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May 18, 2023
So you’re looking for pansexual representation in the media. Thankfully, pansexuality is becoming more and more visible in recent years. Even if pansexuality — referring to the attraction to all genders and often mistakenly confused for bisexuality — still has a way to go in media representation, we’ve highlighted our favorite pansexual characters for your pleasure.
There are still a lot of stigmas and misconceptions about pansexuality, and representation in the media has long been a bellwether for how society views specific topics. Hopefully, with more representation to come, more people will accept and welcome pansexuals into the LGBTQIA+ community. We also hope that this list of pansexual characters in the media helps you understand yourself as a pansexual or a pansexual in your life better.
That said, we hold ourselves to the standard of highlighting characters that writers, cast, or creators have canonically confirmed. But sometimes, like many other labels in our community, things are ambiguous. If the character — as far as cast, crew, and showrunners are concerned — hasn’t been labeled, we included them anyway to give pansexual representation more visibility!
Source: YouTube
Rick and Morty, a show beloved by many fans, follows the intergalactic adventures of Morty Smith and his mad scientist grandfather, Rick Sanchez.
In 2018, during the San Diego Comic-Con, showrunner Dan Harmon, animator and voice actor Justin Roiland, and Ryan Ridley, a former writer and voice actor on the show, confirmed that Rick is pansexual.
It went a little like this:
“Rick is gay”, said Ridley.
“Rick is pansexual”, clarified Roiland.
Source: Steven Universe
In a cartoon universe of Steven Universe — where humans exist with magical aliens (called Gems), why can’t all kinds of sexualities exist too? That’s one of the reasons why fans have claimed Rose Quartz is a pansexual icon.
Wielding a sword and shield and aged over 6000 years old, she exemplifies a badass warrior. Even though she isn’t a regular on the show, she often appears throughout the series.
My favorite quote of hers?
“Isn’t it remarkable, Steven? This world is full of so many possibilities. Each living thing has an entirely unique experience. The sights they see, the sounds they hear. The lives they live are so complicated… and so simple. I can’t wait for you to join them.”
Instant tears, obviously.
Source: Netflix
Big Mouth got some heat when this character came out as pansexual, mainly because of the dismissive way she describes bisexuality.
“We missed the mark here with this definition of bisexuality vs. pansexuality, and my fellow creators and I sincerely apologize for making people feel misrepresented”
Big Mouth creators said in a statement.
That’s what we call growth and another excellent example of why it’s important to learn the difference between pansexuality and bisexuality.
Source: Cartoon Network
In this Cartoon Network animation, a group of eclectic friends strives to become the greatest heroes, often proving themselves against the villain Lord Boxman.
Boxman’s characterized as grumpy and not easily satisfied by his minion robots. Regardless, show creator Ian Jones-Quartey has confirmed Lord Boxton as pansexual.
His most memorable quote, imo?
“Gah! Blast! What is happening out there? Poop.”
Honestly, we can all relate.
Source: Clamp Media
It’s not always easy to find pansexual representation in general, and much less so in the anime genre. Sakura from the anime Cardcaptor Sakura shows attraction to a few people of different genders as she explores what it’s like to grow up and go on magical adventures.
In a 2001 interview about Cardcaptor Sakura, director and writer Nanase Ohkawa said:
“I am glad that the readers are happy that Sakura and Syaoran got together, but that anyone would think it’s because they make a normal couple… it’s a little disconcerting. Sakura didn’t choose Syaoran because he’s a boy close to her in age. If Syaoran had been a girl, if they had been far apart in age, as long as he was still Syaoran, I think Sakura would have fallen in love with him. It’d sadden me if you thought they’re a good couple because they’re normal.”
If you watched this anime growing up in the 2000s and are queer now, are you really surprised?
Source: Rooster Teeth Productions
What’s cooler than a pansexual genderfluid character with purple streaks in their hair fighting against evil in a dystopian future Earth? Val/entina gives us all that and more in the animation series Gen:LOCK.
Val/entina challenges all kinds of misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding pansexuality. They embody the idea that pansexuality is not limited to attraction within the binary but encompasses all genders and gender expressions.
