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Addressing the Silence: The Urgent Call for Tailored Support for LGBTQ+ Survivors of Domestic Violence in Brighton & Hove

Addressing the Silence: The Urgent Call for Tailored Support for LGBTQ+ survivors of Domestic Violence in Brighton & Hove

In recent years, increasing attention has been focused on domestic violence within the LGBTQ+ community in England. While progress has been made in raising awareness, there remains a pressing need for specialized support services tailored to the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals facing domestic abuse.

Research conducted by organizations such as Stonewall and the National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline sheds light on the prevalence and impact of domestic violence within the LGBTQ+ community. According to Stonewall’s report, “LGBT in Britain – Hate Crime and Discrimination,” one in four LGBT individuals in a relationship has experienced domestic abuse. Additionally, the National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline reported a 65% increase in calls during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the heightened vulnerability faced by LGBTQ+ individuals during times of crisis.

These statistics paint a stark picture of the reality faced by many LGBTQ+ individuals in England, yet they represent only the tip of the iceberg. Underreporting remains a significant issue, fuelled by factors such as fear of discrimination, concerns about being outed, and a lack of understanding from mainstream service providers.

For many LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing domestic violence, accessing support services can be a daunting and disheartening experience. Traditional service providers often lack the cultural competency and understanding to effectively support LGBTQ+ survivors, leading many to feel marginalized and underserved. This is further compounded by the systemic barriers faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, including structural inequalities, discrimination, and stigma.

In response to these challenges, there is a growing recognition of the need for specialized support services tailored to the needs of LGBTQ+ survivors. Organizations such as Galop, LGBTQ Switchboard  and LGBT Foundation are leading the way in providing dedicated support services, including helplines, counselling, and safe housing options, specifically designed for LGBTQ+ individuals facing domestic abuse. You can learn more about the UK helpline from Gallop in London, or our local Brighton and Hove’s dedicated LGBTQ support services on Switchboards website. 

The importance of specialized support services cannot be overstated. For LGBTQ+ survivors, having access to support that is affirming, inclusive, and understanding of their unique experiences can be a lifeline in their journey to safety and healing. By prioritizing the voices and needs of LGBTQ+ individuals, we can create a future where all survivors are supported, empowered, and able to rebuild their lives.

As we continue to confront the realities of domestic violence within the LGBTQ+ community, it is imperative that we advocate for specialized support services and work towards creating a society where all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can access the support they need to thrive. It is time to break the silence and ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against domestic abuse.

A Trans Survivor’s Call for Trans-Inclusive Domestic Violence Services: A Personal Perspective

A Trans Survivor’s Call for Trans-Inclusive Domestic Violence Services: A Personal Perspective

As a transgender individual living in Sussex navigating the complexities of domestic violence has been an uphill battle filled with fear, uncertainty, and isolation. My journey as a survivor of domestic violence has underscored the critical need for support services that are trans-inclusive and affirming, provided by LGBTQ+ groups and practitioners who understand the unique challenges faced by transgender individuals.

My experience with domestic violence began in an ordinary apparently loving relationship . But within months the relationship turned toxic, marked by emotional abuse, manipulation, and threats of violence. As a trans person, I faced additional layers of vulnerability and fear, knowing that disclosing my gender identity could further escalate the abuse.

When I finally found the courage to seek help, I reached out to mainstream domestic violence services, hoping to find support and safety. But I encountered ignorance, discrimination, and a lack of understanding of transgender identities. Being misgendered, invalidated, and dismissed by service providers only deepened my sense of isolation and despair.

It was at my lowest point that I discovered the invaluable support provided by our local LGBTQ+ organizations and practitioners.  When i managed to talk to an LGBTQ identified support worker I was met with compassion, respect, and understanding of my unique experiences as a transgender survivor. The LGBTQ+ support groups provided a safe space where I could share my story without fear of judgment, where my gender identity was affirmed, and where I received the support and resources I desperately needed. I felt seen, understood and didn’t’ need to ‘explain’ everything every time I met a new worker.

Accessing trans-inclusive support services was not just about finding refuge from the violence; it was about reclaiming my dignity, my identity, and my sense of worth as a transgender individual. The LGBTQ+ advocates and practitioners who supported me understood the intersections of gender identity, sexual orientation, and domestic violence, offering tailored assistance that addressed my specific needs and concerns.

