To explore the latest trends in sex toys, especially LGBT sex toys, check out our 2024 Sex Toy Trends Among LGBTQ+ report.
Table of Contents
Recent years have seen a visible increase in the acceptance of sex toys worldwide, particularly among people identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (Non-Heterosexuals). Building upon this trend, we conducted a questionnaire survey on sex toy usage among different populations (especially Non-Heterosexuals people) by capturing the responses of 397 participants aged 18+ across the United States.
This questionnaire collected data on the age, sexual orientation, age range and their first types of sex toys, relationships and the use of sex toys, using frequency, preference, price range, buying factor, purchase channel, promotion method and importance of toys in sexual identity.
Main Points
- The most favored sex toys among non-heterosexual males were prostate massagers (25.32%) and dildos (24.05%), while heterosexual males showed a clear preference for male masturbators (31.41%).
- Non-heterosexual females were more likely to choose clitoral suction toys (24.32%) and wand vibrators (24.32%), while heterosexual females showed a stronger preference for rabbit vibrators (27.27%) and clitoral suction toys (21.21%).
- As for purchase frequency, 48.13% of non-heterosexuals would buy a new sex toy a few times a year, more likely than their heterosexual counterparts(34.8%).
- Nearly three-quarters (71.15%) of single non-heterosexual respondents said they use sex toys at least once a week to masturbate, which is higher than their heterosexual counterparts by 15.8%.
- 60% of the Non-Heterosexuals community members believed that using sex toys with their partners within three weeks into a relationship was acceptable. This level of acceptance was higher than that of heterosexual respondents (44.93%).
- When asked about the frequency of using sex toys with their partners, the non-heterosexual community in long-distance relationships (LDRs) preferred to use sex toys when needed(44.19%), while heterosexual individuals preferred to use them most of the time(34.62%).
1. Initial Experiences with Sex Toys
Non-Heterosexuals vs. Heterosexual Preferences:
Both heterosexual and non-heterosexual females were more likely to choose bullet vibrators and dildos as their first attempts. Compared to non-heterosexual males, heterosexual males were more likely to choose male masturbators (41.36% vs 25.32%) as their top choice for first attempts.
Transgender and Non-Binary Choices: Dildos were the top choice, with 34.05% preference, for first attempts among non-binary individuals.
2. Most Popular Sex Toys
The favored top choices for sex toys among non-heterosexual males were prostate massagers (25.32%) and dildos (24.05%), while heterosexual males preferred male masturbators (31.41%).
The preferred sex toys among non-heterosexual females were clitoral suction toys (24.32%) and wand vibrators (24.32%), while heterosexual females were more inclined to choose rabbit vibrators (27.27%).
Overall, the non-binary gender community preferred dildos as their top sex toy with a 29.79% preference followed by prostate massagers with a 19.15% preference.
3. Frequency of Use and Purchases
Single Respondents: Nearly three-quarters (71.15%) of single non-heterosexual respondents said they use sex toys at least once a week to masturbate, which is higher than their heterosexual counterparts by 15.8%.
Number of Toys People Own: The proportion of non-heterosexual respondents who owned 10 to 50 toys was higher than that of heterosexual individuals (51.88% vs. 40.09%).
Purchase Frequency: Non-heterosexual respondents were more likely than their heterosexual counterparts to buy sex toys a few times a year (48.13% vs 34.80%)
4. Relationships and Sex Toys
Relationship Status: Out of 397 respondents, 70.53% (280) were involved in romantic relationships, with 97 of them being in long-distance relationships.
Using sex toys in relationships:
Compared to heterosexual respondents, non-heterosexual individuals (60.00% vs 44.93%) were more likely to accept the idea of using sex toys with their partners as soon as three weeks into the relationship.
Partnered sex toy use frequency:
When in an LDR, most of the individuals in the non-heterosexual community preferred to use sex toys when needed, while heterosexual individuals preferred to use them most of the time. Regardless of the distance, the popularity of using sex toys among couples was strong.
Key Demographics
- Gender Identity: 69.52% identified as male, 18.39% as female, 5.54% as transgender, and 5.29% as genderqueer/non-binary.
- Sexual Orientation: 23.67% were bisexual, 10.32% pansexual, and smaller percentages identified as gay, lesbian, or queer.
Factors Influencing Purchasing Decisions
- Price Sensitivity: 73.75% of Non-Heterosexual respondents preferred toys priced between $50 and $150.
- Key Features: Quality (41.25%) and functionality (26.25%) were prioritized.
- Channels: Most purchases occurred via online retailers (61.25%), followed by brand websites (28.16%).
Technological and Emotional Impact
Non-Heterosexuals participants widely acknowledged the role of sex toys in enhancing sexual health, exploring identity, and maintaining intimacy:
- Long-distance relationships benefited significantly from app-controlled and interactive devices.
- Emerging trends like AI-driven personalization and sustainability-focused designs resonated deeply within the community.
Conclusion
This data shows that sex toys are widely accepted and frequently used in the Non-Heterosexual community, especially among bisexual and pansexual people. Respondents, no matter what sexual orientation they are, tend to buy through online channels, focus on quality and price balance, and prefer toy types that are practical and offer diverse experiences.
Sex toys play a positive role in maintaining intimacy and facilitating personal sexual exploration, and their importance varied among respondents, but they were generally seen as a positive addition to sexual health and happiness.
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