It feels like Gillian Anderson has been a part of our queer cultural landscape for decades, whether as the skeptical but brilliant Dana Scully or the unflappable sex therapist Jean Milburn. In a recent interview, she's added a new layer to her story, sharing that the word that feels right for her sexuality is 'pansexual'.
Speaking with The Australian while promoting her new book, Anderson clarified her identity, stating she is "pan, as in pansexual, as in attracted to all genders". This isn't a sudden shift for those who've followed her career. She's spoken openly for years about her relationships with women and her fluid sexuality. As recently as August, she told The New Yorker she was pondering the right label, wondering aloud: "Am I pansexual? Am I bisexual?". It seems she's found the one that fits.
A Journey, Not a Destination
This journey of self-discovery seems deeply connected to her recent work. Anderson credits her role in Sex Education for opening up conversations about desire and identity, which ultimately led to her curating two books of women's sexual fantasies, Want and its follow-up, More. It's a great example of how exploring sexuality through art can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself.
For many in the LGBTQ+ community, Anderson has long been a beloved figure. Her portrayal of complex, intelligent women has always resonated. Her openness now provides a welcome moment of visibility for pansexual people and serves as a reminder that figuring out your identity is a lifelong process—there's no deadline.
And because she's nothing if not specific, she also shared what she finds most attractive. For men, it's forearms and hands. For women? Lips, buttocks, and the clavicle. We see you, Gillian. And we're glad you're part of the family.