My long struggle to a place of safety and personal emotional recovery has reinforced the importance of trans-inclusive domestic violence services provided by LGBTQ+ organizations and practitioners. It is not enough to merely acknowledge the existence of transgender survivors; we must actively prioritize their safety, well-being, and dignity by ensuring that support services are accessible, affirming, and culturally competent. Only by being truly ‘seen’ can I be understood as a whole person.

It’s clear there is a real  need for dedicated domestic violence services that centre the experiences of trans individuals and are provided by TNBI & LGBTQ+ groups and practitioners. As a survivor, I urge policymakers, funders, and service providers to listen to the voices of trans survivors, to invest in trans-inclusive support services, and to create a world where no one is left behind in their journey to healing and justice.

LGBT Humanists to celebrate its 45th anniversary in 2024

This year, LGBT Humanists celebrates a remarkable milestone – its 45th anniversary. For nearly half a century, its volunteers have been a driving force for LGBTQ+ rights, championing compassion, reason, and human rights across the country. But how did it all begin?

LGBT Humanists’ story begins in 1976. It was then that Mary Whitehouse, a teacher and social conservative, initiated a ‘blasphemous libel’ case against Gay News for publishing James Kirkup’s poem The Love That Dares to Speak Its Name. The poem, depicting the love of a Roman centurion for a crucified Jesus, led Whitehouse to decry an ‘intellectual, homosexual, and humanist lobby’. This lobby didn’t actually exist, but the idea certainly resonated with humanists. Inspired by this notion, LGBT Humanists was created in 1979.

The Gay Humanist Group became GALHA (Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association) in 1987. It later became LGBT Humanists in 2015

LGBT Humanists (then the Gay Humanists Group) officially launched at the Campaign for Homosexual Equality (CHE) Brighton Conference in August 1979. Initially, the group formed as activists opposing Mary Whitehouse and her lawsuit. Co-founders Barry Duke and Brian Parry envisioned a group that would challenge ‘ignorance, superstition, dogma, and bigotry, encouraging more gay humanists to confidently express their identities and beliefs’. Today, LGBT Humanists proudly continues this tradition.

Humanist Heritage project will explore the legacies of LGBT humanists like Alan Turing, Lorraine Hansberry, and Maureen Duffy

The history of LGBT Humanists is rich with interactions and collaborations with various groups, all striving towards a more tolerant society. LGBT Humanist campaigns have achieved so many significant victories: the end of section 28 in schools, the introduction of same-sex marriage in the UK, an end to blasphemy as a crime in England and Wales, the establishment of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia in the UK, and the ongoing fight against ‘conversion therapy‘.

LGBT Humanists on the march and campaigning for a more compassionate society circa 1979

 

Apply to be a LGBT Humanist Interviewee

If you have ever marched under a LGBT Humanists banner, contributed to a newsletter, campaign, event, or humanist ceremony, email Humanists UK’s Heritage Project Officer Cas Bradbeer and introduce yourself. The Humanist Heritage project is recording the memories of anyone who has been part of LGBT Humanist, These could range from recent events to recollections of the foundation of LGBT Humanists as the Gay Humanist Group in 1979!

Breaking the Silence: A Black Gay Male Survivor’s Call for Inclusive Domestic Violence Support Services in the United Kingdom

Breaking the Silence: A Black Gay Male Survivor’s Call for Inclusive Domestic Violence Support Services

As a Black gay man living in London then South East England, my journey as a survivor of domestic violence has been marked by silence, stigma, and struggle. Today, I am breaking that silence to shed light on the urgent need for support services that are inclusive and affirming, provided by LGBTQ+ groups and practitioners who understand the unique challenges faced by individuals like me.

My experience with domestic violence began in a relationship that I believed was built on love and mutual respect. However, as time passed, the relationship turned volatile, with emotional and physical abuse becoming a regular occurrence. As a black gay man, I grappled with the intersections of racism, homophobia, and toxic masculinity, which compounded my sense of vulnerability and shame.

When I finally mustered the courage to seek help, I turned to mainstream domestic violence services, hoping to find refuge and support. However, my hopes were quickly shattered as I encountered ignorance, prejudice, and a lack of cultural competence. Being met with skepticism, disbelief, and even hostility due to my race and sexual orientation only deepened my sense of isolation and despair.

It was through the support of LGBTQ+ organizations and practitioners that I found a lifeline amidst the darkness. From the moment I reached out, I was met with empathy, understanding, and validation of my identity and experiences. The LGBTQ+ support groups provided a safe space where I could share my story without fear of judgment, where my diverse ethnicity and sexual orientation were acknowledged and respected, and where I received the support and resources I needed to break free from the cycle of abuse.

