The world is changing, and so are attitudes to sexuality and gender. The latest YouGov survey from 2022 showed that 12% of British teenagers between the ages of 18 and 24 describe themselves as pansexual, and a further 10% as bisexual. The trend is similar across Europe: more and more young people are rejecting rigid labels and embracing fluid attraction. As an erotica writer, it’s important to know what this means for your writing and how you can write inclusive, authentic stories that accurately reflect the diversity of human desire.

The difference between pansexuality and bisexuality

First and foremost, it’s important to recognize that pansexuality and bisexuality are not the same thing. While bisexuality refers to attraction to both male and female genders, pansexuality is attraction to people regardless of their gender identity. This distinction is important when writing erotic fiction that accurately portrays pansexual experiences. Consider including diverse characters, including those who do not fit into binary gender categories, and explore themes of attraction that are not limited to traditional gender roles.

Multidimensional pansexual protagonists

It’s also important that you don’t fetishize or exoticize pansexual people or reduce their entire identity to their sexuality. Instead, focus on portraying them as multidimensional characters, with complex emotions and motivations that go beyond their attraction to specific genders. Use inclusive language and make sure your word choices don’t unintentionally reinforce gender norms or stereotypes.

The human body in all its forms

Another way to promote pansexuality in erotic literature is to explore and celebrate the human body in all its forms. As sexual beings, our attraction can go beyond physical appearances and be defined by personality, intellect, humor, and more. By showing a wider range of bodies in your writing, you can help normalize different body types and show that attraction isn’t just based on physical features.

Nuances of pansexual identity

If you’re writing erotic fiction that features pansexual characters, it’s also important that you research and understand the nuances of this identity. Listen to the experiences of real pansexual people and learn from their stories. Avoid relying on harmful stereotypes or assumptions and challenge yourself to create narratives that authentically represent the diverse experiences of pansexuality.

As societal attitudes towards gender and sexuality continue to evolve, erotica writers must embrace these changes and write inclusive, authentic stories that accurately reflect the diversity of human desire. By including diverse characters, celebrating the beauty of the human body in all its forms, and exploring and understanding the nuances of pansexuality, you can create narratives that appeal to a wide readership and accurately reflect the experiences of pansexual people. Most importantly, approach your writing with empathy, an open mind and a willingness to learn and grow.