Re-Branding

I've avoided the spikey topic of 'labelling' and of gay-bi-het politics for a long while here. I guess really I prefer to be in denial about the existence or importance of gender politics, because I am so content with my own definition of my sexual self.

My definition has changed since I started this blog, back in 2006, though. Then I considered myself 'bi-sexual'. That was because I didn't know any other ways to express my orientation. Nor had I examined my sexual experiences closely enough to realise that I am actually a polyamorous, omnisexual (aka pansexual) homosapien.

I knew it back in 2006, or I would not have titled this blog the way I did. Gender truly is irrelevant to me when forming attachments with people, or indeed when choosing whether to make love with them or not. In the past I have had both TG and TS partners, as well as enjoying more 'mainstream' connections. I just didn't know all of the 'correct' (PC/popular) terms for who I am. I probably still don't.

For both political reasons and communicational and emotional convenience I am still prepared to subscribe to the label of 'bi-sexual', though. There aren't any omnisexual support groups or social groups I am aware of. The public (including the homo-public) have little understanding of the term 'bi-sexual', let alone 'omnisexual'. (I suspect that mostly Joe and Jane het, in their ignorance, would probably think I was into animals as well; I'm not, though I have been friends with those who claimed to be before now. That's a whole other posting though !)

As for 'pansexual', being a witch, I find it hard to use the word because it connects for me to the worship of Pan. I have no problem with that, except it's a bit specific, since I worship all sorts of gods, thought forms and concepts. I am not willing to risk putting noses out of joint with the rest of them by constantly referring to Pan when talking about my sexual and emotional identity.

I suppose I should also say at this stage that I do believe the 'bi' is the default setting on humans, and it is nurture and social pressure that leads to the drawing of boundaries and the whole thing of being expected to carve your sexual orientation in stone.


If you are wondering what has provoked such musings on my behalf, I am currently wading my way through Marjorie Garber's 'Bisexuality and the Eroticism of Everday Life'. It's a quite academic text, and 607 pages it's not exactly 'light' reading, but it has me thinking a lot more about gender politics and sexual identity than I have for a long time.

Curse or not, to quote Ianto Jones, (my favourite bi-sexual character of the moment, from 'Torchwood'), 'I read'.