For me, accessing inclusive support services was not just about escaping the violence; it was about reclaiming my power, my identity, and my right to live free from fear and oppression. The LGBTQ+ advocates and practitioners who stood by me understood the complexities of my intersectional identity, offering culturally competent assistance that addressed my unique needs and challenges.

My journey to healing has reinforced the importance of inclusive domestic violence support services provided by LGBTQ+ organizations and practitioners. It is not enough to acknowledge the existence of marginalized survivors; we must actively prioritize their safety, well-being, and dignity by ensuring that support services are accessible, affirming, and culturally competent.

In the Sussex, England and beyond, there is an urgent need for dedicated domestic violence services that center the experiences of marginalized communities, including black gay men. As a survivor, I urge policymakers, funders, and service providers to listen to the voices of marginalized survivors, to invest in inclusive support services, provided by the LGBTQ+ communities and from the LGBTQ+ communities they are for, and to create a world where everyone can live free from violence and discrimination.

LGBTQ+ Specific Domestic Abuse Services in Brighton & Hove

LGBTQ+ Specific Domestic Abuse Services in Brighton & Hove

With Brighton and Hove City Council announcing £30 million of cuts this financial year, including defunding the LGBTQ+ dispersed refuge provided by a non-LGBTQ+ organisation, many articles have been published about how there will no longer be any LGBTQ+ refuge provision in the city. What these pieces have failed to consider, however, is whether the current provision has been fit for purpose or responsive to the clearly articulated needs of LGBTQ+ communities themselves. Communities frequently ask for ‘by and for’ services – and this has not been provided.

Switchboard has an LGBTQ+ specific domestic abuse service and have supported over 200 survivors of both historic and current domestic abuse, at all risk levels, over the last two years. Around 50% of our clients are self-referred, reflecting the evidence that LGBTQ+ people experiencing domestic abuse do not readily engage with statutory services.

Half of our service users are also QTIPOC (Queer, Trans, or Intersex Person of Colour), and for this reason Switchboard work closely with Hersana, who have an inclusive definition of women, including trans women. They refer to Black women, Black girls, Black trans women and Black non-binary people as their client group.

Switchboard’s work is also designed to achieve greater support and engagement with TNBI (trans, non-binary and intersex) communities. We have established LGBTQ+ domestic abuse survivor peer support groups, with many group members reporting that they are spaces where they can have some respite and connect with other LGBTQ+ survivors.

Local evidence shows that 4% of those seeking safe accommodation in Brighton and Hove are experiencing domestic abuse compared to the national average of 2%. Research shows that LGBTQ+ people face unique barriers to accessing services due to their sexuality and gender identity (Galop, 2021). LGBTQ+ people are more likely to be victims of domestic abuse than cisgender, heterosexual people (Galop, 2021), while trans, non-binary, and intersex people are the most likely to report experiencing domestic abuse (Galop, 2021). LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic abuse are more likely to attempt suicide, more likely to be abused by multiple perpetrators over their lifetime, and less likely to report their experiences or receive adequate support (Galop, 2021; 2023). The evidence shows that overall, LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic abuse within the UK want to access by-and-for support and their outcomes improve when they do (Domestic Abuse Commissioner, 2022).

Within Brighton and Hove, currently, we have no by-and-for LGBTQ+ housing provision. There is no ringfenced emergency accommodation for domestic abuse survivors, of any minoritised group, and there is no by-and-for LGBTQ+ refuge within Brighton and Hove. The model that has existed until now has not mirrored traditional models of refuge that are ‘multiple occupancy’, with multiple survivors living on the same site. The current model is a ‘dispersed refuge’ model, meaning it offers single independent flats provided by a housing association. Typically, this has been outside Brighton and Hove, so can hardly be considered local. By not adhering to the multiple occupancy model, LGBTQ+ survivors are missing out on vital community support that comes with living in an all-LGBTQ+ refuge. Survivors are also not able to feel completely safe and free from any further discrimination within the refuge, which can occur when LGBTQ+ people are forced to go into non-LGBTQ+ spaces.

The LGBTQ+ specialist IDVAs (independent domestic violence advocates) at Brighton and Hove LGBT Switchboard say: “Refuge is often not an option for LGBTQ+ survivors wishing to flee. There’s usually not a placement available for them and, if there is, it’s usually out of area or they are concerned about facing further abuse due to being LGBTQ+. We’ve had occasions where TNBI survivors have said they would be terrified to go into a non-LGBTQ+ refuge for fear of experiencing further abuse from staff or other residents.”

