Could you be polysexual? If you find that queer, bisexual, or pansexual dont fully explain who you are and who you are attracted to, it might be time to look into this rarely discussed sexual identity. Identity is complicated, with a lot more nuance and gray area than we like to admit, and not only is coming to terms with your LGBTQ+ identity difficult, but deciding what label fits you best can be just as tricky. Then, theres the complicating factor of needing to come out to your family, friends, and potential lovers. Figuring out your sexuality can be overwhelming and even scary, but dont worry, weve got you covered. We spoke with LGBTQ+ sex and relationship experts to find out what polysexuality is, what signs to look for if you think you may be polysexual, and tips and tricks for coming out.What does it mean to be polysexual?The prefix poly, means many and is defined as a sexual orientation where someone is attracted to multiple, but not necessarily all, genders. This means that polysexuals may be attracted to men, women, nonbinary and genderqueer folks, trans people, or any other gender expression.A polysexual person might be attracted to women and nonbinary people, but not to men. Alternatively, they might be attracted to men, genderqueer people, and transgender people, but not to women, says Dr. Gregory Jones, an openly gay psychologist, certified sex therapist, and the CEO and founder of the Capital Center for Psychotherapy and Wellness in Washington, D.C.This can be complicated by how fluid gender identity and sexuality can be, how they can evolve over the course of someones life, and how terms and distinctions change at a societal level over time. It's about having a wide, delicious buffet of attractions instead of an open bar, explains Gia Green, an adult performer and sex writer and Lustery, who is also polysexual herself. For me, it's about acknowledging the people I desire without feeling like I have to check any gender box to justify it. It's fluid, flexible, and leaves room for preferences never experienced before.How is it different from being bisexual or pansexual?While many think bisexuality refers to being attracted to two genders (men and women), the term encompasses nonbinary and trans individuals, too. Bisexuality doesnt mean sticking to the gender binary. Come on, lets bury this myth once and for all, folks. Pansexuality, on the other hand, is the attraction to people regardless of their gender, which means that polysexuality is somewhere in between bisexuality and pansexuality because it refers to individuals who are attracted to many, but not all, genders.Pansexuality is broader in scope than polysexuality, as it includes every gender identity without limitation, explains Angela Vossen, a relationship coach and founder of Sextasy, who self-identifies as polysexual and polyamorous. This distinction isn't necessarily clear or significant for many people.So you may be attracted to men and gender fluid people, but not women, or they might just vibe with masculine-presenting folks regardless of how their bodies look like, Green says. We all have our patterns of desire, and polysexuality names that with clarity and pride.6 signs you may be polysexualYes, some people have a clear understanding of their sexuality from a young age, while other people discover it later in life, but it can also be an ever-evolving process of reevaluating how you feel and the type of person you are attracted to. So if you dont have it all figured out yet, dont worry, you arent alone.Understanding your sexuality can be tricky, but our experts have some signs to look out for if you think you might be polysexual.1. Youre attracted to more than one gender, but there are also ones that dont spark any sexual interest in you.2. When you are fantasizing about your future or having sex fantasies, you get excited by switching out the gender identity of your potential romantic/sexual partners.3. You feel comfortable embracing the idea of liking multiple gender expressions without feeling the need to have your attractions be universal.4. Youve labeled yourself as bisexual or pansexual in the past, but neither label accurately describes you because bisexuality feels too limiting, and pansexuality feels too broad.5. You resonate with stories about polysexuality or depictions of it on social media or in pop culture.6. When you read about the term polysexual, it felt right and seemed to fit.It can be very important for some people to feel a sense of connection and relief when identifying themselves sexually. If you feel that the term polysexual connects to you, you may be polysexual, Dr. Jones assures.Tips for coming outOk, so youve decided the polysexual label fits you and are ready to start telling your friends and family. But what is the best way to come out to people?First, coming out can be difficult, and you should do it on your own terms and at your own pace. But once youre ready, think about picking a private, calm, and safe environment to talk to people you trust, like close friends and supportive family members. The people you tell might be unaware of what polysexual means, so be prepared to explain it in simple terms, and prepare yourself for the fact that they may have follow-up questions. You can also set firm boundaries if youre not ready to have a deep discussion with anyone yet, and end conversations if they go in a negative direction. Start with one or two trusted people to build confidence. Use resources like letters, texts, or casual conversations if a face-to-face talk feels overwhelming, recommends Vossen. If safety is a concern, consider delaying coming out to certain people until youre in a more secure situation (e.g., financially independent or with a support network).Since polysexuality is a lesser-known sexual orientation, not everyone will immediately understand, and some people may need time to process. Let them, but prioritize your own well-being and think about connecting with polysexual or LGBTQ+ groups either online or in-person, who you can share you experience with and gain support.Finding a sense of community is also incredibly important in coming out, regardless of your sexual identity, Dr. Jones advises. Community is powerful in lifting you up, as well as a safe place for healing and growth. Please remember there is no right or wrong way to do this, and that identity can be fluid over time. Today, you may identify as polysexual, but over time, that may evolve into a different orientation, and that is okay!Youre also under no obligation to come out at all, and if you choose to, you can also make the whole thing a lot more casual, Green says.Come out the way you get off in your own damn style, she suggests. For me, that means skipping the performative coming-out moment and focusing on self-alignment. Maybe you just drop it in casually: Oh yeah, I'm polysexual, I'm into multiple genders, not all of them. Or maybe you want a more intimate moment with someone you trust. Either way, remember: you're not asking for permission. You're just sharing a beautiful truth about yourself.Sources cited:Gia Green, a polysexual adult performer and sex writer at Lustery.Dr. Gregory Jones, an openly gay psychologist, certified sex therapist, Harvard fellow, and the CEO and founder of the Capital Center for Psychotherapy and Wellness in Washington, D.C.Angela Vossen, a relationship coach and founder of Sextasy.