By portraying Val/entina as a multifaceted and complex character with a diverse range of romantic and sexual experiences, she helps to break down the harmful notion that pansexuality is just a phase or a trend.
Source: Disney Channel
Not only is the show The Owl House pretty dope for having the first bisexual lead character (Luz Nocedo) on any Disney Channel show, but it’s also got the pan-tastic sidekick named Willow Park.
She is a kind-hearted and sympathetic character who values honesty and openness. She is known for her bubbly personality and infectious energy, often bringing joy and laughter to those around her. Willow is also fiercely loyal to her friends and will go out of her way to support them in their endeavors.
Along with many other quests, Willow wants to help Luz get back to the Human Realm after the protagonist finds herself falling into a portal to Willow’s magical world.
Source: Prime Video
Aimee from Harlem is a bold and confident individual who is unapologetically herself. As a pansexual woman, she is attracted to individuals of all genders and embraces her sexuality as a beautiful and integral part of who she is.
Her journey towards accepting and expressing her pansexuality is essential, as it highlights the struggles and triumphs many individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community face.
Despite the challenges she may encounter along the way, Aimee’s unwavering spirit and resilience continue to shine through, inspiring others to embrace their unique identities with pride and authenticity.
“Nowadays, the kids call it pansexual,” says Harlem guest character Aimee after asking the protagonist Tye Reynolds. “Because you know they love a label. But in my Gen X days, we just called it, you like who you like.” Labels or no labels, someone’s going to relate to Aimee’s statement here. Maybe that’s you!
Source: Netflix
Self-proclaimed “sex-positive, polyamorous, and pansexual” Nola Darling is the female lead we’ve all prayed for. Spike Lee delivered in this Netflix series remake of his iconic 1986 movie of the same name.
Nola is a complex and dynamic character who defies conventional expectations. Her journey towards self-discovery and self-expression is a central theme of the series.
Nola challenges the idea that sexuality is binary and shows that love and attraction can transcend gender and societal norms.
Exhibit A, this amazing quote:
“I’m not a freak, I’m not a sex addict, and I’m damn sure nobody’s property. I’m Nola Darling.”
It perfectly encapsulates Nola’s fierce independence and refusal to be defined by anyone else’s expectations or labels.
Source: Netflix
Ola Nyman from the Netflix comedy Sex Education finds out she’s pansexual the way a lot of people learn they’re queer nowadays: the prophetic online “Am I Gay?” quiz. It’s almost like a rite of passage in the media nowadays, as also seen in Skam and Heartstopper.
But here, there’s no denial.
“I’m a pansexual, apparently,” Ola says after taking the quiz. “Huh, kind of makes sense actually.”
Quick and easy, we wish all coming out could be like this!
Ola’s a charming and confident character brings a refreshing perspective to the show. Her character challenges stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding pansexuality, promoting greater acceptance and understanding for individuals with diverse sexual orientations within the LGBTQIA+ community.
Despite the challenges she may face in navigating her sexuality and relationships, Ola’s unwavering self-assurance and determination continue to shine through, inspiring others to embrace their own identities with pride and authenticity.
Source: Netflix
The Umbrella Academy showed Hollywood how to respectfully represent the transgender experience after Elliot Page came out as a transman, ushering in the transition of his show’s character Viktor Hargreeves. Not only does this series show its commitment to trans allyship, but the source material and the show itself have more representation to show for it.
Klaus Hargreeves, Viktor’s brother, is a canonically pansexual character whose power is mediumship, or rather, being able to communicate with the dead.
And it doesn’t end there! The actor Robert Sheehan has confirmed that Klaus is also non-binary. We love to see it.
Source: ABC
Viola Davis as pansexual and badass lawyer Annalise Keating? Sign. Us. Up.
How to Get Away With Murder is jam-packed with drama, mostly around secrecy, love, sex, and – you guessed it – murder. We follow Annalise Keating and her students as she defends her clients and her reputation. She does all that while managing several love interests, both men and women.
“Sex. I know what you’re thinking. ‘I paid $80,000 a year for this? What does sex have to do with criminal law?’. Everything.”
A brilliant and honest legend.
