotline (for all ages)

• 1-888-843-4564

• Whitney Young Pride Club
  • Meets on Wednesdays in the Art’s bBuilding computer lab (178)
  • Can answer your questions and is always accepting.
  • Email: [email protected]