The wine, not the label
In the tv sit-com Schitt’s Creek, the character David, played by actor Dan Levy, identifies openly as pansexual in what is widely regarded as a groundbreaking representation for the LGBTQ+ community. Not only is David unapologetic and completely at ease with his pansexuality, but his family and friends are nonjudgmental in their treatment of him. Additionally, his character develops a committed romantic relationship with Patrick, played by Noah Reid, a portrayal that challenges common stereotypes of bisexual and pansexual persons as inherently promiscuous.
In a particularly iconic scene, David explains his sexuality to his friend Stevie, using the metaphor of wine preferences as they shop for party supplies in a local store.
Stevie, who is curious about David’s sexuality, states her preference for red wines and wonders what kind of wine David prefers. David’s response neatly conveys his sexual identity with easy wit and humor:
David: I do drink red wine, but I also drink white wine. And I’ve also been known to sample the occasional rosé. And a couple summers back I tried a Merlot that used to be a Chardonnay, which got a bit complicated.
Stevie: So yeah, you’re just really open to all wines.
David: I like the wine and not the label. Does that make sense?
Watch this video clip for the full dialogue between David and Stevie, widely recognized as an easy metaphor for understanding the basics of what it means to be pansexual. That is, having the capacity to be attracted to persons regardless of their gender identity. Or, as David puts it, being "attracted to the wine and not the label."
References:
Schitt's Creek. The Wine Not the Label [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdcmhvLaNUs
