Sex toy shopping as a non-binary person can be interesting. Toys in general tend to be gendered pretty heavily. This may seem like it makes sense right? After all you're shopping for something to use on your genitals, but remember your sex (genetics, genitals) and your gender (man, woman, trans, nonbinary) are actually two different things.
So why exactly is the vulva department still awash in mostly purple and pink?
I personally don't mind a bit of pink. In moderation. Just please, some variety! I'm begging you! When shopping for toys I seem to only see pinks and purples. Occasionally a little teal or black just to spice it up if it's my lucky day.
It's not just me who's over the pink wash. Every guy, gal, and nonbinary pal I've chat to about it has said the same thing.
If you're a person who cares about sex toys you've probably heard of the brand Womanizer. If you're a person who cares about sex toys as much as I do you've probably heard it way too much!
Public opinion is fairly split on if these kinds of toys are the new sliced bread or the new square wheel. Here are the facts - The Womanizer is a toy known for its suction-like vibration. Despite the advertisement it's not actually suction but a pulse wave sensation that's somewhere between pinpoint vibration and really excellent oral.
The Womanizer range is known for their good results, unfortunate name, and uh, interesting aesthetic design.
The fact is, it feels a little uncomfortable using a toy plastered with "WOMAN" all over it when you're not a woman. Especially when many of their toys go out of their way to evoke fond memories of Barbie's dream house.
I know trans guys and nonbinary folks who actively avoid this brand based solely on name. Being misgendered by inanimate objects can really ruin the mood you know?
Womanizer has however tried a few times to make more gender neutral options with mixed success. The Womanizer Pro includes patterns like pink roses andleopard print, while the womanizer Pro40 was only available in pink and white or grey and white.
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I will give a special shoutout to Womanizer for making the skull pattern Womanizer Pro. It's a shame I didn't have money for sex toys when I was 18 and trying to be a goth.
Despite the unfortunate name and occasionally questionable aesthetics, I can't help but endorse the Womanizer range for functionality. The first time I had the chance to use one I couldn't help but feel like I was using a vibrating fleshlight for my clit.
Once I figured out how to make it work for me (more lube was needed) it was actually a pretty gender euphoric experience.
Even with a rocky start and questionable name, Womanizer have definitely been listening to customer feedback and putting more thought into their recent designs.
There are now more colours, fewer unnecessary patterns, and less obvious branding. I really believe these will go a long way to making these toys appeal to a wider audience.
So - if you're thinking about grabbing one of these bad boys but aren't sure if it's for you, I'd recommend giving them a shot and grabbing the Womanizer pro in classy black and silver.