Understanding the Nuance of the Pansexual Identity: Exploring the Experiences of those who Identify as Pansexual in Different Contexts.

Harvey, Emily (2025) Understanding the Nuance of the Pansexual Identity: Exploring the Experiences of those who Identify as Pansexual in Different Contexts. Doctoral thesis, Birmingham City University.

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Abstract

Pansexuality is a plurisexual identity that has become widely adopted over the last decade (Belous & Bauman, 2017). Pansexuality is most commonly defined as a romantic or sexual attraction to individuals regardless of gender (Gonel, 2013). However, the term is nuanced and often personal to those who identify with it. Despite data indicating a rise in the number of individuals identifying as pansexual (UK Census, 2020), there remains a notable gap in the literature concerning the experiences of those who use this label. This research focuses on pansexual identity expression and marking within specific contexts, the experiences of those who identify as both pansexual and gender diverse within relational contexts, and the types of content on TikTok around the pansexual identity. This research consists of 3 studies: The first study involved an online survey with 45 pansexual participants, followed by a second study that used online interviews with 21 participants who identified as pansexual and gender diverse to understand their relational experiences. Finally, the third study analysed 100 TikTok posts to explore online content about pansexuality. Reflexive thematic analysis and qualitative content analysis ware used as the analytical approach for this research. Participants constructed pansexuality as a nuanced and fluid identity that was personal and unique to them. Participants’ accounts also reflected a lack of information, representation and education concerning pansexuality and gender diversity, which directly impacted their decisions regarding identity marking and disclosure. Across differing contexts participants experienced discrimination, stigma and stereotyping, and these challenges were often attributed to limited public understanding of pansexuality and the internalised effects of mononormative and heteronormative biases. Particularly on TikTok, online activism was used as a catalyst for change, with users actively sharing educational content, challenging stereotypes and fostering community support. Overall, this research offers insight into the contemporary conceptualisation of pansexuality, where gender and sexuality are viewed on a spectrum, and identity labels and expression are understood as inherently nuanced and fluid. The findings highlight how a lack of societal understanding is impacting the experiences of pansexual individuals, throughout different contexts, which indicates an urgent need for societal adaptation.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Dates:	Date Event 1 September 2025 Accepted
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Pansexual, Pansexuality, Gender Diversity, Reflexive Thematic Analysis, Qualitative Content Analysis
Subjects:	CAH04 - psychology > CAH04-01 - psychology > CAH04-01-01 - psychology (non-specific) CAH04 - psychology > CAH04-01 - psychology > CAH04-01-05 - others in psychology
Divisions:	Doctoral Research College > Doctoral Theses Collection Life and Health Sciences > Psychology
Depositing User:	Louise Muldowney
Date Deposited:	29 Sep 2025 10:57
Last Modified:	29 Sep 2025 10:57
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/16655

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