Pansexuality is defined as, “people who have romantic, sexual or affectional desire for people of all genders and sexes.” Although there has been an emergence of pansexual characters in recent years, Hollywood is definitely still slacking in pansexual representation.
Here are some great pansexual characters in television today (potential spoilers ahead!)
- David Rose – Schitt’s Creek
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When David was trying to explain his sexuality to friend Stevie, he used wine metaphors to convey that he was interested in all genders. His sexuality is completely embraced by his family and the town, and his father Johnny (played by Eugene Levy) refers to his son as pansexual in a later scene. David has relationships with both men and women throughout the series, and unlike many LGBTQ+ television characters, his sexuality is not a focal point of the character’s personality.
Where to watch: Stream seasons 1-5 on Netflix, Season 6 airing on PopTV
- Ola – Sex Education
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By the end of Season 1 of Sex Education, Ola begins to date the show’s protagonist, Otis. In Season 2, Ola and Otis eventually end things and Ola begins to question her sexuality after having dreams about her friend Lily. After some self-reflection, Ola realizes she may identify as pansexual and further explores her feelings with Lily. Sex Education is an extremely inclusive show and also addresses other underrepresented topics such as asexuality, bisexuality, consent and much more.
Where to watch: Netflix
- Rose Quartz – Steven Universe
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Written by the amazing Rebecca Sugar, Steven Universe follows Steven on wild adventures with Crystal Gems named Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl. Rose Quartz’s sexuality is never explicitly mentioned in the series. However, she maintained loving relationships with gender nonbinary gem Pearl and human men and women, including Steven’s father Greg. Steven Universe includes a ton of LGBTQ+ representation throughout the show, which is especially unheard of for an all-ages animated series.
Where to watch: Hulu and Cartoon Network
- Ambrose Spellman – Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
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Chance Perdomo plays Ambrose Spellman, Sabrina’s mischievous (and beautiful) warlock cousin. Ambrose was in a serious relationship with warlock Luke Chalfant and began a romantic relationship with witch Prudence Blackwood. Chance Perdomo sat down with them magazine and spoke about his character’s sexuality, “Ambrose specifying that he’s pansexual is important to his story arc. We don’t waste time or make a big fuss about it to the audience. We drop you into it. They’re not telling you Ambrose. They’re showing you Ambrose.”
Where to watch: Netflix
- Annalise Keating – How to Get Away with Murder
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Annalise Keating, the confident and powerful lawyer in the popular ABC show How To Get Away with Murder, has been in relationships with both men and women over the course of the series. Even though it hasn’t been directly mentioned on the show, creator Peter Nowalk has confirmed Annalise’s pansexuality on a press tour and actor Viola Davis has revealed she is thrilled with the decision.
Where to watch: Hulu, and Netflix, and ABC
Representation definitely needs to increase for pansexual people in television and all media platforms. Although no one ever needs to label their sexuality, having a direct acknowledgment of one’s pansexulity in media will help create better visibility for pansexual youth and young adults.