During the Switchboard night shelter pilot, which ended last year, over half the residents were not known to the local authority because of fear of homo/bi/transphobia.

Whilst the cuts announced by Brighton and Hove City Council are incredibly worrying, they could leave room for by-and-for LGBTQ+ refuge provision to commence in Brighton and Hove. Having some provision can be considered ‘better than nothing’, however the current model doesn’t meet the needs of the community. What we have is in direct contrast to the vast array of evidence available that has one very clear message: support for LGBTQ+ victims and survivors of domestic abuse should be provided by by-and-for organisations. It is hoped that the current situation will be seen as an opportunity to rectify this situation.

 

References:

Commissioning for inclusion – Galop – Galop

“An isolated place”: LGBT+ domestic abuse survivors’ access to support – Galop

LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Service Provision Mapping Study – Galop

Free to be safe web.pdf (safelives.org.uk)

Addressing the Gap: The Urgent Need for Local LGBTQ Domestic Violence Support Services in Brighton & Hove

Addressing the Gap: The Urgent Need for Local LGBTQ Domestic Violence Support Services in Brighton and Hove

In recent years, the conversation surrounding domestic violence has increasingly turned towards the unique needs of LGBTQ individuals. In Brighton and Hove, a city known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community, there’s a growing recognition of the need for dedicated support services tailored to the experiences of LGBTQ+ survivors.

While strides have been made in raising awareness about domestic violence within the LGBTQ community, there remains a significant gap in the availability of local support services specifically designed to meet the needs of LGBTQ survivors. This series of news stories aims to examine this gap and highlight the evidenced need for LGBT domestic violence support services to be provided by local LGBTQ+ communities in Brighton and Hove.

Understanding the Challenges

LGBTQ individuals face a myriad of challenges when seeking support for domestic violence, ranging from concerns about being outed or judged for their sexual orientation or gender identity to fears of encountering discrimination and lack of understanding from mainstream service providers. These barriers often deter LGBTQ survivors from seeking help, leaving them feeling isolated and underserved.

The Importance of Local LGBTQ+ Support

Local communities play a crucial role in providing support to LGBTQ, TNBI, QTIPOC and Queer survivors of domestic violence. By offering services that are culturally competent, inclusive, and affirming, local organizations and practitioners can create a safe and welcoming environment where survivors feel understood, respected, and empowered to seek help.

Examining the Evidence

Through a series of in-depth news stories, we will explore the evidence supporting the need for local LGBTQ domestic violence support services in Brighton and Hove. We will hear from survivors, advocates, and service providers about their experiences and perspectives, shedding light on the gaps in existing services and the urgent need for action.

Looking Ahead

As Brighton and Hove continues to strive towards creating an inclusive and supportive community for all its residents, addressing the gap in domestic violence support services for LGBTQ+ individuals must be a priority. By amplifying the voices of survivors and advocates, this series aims to spark conversations, raise awareness, and catalyse action towards creating a more equitable and accessible support system for all survivors.

Join us as we delve into this important issue and explore the ways in which local communities in Brighton and Hove can come together to support LGBTQ survivors of domestic violence. Together, we can build a future where all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can live free from fear and violence, and access the support they need to heal and thrive.

 

LGBTQ+ Fostering Information Evening at The Queery

Fostering Information Evening at The Queery

LGBTQ+ Adoption & Fostering Week returns this year from 4 March. This campaign speaks solely to the LGBTQ+ community and aims to encourage more LGBTQ+ people to consider fostering.

If you’ve ever wondered if fostering could be for you, come along to this free Friday night information evening. It’s ebing held at the wonderful comfortable and fully accessible space of the Queery Bookshop on George Street just off St James St.  You can gain an understanding of what it means to be a foster carer, chat to the friendly team and meet experienced foster carers.  Full details of the evening and to book yourself a FREE space, follow this link. 

Here’s a rundown of what to expect:

7 pm – arrival and refreshments

7.15 pm – welcome and introduction. Our team will briefly cover what fostering entails, why children come into care, the fostering assessment, and the role/responsibilities. There will also be a discussion on supported lodgings, which is for young people 16-21

7.30 pm- foster carers will speak to you about their experience of the fostering assessment, their role and the support they have received.

