The Gendered Dilemma

It is not at all uncommon to see sex toys heavily gendered on the shelves and social media. Whether it’s vibrators for women or strokers for men, it’s everywhere. There is a clear need for more inclusivity and sensitivity toward non-gendered and trans individuals.

Beyond supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, there are other reasons why gendering sex toys limits your ability to reach new markets and toy users. Let’s get down to it!

“Why would gendered sex toys bother the LGBTQIA+ community?”

Let’s start with inclusivity within branding. There are so many sex toy companies popping up every day that want to deliver pleasure to consumers. Unfortunately, most companies do not familiarize themselves with how to approach gendered marketing in the sex toy world. It’s important to think of this in general in both life and business, but especially in communities that cater directly to sex and the vulnerability around that.

People want to be able to reach for a sex toy without pausing and questioning whether it’s for them based on gender, especially if they are trans. If your anatomy does not match a toy assigned to your gender, it’s discouraging and can create a negative emotional reaction. If you want to take a small step toward this true sex toy brand inclusivity, begin by categorizing your toys by toy type instead of gender.

Examples of toy type vs gender:

Instead of ‘Toys for Women’ as a label for vibrators and other toys, try the following: Vibrators, Dildos, Nipple Toys, Vulva Pumps, Anal Toys…
Instead of ‘Toys for Men’ as a label for strokers and other toys, try the following: Strokers, Masturbators, Cock Rings…

“Aside from lack of inclusivity, why else would gendering sex toys limit my sex toy brand?”

Beyond the LGBTQIA+ community, there are more reasons to strip the gender from your sex toy marketing and packaging.

More often than not, the sex toy can and will be used in a way it was not first intentionally meant to be used. For instance: Vibrators. For so long, vibrators were only marketed toward vulva owners and it became a common misconception that they were only used for the clitoris.

It wasn’t until more education and experimentation happened (and people started talking about it on the internet!) that people experimented with vibrators on the scrotum, nipples, and perineum. Now, many strokers and masturbators vibrate to accommodate this extra level of pleasure!

In short, vibrators are for everyone. Anyone can use dildos. Even rabbit vibrators can be teased anally by someone with a penis for additional pleasure.

Additional Uses for Sex Toys You May Not Have Thought About…

I receive a lot of messages from customers and individuals sharing their sex toy stories. What I found was that many people buy penis toys for their penetrating toys. For instance, I may want to turn my non-vibrating dildo into a vibrating dildo. In this case, I purchase a cock ring to place on my dildo for my personal use.

You do not have to personally have a penis to utilize a cock ring for solo play. Beyond that, so many couples are purchasing toys to use with each other. Either party can utilize everything from vibrators to anal toys. In the end, it’s about what has been discussed and what feels good for everyone involved.

Gender and sexual preference play no part in toy utilization in the very end. Maybe someone wants to use a stroker on their packer for their visual pleasure and roleplay! There are so many different reasons someone might gravitate toward a toy and it is not up to us to limit that.

“How else can we cater to this new wave of pleasure-seekers?”

Beyond stripping the gendered marketing, focus on sex education! If you are worried your audience doesn’t know the many ways they can use a toy – TEACH THEM! When a brand gains the trust of a consumer through well-researched how-tos and other guides that assist them in their pleasure journey, that is irreplaceable.

Interested in learning more? Please feel free to reach out regarding a brand consultation: tawneyseren@gmail.com