Today’s topic comes from QSFer Beth Brock: “Have we posted anything in Queer SciFi about Pansexuality and how the mental and physical markers of how we label sexuality will probably change with the introduction of aliens, or even simply hundreds of years of technology? (think of…Jozy?…in Re-Life, who could change his/her body at will). What is homo and heterosexuality under those future conditions? Would everyone be a pansexual? What does pansexuality mean to you?”
I admit, I had to look up the definition of pansexuality. I’m very familiar with the standard letters of the LGBT rainbow, but I’ve only heard “pansexual” recently.
Wikipedia defines it as:
“Pansexuality, or omnisexuality,[1] is sexual attraction, sexual desire, romantic love, or emotional attraction toward people of any sex or gender identity.[2][3] Self-identified pansexuals may consider pansexuality a sexual orientation,[3] and refer to themselves as gender-blind, asserting that gender and sex are insignificant or irrelevant in determining whether they will be sexually attracted to others.”
Certainly, in a more liberated future, people who are pansexual may feel more free to express that. But will technology (or alien contact) also bring about ways to open ones self up to pansexuality?
So my questions today: how will technology change our definition of sexuality and orientation? How will society adapt to the changes? And would you opt to be pansexual, if you could?
Bonus points to Beth for mentioning my free read on the QSF site, Re-Life. :P