Your favorite ‘buzzy’ new vibe could be right here.
As we’ve embarked on a refreshingly reimagined era of sexual health—one that includes technology, eco-friendly toys and a no-holds-barred attitude toward sexuality—it’s no surprise the sexual wellness industry is making space for all of it.
Per Yahoo Finance, the global market for sexual wellness is expected to exceed $110 billion by 2030, with almost 75% of its sales in masturbation devices alone. Experts in the field note that when it comes to helping individuals become increasingly comfortable with their bodies and achieve pleasure, vibrators and other sex toys remain quite supportive. As this market continues to grow in both volume and diversity, Black-owned retailers are not only committed to meeting its needs, but they are also aimed at tearing down the prejudice and discrimination that surrounds them.
Historians have noted that before humans invented writing or even the wheel, they discovered dildos, and archaeologists have uncovered phallic-shaped objects dating as far back as the Ice Age. When homo-sapiens emerged about 300,000 years ago in Africa and spread around the world, so did this phallic imagery. In ancient Egyptian religion, for example, Min, a god of fertility and harvest, was represented holding his erect penis while his raised, right hand held a flail. A principal deity of masculinity and virility, he was worshiped as the Lord of the Eastern Desert, and according to archivists, his reverence may have also been associated with orgiastic ceremony.
As racism and misogyny would spread well into the modern American sex industry of the 1960s and 70s – eras where overt dehumanizing and tokenism were steadfast – just about every dildo created was designed, packaged and sold solely with white men in mind. “Flesh-toned” vibrators and related devices were the color of Caucasian skin and marketed as ‘sensual and erotic,’ while Black versions were promoted as dangerous, sinful, colored in crayon black, and intentionally oversized. It wasn’t until Grenadian immigrant Gosnell Duncan created and launched the first silicone dildo, one that was available in a variety of Black and brown shades, that things slowly began to change.
What was once a homogeneous industry, with wares hawked only to heterosexual white men, today’s world of sex toys and sexual wellness conversations look and feel a lot different. Recent market analysis also reveals a huge demand for features like body-safe products (consumers are becoming more conscious about the materials used in manufacturing), smart options (items that are integrated with Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone apps and remote control capabilities) and gender inclusivity (catering to LGBTQ+ individuals and developing inclusive, gender-neutral products), and an increasing number of retailers have answered the call, mindfully meeting the needs and preferences of all consumers.
So, if you’re on the hunt for a shiny, new adult toy or would just like to add a “little extra spice” from time to time, then we have great news for you: the following lineup of five of the best picks from Black-owned intimacy retailers are offering a delicious assortment of the hottest playthings, served up with a healthy dish of all-around pleasure and everything in between. You’re welcome.
1. The DND Travel Size Sucking Vibrator by Sex On The Table
Sex On The Table is a woman-owned sexual wellness shop that focuses on providing body-safe sex toys as well as an educational, digestible approach to sex education. Whether you’re looking for a little fun and relaxation on a getaway or just need to unwind at home after a long day, a little TLC with a DND will lovingly help you to release all the feels. Crafted with an amazingly intense 10-mode sucking frequency capability, not only will this mighty little treasure hit every sensitive area with surgeon-like precision, but the hypoallergenic, waterproof, lightweight style can also be neatly stored just about anywhere.
2. Male Rose by Feelmore
Oakland’s only Black-and queer-owned sex shop, well known for its outstanding customer service, Feelmore is committed to making shoppers (including their extensive celebrity client roster — check out their IG) feel super comfortable in obtaining information about sex toys, including the Male Rose, the top rated sex toy for men. Its strong multi-frequency rotation delivers a tantalizing sensation with tornado-like intensity.
3. B-Vibe Vibrating Heart Plug by Organic Loven
Organic Loven is a Black woman-owned online retail shop with a specially-curated assortment of wellness products, books, subscription boxes and sex toys such as the B-Vibe Vibrating Heart Plug, shown here. Perfect for anyone who wants to add a touch of “glam” to their “back door” play, the 15 vibration patterns and six pleasure intensities allow total enjoyment, ranging from gentle pulses to intense power. Need help deciding? No problem; just book a one-on-one, personal shopping experience with their knowledgeable staff.
4. Fun Factory Manta by Enby
Enby is a Black/Trans-owned company that provides safe, comfortable sex toy shopping experiences for the queer community, and their Manta, a high-powered, vibrating stroker, more than delivers in that category. Originally designed for a penis shaft, users have reported alternative, delightful uses for many other areas of the body. Add this consummate multitasker to your collection and we doubt you’ll be disappointed.
5. Ripple by Bedroom Kandi
Longtime music hitmaker and The Real Housewives of Atlanta legend Kandi Burruss’ sexual wellness site, Bedroom Kandi, has done it again. Ripple, the latest entry to their Splash Collection, is a leader in the personal stimulation world, and rightfully so. This ergonomically designed gem features Pleasure Pearl beading technology that hits a ‘homerun’ every time. It is also constructed with body-safe, waterproof materials, USB rechargeable, and comes with a one-year warranty.
