Hey. If you’ve been around the internet long enough, you’ve probably noticed that a lot of sex toy advertising is gendered. Sex toys are often marketed toward either men or women, and they have specific symbols and language that make them appealing to certain people. But why are sex toys gendered?
There are a lot of reasons why. For one, it’s not that uncommon for people to feel sexually or emotionally attached to gendered objects. It’s easier for men and women to find something that speaks to them when sex toys are categorized that way. It’s also true that certain toys feel better when used in specific ways. Vibrators, for example, tend to be marketed towards women, sex dolls because women are much more likely to use them for clitoral stimulation.
Another reason is marketing. Sex toys can be a point of stigma for some people, so making them culturally acceptable to narrow demographics can make them more comfortable to buy. Plus, when companies market their products towards men and women specifically, they get to capitalize on different interests and desires. The same toy might be advertised one way to women, and differently to men.
It’s also true that sex toy companies don’t want to alienate potential customers — they want to make sex toys that everyone can use, and that means they might have to design them differently for male and female bodies. Not all bodies are the same; what works for one person might be totally wrong for another person. Keeping things gendered helps people find something that feels good for them.
Finally, sex toys are gendered because certain genders tend to be more interested in sex toys than others. Women tend to be more open to exploring their sexuality with such toys, whereas men often view it as a kind of taboo. By presenting sex toys in a certain way, companies can make them more appealing to different people.
Now that I’ve talked about why sex toys are gendered, let’s explore what it could mean for people who don’t identify with either gender. Although there are sex toys available for everyone, some people may feel uncomfortable or excluded when they see toys divided by gender. It could be a sign that companies don’t consider the needs of everyone when they’re marketing their products, and that’s something we should be aware of.
Gender can also play into how people use sex toys. People may feel constrained by the way they’re marketed, and that can limit their enjoyment of the products. It’s a good idea to pay attention to how sex toys are marketed, because it can provide insight into how different genders express their sexuality. For example, if sex toys marketed toward men contain language or imagery that is not necessarily representative of male desires, then it could be difficult for some men to find toys that match their interests.
It’s important to remember that sex toys are not only meant for one gender. Everyone should feel free to experiment with different types of toys and find what works for them. Even when sex toys are gendered, that doesn’t mean that anyone should shy away from them. While marketing sex toys in this way may not always be accurate, it’s important to remember that everyone can benefit from exploring their sexuality, regardless of gender.
One other thing to think about when it comes to sex toys is that pleasure is subjective. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to the type of toys they like, and companies may not be marketing sex toys in a way that speaks to everyone. In that case, it may be better to look for sex toys that are designed with all genders in mind, so that anyone can use them and find something that feels good for them.