8pm – opportunity to ask questions

8.30pm- mingle and enjoy the refreshments

9 pm – close of event

The Brighton and Hove Council  Fostering Team say ‘ come along, it’s friendly, informal and you can meet people who are already experienced in fostering,  we look forward to seeing you there’

You can learn more about the work the team do here. 

Brighton Bear Weekend: A Celebration of Community and Charity

In the heart of Brighton, a special event unfolded on the evening of February 27 at the Fallen Angel. It was a night dedicated to expressing gratitude and celebrating the collective efforts that made the Brighton Bear Weekend a resounding success. The gathering wasn’t just any event; it was a testament to the power of community, support, and shared goals.

The organisers took the stage, their voices filled with warmth and appreciation. “Good evening, and thank you all for being here,” they began, setting the tone for a night of heartfelt acknowledgements. The Brighton Bear Weekend, now in its 14th year, had once again brought together a diverse group of individuals, all united by a common cause; the evening served as a platform to thank the countless volunteers, performers, and supporters from various bars and venues whose dedication made the event possible.

Special appreciation was extended to Legends and the Fallen Angel, which was recognised for their unwavering support and hospitality, hosting several events throughout the year. Bear107 was lauded for its role in selling merchandise and sponsoring Mr Brighton Bear, while the Sea Serpents were applauded for their continuous backing.

A highlight of the collaboration was with Lunch Positive, which provided exceptional food at the Garden Party and played a crucial role in raising £1,798. The efforts were in support of the Sussex Beacon and the Brighton Rainbow Fund, two organisations deeply embedded in the community’s heart. The organisers proudly announced the presentation of two cheques, each worth £3,000, to these organizations, marking a grand total of £7,798 raised for these vital causes.

In a time marked by economic challenges, the achievement of raising such an impressive sum was emphasized as doubly significant. The organisers expressed profound gratitude to everyone who supported the cause, highlighting the deep impact of their contributions on the community. The success of the weekend was a collective triumph, a reflection of generosity, and a shared commitment to making a difference.

Looking ahead, the organisers announced the dates for the next Brighton Bear Weekend, scheduled for July 11 – 14, signaling an ambition to grow and enhance the event further. The announcement was an invitation to continue the tradition of community, celebration, and charity, urging everyone to mark their calendars for what promises to be an even more spectacular gathering.

The evening concluded with a reminder of the upcoming Bears at The Fallen Angel event, taking place on Saturday, March 2 and promising a night of March Madness and continued festivities. It was a call to keep the spirit of the weekend alive, a chance to come together once more and celebrate the strength and generosity of the Brighton Bear community.

As guests departed, the sense of unity and purpose lingered in the air, a reminder that they could make a significant impact together. The Brighton Bear Weekend was more than just an event; it was a movement, a celebration of love, support, and the enduring power of community.

1BTN’s International Women’s Day Takeover to return on March 8 – bigger, bolder and better than before

Words by Kate Wildblood; artwork by Queen Josephine and Hannah Sherlock

Now in its sixth year, 1BTN’s International Women’s Day (IWM) Takeover 2024 is here, bigger, bolder and better than before with 40 1BTN presenters, DJs and artists set to deliver over 36 hours of inspiring broadcasting as we celebrate the incredible female, trans women and non-binary voices in our radio community on Friday, March 8.

Every genre, bassline, vocal and lyrical genius broadcast a moment to savour as we spotlight the female, trans women and non-binary songwriters, producers, writers, performers, remixers, artists and musicians that have inspired our inclusion in the music industry. Expect disco, ’90s R&B, salsa, reggaeton, garage, house, ’80s, electro, acid, garage, jungle, hyper pop, experimental, trance, ethereal dub, art pop, soul, funk, jazz, soulful house, easy listening, folk, alt-rock, ambient, psychedelic, techno, hyper pop, broken beats, electronica, blues, afro beat, dancehall, rap, boogie, chill-out, fusion, desert tech, ballroom, hip hop, drum & bass, and more disco.

Taking part in 1BTN IWD Takeover 24 on Friday, March 8 are: Alex Cella, Anya Lux, Amy Douglas, Sharna Waid, I Am Fya, Anya Lux, Babylon Fox, BBG w/ Shields & KD Mars & Daizy Dangerz & Bangers For Breakfast, Coco Varda, DJ Emma, Love Is The Message w/Hannah Sherlock & Kathy Ellis, Jayne Winstanley, Jenny Jen, Faro, Katie Novo, Katie PPU Byrnes, Laroie, DJ Amazon, Chicha Morada, Lil Minx, Luchia, Lucid Body Talk, Martha Cleary’s Underlying Oddities, Molly Pop, Nikki Lucas, Rachel Gavin, Renata, Rosie Turton, Sarah Sweeney, Silkee, Sophie Lloyd, Ellie Talebian, Taman, Tara Elle, The Record Caddy and Wildblood & Queenie.