Source: Marvel Studios
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Loki came out in the Loki Disney+ series by confirming he’d had romantic relationships with people of multiple genders. They didn’t go as far as to label his sexuality, and while Tom Hiddleston says Loki is bisexual, there is no zero-sum game approach to pan and bisexual representation. That’s the beauty of media interpretation!
Source: HBO
Before Pedro Pascal became a TikTok heartthrob sensation, he played Prince Oberyn Martell on the HBO hit series Game of Thrones. The show did not shy away from his liberated sexuality. On several occasions, they showed his escapades with various characters of different genders.
With a show full of violence and sex, it’s unsurprising to see how Oberyn fits right into the cast of characters, only this time. He’s got the hearts of pansexuals and bisexuals alike.
Source: BBC
Being from the 51st century, this Doctor Who character can’t be bothered with labels, so naturally, it has the online world debating his label. If you want to call him pan, why not?
In both Doctor Who and Torchwood, Jack is portrayed as being pansexual and has relationships with both men and women. His sexuality is portrayed in a positive light, and he’s a beloved character in the Doctor Who fandom.
Source: CBC
The 5-season series follows the life of the disgraced Rose family, who fall from grace and wealth and have to learn how to live like – gasp! – common folk. Fan favorite, David Rose, has a legendary quote describing his pansexuality that has merch all around the internet: “I like the wine, not the label.”
Despite his initial reluctance to embrace his small-town surroundings, David’s journey towards self-discovery and acceptance is an important theme of the show, encouraging viewers to embrace their own identities with pride and authenticity.
Source: 20th Century Fox
Ah, Wade Wilson, everyone’s favorite anti-hero. And pansexual at that! His outrageous humor and tongue-in-cheek sarcasm make this superpowered mutant so special. And his sexual fluidity? Well, that’s also very obvious from both Deadpool movies, where (liberated) sex jokes are a-plenty!
Deadpool’s character challenges traditional ideas of masculinity and heterosexuality, promoting greater visibility and acceptance for individuals with diverse sexual orientations within the media and popular culture.
Despite his, um, penchant for violence and antiheroic tendencies, Deadpool’s unapologetic and unabashed embrace of his own sexuality and identity is an important message of acceptance and inclusivity.
Source: Orion Pictures
In this film, our protagonist Rhiannon falls in love with a single soul, except that this soul wakes up in a different body every single day. And no matter what the soul looks like, Rhiannon falls in love just the same. The movie is based on a 2012 novel of the same name, and checks all the boxes for a pansexual lead in film.
Source: Cardcaptor Sakura theatrical poster
This previously mentioned anime series has a movie! The beloved character Sakura Kinomoto has been known to show attraction to characters of different genders. She shows a particular romantic attraction to Yue, a spirit that has taken human form, but has no particular gender, per se. In these films, Sakura takes off on fantastical adventures. If you were a fan of the series growing up, you won’t want to miss this.
Source: Disney
Mal is the daughter of Maleficent, the iconic villain of the Sleeping Beauty story. In the Descendants franchise, she has her own spotlight, as a villain who turns to the good side. This snarky character has been confirmed by its actor, Dove Cameron, as pansexual. And since Dove Cameron is queer herself, it feels great to have that extra representation!
Source: Disney
We first met Lando Calrissian in 1980 in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. He’s introduced as an old friend of the iconic Han Solo character. It’s no surprise then, that we meet Lando again in the 2018 standalone film, Solo: A Star Wars Story. Since then, co-writer and creator Jonathan Kasdan has confirmed Lando as a pansexual character. Lando has a shaky past with gambling, and eventually struggles with morality when it comes to helping his long-time friend Han Solo.
When you’re a cape-wearing, intergalactic warrior, you’re already a badass. Why stop there? Donald Glover put it perfectly when he said of his character: “How can you not be pansexual in space?” Exactly!
Let’s face it: Pansexuality can definitely use more representation in the media, especially in movies and anime. But don’t give up just yet, because what’s better than fictional pan characters? Pan people who are real! We’ve got a whole list of pansexual celebrities that you can follow.
At HER, we want to highlight pan characters – and real people – so that our pansexual community feels seen and heard. Pansexual or not, you deserve a space to find love, family, and friends.
Robyn is the CEO & Founder of HER. Find her on Twitter.
