Written by Fiona Piccinato – Love Heart Adult Shop
This article discusses the broad adult sector but makes specific reference to bricks and mortar adult retail outlets as they have become welcoming, inclusive, and judgement-free spaces where clients and customers can safely express their inner desires. This is a marked difference to previous, often negative, public perceptions of adult shops.
We seem to be living in a nuanced sex-positive culture, which may just be the love positive shift adult retailers need. This sex-positive concept emphasises consent, communication, and respect for individual sexual expression. Although the foundational aspects of this socio-political movement began in the 1960’s it has since evolved to suit contemporary society. So much so, that this concept has been recognised and supported by the World Health Organisation. The WHO encourages a healthy, respectful approach to sexuality and relationships which benefits society overall. It encompasses a diversity of experiences, education, and awareness of sexual health, and challenges societal stigmas surrounding sexual orientation, sex work, and non-traditional relationships.
This movement seems to foster a more accepting attitude within society and may I say a new bunch of ‘curious’ individuals within the community. The fabulous thing for us in the adult industry is that this sex-positive culture also promotes mental health and well-being by understanding that sexual desires are natural, normal and a fundamental aspect of the human experience.
I think our industry will always be ‘peppered’ not ‘plagued’ with negativity because there will always be moral guardians walking amongst us. Although the attitudes, values, and beliefs of the sex-positive movement are still negatively impacted by societal barriers including religion, cultural beliefs, and government legislation, the framework of sexual repression which they have operated within thankfully seems to have weakened over time.
This ‘relaxing of the reins’ has brought forward the importance of the sexual health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. In the adult retail sector, I think this shift is a positive one, because the focus has changed to a more holistic approach towards sexual health and wellness which encompasses a pleasure-positive perspective. It involves individuals developing a healthy relationship with their body by enjoying bodily sensations and determining what brings them pleasure. It destigmatises sexual encounters whether one is alone or with a partner/s. In doing so they begin to understand and embrace their sexual selves, explore fantasies and can openly discuss sexual desires whilst establishing boundaries with their partner/s. For retailers, this shift can bring in new customers, and with-it open conversations about pleasure-positive products and how they can help them enhance and fulfil their sexual needs.
Sex-Positivity has a ripple effect on the adult retail industry, because the stigma of being a dodgy back door (excuse the pun!) retail business no longer exists. Adult retailing has transitioned from a highly restricted and forbidden industry into a more professional and widely accepted one.
According to Dr David Wahl (A Social Psychologist and Sex Researcher) there are several psychological advantages to introducing sex toys into the bedroom. Sex toys have the potential to improve relationship dynamics, communication, and personal wellbeing. The use of sex toys during one-on-one or couple sexual encounters can relieve stress, ease sexual tension, and elevate mood. It improves intimate relationships by connecting partners on a deeper level and increases their sexual self-awareness which aids in cultivating meaningful connections and feeling secure and respected within sexual relationships.
Ultimately, sex toys are fun and enjoyable, enhance sexual well-being and bring a new twist to sexual relationships, whilst maximising pleasure. Let’s face it, customers have always purchased our products with the intention of achieving an orgasm (whether solo or partnered) and to have loads of fun enjoying reaching those heights.
Formerly adult toys have always been fun and enjoyable, therefore making their use a purely physical experience. But in an era where it is understood that the use of sex toys has psychological benefits, such as increased overall mental well-being, this puts us in a whole new realm of understanding. So, from an adult toy sales perspective, although we are not health professionals, we are pleasure professionals who understand the benefits of sex-positive lifestyles.
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/sexual-self/202210/the-psychology-sex-toys