The campaign theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is Inspire Inclusion. When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.

This year, 1BTN International Women’s Day Takeover will be fundraising for both 1BTN radio and RISE, a Sussex-based domestic violence and abuse charity that has worked since 1994 to end all forms of violence and abuse against women, their families and those identifying as LGBTQ+.

1BTN is a Brighton & Hove’s acclaimed not-for-profit radio station and music plaform delivering diverse, eclectic and specialist programme of music 24 hours a day, seven days a week since our launch in 2015, with the voices of female, trans and non-binary presenters, DJs and artists at the core of our broadcast values. One world, one love, 1BTN. Donate HERE and tune in at 101.4FM DAB+ in the Brighton & Hove area, and worldwide HERE

Enjoy the Ride: Adult pleasure in 2024 with Esmale

From the best poppers UK to the best trends in the male sex toys and underwear market. This is what you can expect in the coming year!

At esmale.com we have been getting feedback, recommendations and plenty of shared experiences from our customers. We have gathered this information plus extra information from suppliers and competitors and came up with some trends that we believe will be dominating 2024. Naturally, we want to share this with you, just so you can be best informed in your journey of self-pleasure. So here goes.

We are going more hardcore.

It looks like we are all getting a bit more adventurous. Whether it is treating your behind to some attention or giving your manhood a little loving, the products that are being bought all seem to be large or have extreme vibration or stimulation elements to them. We have seen an increase in anal stretching toys plus self-care products like an anal douche or desensitising lube.

All signs that we love a bit of bum fun. You can also find this hardcore trend back in sales and feedback regarding Fetish and BDSM gear. We like a bit of bondage and putting our nipples through some pain. Especially our soft BDSM range Berlin seems to have captured the imagination of many. With all this more extreme action comes the desire to order some of the best gay poppers available in the UK with Power Rush being one of the most popular ones.

It’s not just adult tools we like with an edge.

We seem to take our desire for the more daring products through to what we are wearing. Especially our choice of underwear seems to lean towards easy-access underwear. From bottomless briefs and sexy jockstraps to bulge-enhancing underwear, we love to show off our stuff and highlight all our best assets. Certainly not something we are complaining about.

Addicted underwear still seems to be one of the best selling gay fashion brands but is followed hot on the heels by Breedwell, TOF Paris and Darkroom. All relatively new brands to our store and they all seem to focus on the edgy fetish side of underwear. Harnesses are continuing to be very popular, and we do not see that trend ending in 2024.

Self-pleasure to handle the world.

In the last decade, we have seen a great shift in the acceptance of self-pleasure with adult tools. The taboo of the olden days seems to have gone. The trend we are seeing based on customer feedback is that more people are using toys as an escape from the pressures of daily life. Partaking in some self-love after a stressful day at the office or an uncomfortable situation seems to become an additional reason for playtime. We love that this is happening and have been advocating this for a long time. The release of stress and anxiety-related hormones that happen during self-pleasure really can put you back in the right frame of mind and ready to leave the day or situation behind you. The extra benefit is that it is just delicious fun and a great source of relief.

“The trend we are seeing based on customer feedback is that more people are using toys as an escape from the pressures of daily life.”

Even though treating yourself to some adult relief can for most people not compete with an intimate encounter with someone else, it can do the trick. The advantage is that it is low effort and you are not dependent on someone else. Let’s face it getting a hook-up or other action is not always readily available or reliable. I mean, I have had encounters that left me more stressed afterward than I was before.

Come in and have a look!

With thousands of items to choose from our store is very likely to have something that floats your boat. Whether it is toys, fetish, sexy gear or anything else you might be into. To make it more enticing we have a sale on in the next few weeks that will ensure you can get all your gear for an excellent price, how great is that? If you are at the beginning of your adult play journey or very advanced, it does not matter, we have a huge collection for all levels. Come in and have a look.

To shop Adult Tools and gear, CLICK HERE

For amazing poppers, CLICK HERE

Enjoy the ride!

With love

Team esmale

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