It’s sad to say, but there’s no denying that the Trans folk in our LGBT family our often marginalized or excluded. Today, we here at SexToys.com are standing up to say that this is not OK. We’re all in this fight for equality together! Today is a great time to remind one another about this important group of friends and allies as we struggle to gain equal rights.

I stole this quote from our friends over at HotMoviesForHer.com because I think it’s an important message:

Our discomfort around the issue—I know I’m not alone in this—means that we’ve got some learning to do. Bravo to those trans people willing to come out and teach us.

Still, the alliance makes sense insofar as both (overlapping) groups suffer from rigid social expectations about sex and gender. Compare “If you’re born biologically male, you should grow up to be a man” with “If you’re born biologically male, you should grow up to love a woman.” The similarities between the two inferences seem to outweigh the differences.

Click the picture to see if it properly illustrates the article to which it links

Verbal abuse, physical violence and deadly attacks are still common when associated with homophobia in Europe.  Reuters reports that the problems with homophobia are still serious in Europe and many people suffer from the hatred that exists.  From the Full Report:

“Homophobia is damaging people’s health and careers across Europe and the problem may be worse than reported because victims are scared to draw attention to themselves for fear of a backlash, an EU study said.

The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights said police in most countries were incapable of dealing with homophobic crime — ranging from verbal abuse to deadly attacks — and said many governments and schools failed to take it seriously enough.”

Among the more serious problems listed were that people suffered from harassment in the workplace, that not enough countries allowed anonymous reporting to prevent backlash against victims, people were denied refuge (in spite of a dire need for it when fleeing countries with brutally repressive regimes and no tolerance for homosexuality) and discrimination in health care, with homosexual people being treated as defective.

While some progress has been made in tolerance across Europe, most people did not believe that homosexuals should be allowed to adopt children and the report also showed that media coverage tended to use eroticized images to illustrate stories about homosexual issues, further heightening the stereotype that homosexuality is about sex alone.

It appears as though some things really do not change.

Most likely to be found in a British bedroom

We’re big fans of the British people now.  A recent study reports that over half of the people surveyed in Britain admit to using sextoys during play time, and a quarter of them have a webcam in the bedroom.  Now that’s spreading the wealth!  According to the Cosmopolitan survey:

“In the study conducted by Cosmopolitan magazine more than half of the people admitted using a sex toy in the sack, while a quarter used a webcam.

Almost 20pct of the respondents agreed that they would even hook up with a stranger they met on the Internet for casual sex.”

It also added this:

“The survey involving people from six different countries UK, USA, Germany, Finland, Russia and Sweden showed that those from Finland were most likely to indulge in-group sex, while 54pct of Germans admit to having an affair.”

And, for the fantasy buffs, apparently Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom still have “it.”  They were the celebrities topping the “Who would you most like to have sex with” list.  The British also topped the safe sex list with 72% of them practicing safe sex.  Our swinging Finnish friends, however, severely dissapoint us with only 56% practicing safe sex.

Here’s a tip from Sextoys.com, if you’re going to have group sex, USE CONDOMS.  Please.  You can find them here.  Of course, our British readers already know where to find them.  Jolly good work, that.  Now you can return to your rooms and turn on the webcams!

5 Gates of Hell

Experimenting with kinky new ideas is one of the best aspects of play.  And if you’re looking for something fun and new, chastity may be just what you need to add excitement and anticipation to your play.  The 5 Gates of Hell are a device that bring delicious denial in a deviant way.  From Doc Johnson:

“5 metal rings attached with a strip of leather that go around the shaft of the penis. This product is used as a chastity device.

The metal rings are fitted, so if you are well endowed, you may wish to check the fit before using to prevent injury.”

Give it a try, you may find that you love the wait.  Also, check out our other fetish toys to find new ways to add kink to your play time.

Keep this out of your underpants

Every once in a while, I stumble onto an article that makes me do a double take.  The Daily Scotsman has one that made me look more than twice.  From the article:

“The figures, released by Health Protection Scotland, show 3448 people were diagnosed with chlamydia in the Lothians 2008, up by 300 from the year before.

It means cases of the disease, which can lie undetected for years, havetrebled in a decade. Infection among young women, particularly teenage girls,is the biggest cause for concern.

