In a world where sexual expression is often constrained by cultural norms and legal restrictions, individuals across the globe are embracing their sexuality in diverse ways. Personal stories highlight how different people use sex toys in different ways. Beyond recreation, they function as empowering tools of self-discovery and relaxation.
Alexis, a 46-year-old writer originally from Berlin, Germany Alexis enjoys using sex toys on her perimenopause journey in order to explore new paths to pleasure. She sees each of these tools as devices for slowing down, getting grounded and maybe even better understanding the transformations at play in her body. Alexis has amassed a collection of sex toys that she arranges around the rim of her bubble bath, integrating them into her self-care routine.
In Kilamba, Angola, Nadia, 36, a geophysicist, links sex to unwinding. “Showing myself like this encourages people to live freely,” she states, highlighting how her openness contributes to a broader acceptance of sexual expression in her community.
Daniel, a 30-year-old personal assistant to a Member of Parliament in Berlin, agrees. The reason is that for him sex stands for happiness, individual liberation, and liberation in general. “For me, talking about sex is like talking about food,” he says, drawing parallels between the two.
The conversation about free sexual expression and love is much, much bigger than these titans of America’s unofficial capital of sex. Bustie, a 49-year-old burlesque performer from Amsterdam, reflects on how her experience with sex has changed as she’s aged. She and partner Tony, 60, investigate how their bodies have transformed over the years. This evolutionary tale, however, is a testament to the flexibility and strength of sexual closeness.
In Almaty, Kazakhstan, 41-year-old writer and content designer Gulim creates content that celebrates the beauty, sensuality, and power of human bodies. Because she believes that people are beautiful and worthy of pleasure. “People are sexy, and they love sex and orgasms,” she asserts.
Enrica is a 33 years old data visualization manager living in Milan, Italy. She has curated an exceptional collection of sex toys that she very enthusiastically parades around. Her approach to sexual wellness focuses on the power of personal exploration and self-acceptance.
Frida, from Milan, opened a sex shop called Wovo to match people with alternative sexual interests. Initially using sex toys alone to reconnect with her own body, she now provides a space for others to explore their desires freely.
Jessica, a 35-year-old cartoonist from Amsterdam, recalls receiving her first sex toy in her early twenties from a shop in Berlin. Her experience is a reminder of the importance of exposure to sexual wellness tools, as part of normal personal development, at an early age.
Yet in stark contrast to these stories of empowerment, legal barriers remain across the country. In much of the rest of the United States, including states like Alabama and Mississippi, buying them and even owning them can be against the law. Texas enforces a limit of five lawful adult sex toys for ownership by an adult. On the other hand, in Thailand sex toys are considered obscene objects and thus banned. The Maldives further compounds this layer of limitation with strict importation prohibitions on such goods.
Through various artistic collaborations, they bring attention to the fun and playful aspects of sexuality. The Berlin-based painter and installation artist, 31, views sex as an experimental just-for-fun mission. He instills creativity and joy in each experience, with performance artist Tania, 34. They get at the idea that sex can be malleable and creative.
As these individuals share their experiences with sex toys and sexual expression, they contribute to a growing dialogue surrounding pleasure and empowerment. Their stories demonstrate the truth that sexuality is not just a private issue, but is an act of defiance to a state that seeks normalcy.