Those aged 20-24 are most at risk, and nationally 61 girls and two boys under 15 were infected last year. More than 4500 teenage girls were diagnosed nationwide, compared to 1243 ten years ago.”

This is the 21st Century, could we please get with it on the condoms?  You have no reason not to be protected during sexual intercourse.  Condoms are an inexpensive way to keep from catching a nasty STI.  Remember, play it safe and you’ll have more fun.

Classix Silicone Snatch

One of the perquisites of being a research analyst is that, occassionally, I get to perform field tests on the toys. By now, you should know that I’m a stickler for toys that are safe, easy to clean and fun to use.  Of course, everyone is a stickler on the last point, but the first two are my most important.  The Classix Silicone Snatch is both safe and easy to clean.

At this point, I should also point out that if you are a guy with even a hint of insecurity about the size of your penis, this toy will make you feel like a monster.  The toy is about 6 inches long, but the opening wrapped so tightly around my shaft that it felt like an anaconda had joined me for play time.

Now, the second part of that issue is that it is open ended.  Once the head of your penis goes through the second opening, if you don’t have enough lube in, you’ll know it in one stroke.  Just be prepared to lube it heavily and take your time to get the right amount of lube in.  Because it is made from silicone, only use waterbased lube.

The box says perfect for beginners, but be warned that if you have no experience with masturbators, you’ll create a bedroom rocket if you lose your grip on it.  Mine set the bar at three feet when it shot off of my penis as I was making an adjustment to my positioning.  This is especially important if you watch porn when you masturbate.  You don’t want to lube up your computer monitor.  Luckily, I only hit the sheets with my flying masturbator.  If you have zero experience, I’d suggest maybe starting with the Kaplan Masturbator to get the hang of it.

For sensations, it does warm up nicely, and as masturbators go, it does produce a life-like feel.  My only hang up with it was the initial smell, which took a couple of scrubs to alleviate.  Other than that, it got the job done, with a simple cleanup to follow.  I’d recommend it, but make sure you have flight clearance before you use it!

If you are looking for ways to get the most from play time, check out Toygasms.

“BIGGER ORGASMS From Every Toy In This Site!

If you’re looking for a new sex toy – or seeking hotter adventures in toyland, here’s how to heighten your toyplay for the BEST orgasms of your life!

This easy-to-read guide is filled with tempting tips, sexy illustrations and pulse-quickening pointers to maximize YOUR pleasure, and send your partner over the edge! Written by a woman who tried out and sized up every type of toy, sexy Sadie Allison now shares her intimate insider’s secrets with YOU.

Over 150 tell-all pages…40 toygasmic techniques. Perfect for every newcomer…and all toy lovers.”

Dr. Sadie Allison knows her toys.  Or, you can find other options…

Afro American Whopper

You know about the All American Whopper, but you may not have met the Afro American Whopper.  This one is Almost identical, but it offers an ethnic appeal.  From Nass Walk:

“Finally a dildo sculpted for the size, feel and pleasure of the real thing! The Real Skin Afro American Whoppers 6.5 inch super flexible dong with balls, feels so good you’ll think it’s real! With an incredible suction cup base for hands-free pleasure and satisfaction.

Experience your Afro American Whopper tonight. Dildo stands 7 inches with an insertable length of 5.5 inches, 1.25-1.5 inches in width and a circumference of 4.5-5 inches.”

So if you want a great new toy, try this one and join the growing list of happy customers. Or check out our complete selection of life-like dildos.

Durex Extra Sensitive

One of the primary complaints among men when it comes to using condoms is that a condom kills the “feeling” during sex.  Durex addresses that complaint with their Extra Sensitive Condoms.  From Durex:

“Providing superior sensation without compromising protection, Durex extra sensitive lubricated condoms will add intimacy and pleasure to your sex life. 20% thinner than standard condoms, they also feature a fitted shape, silky lubrication, and low latex scent for an enjoyable encounter.

Each condom is individually electronically tested for durability and safety. Color: Translucent Type: Condom Pack: 12 Special Features: Lubricated, Extra Sensitive.”

So get the feeling back and play it safe with these condoms from Durex.