Strap-ons are about to level up thanks to the new Atlanta-based sextech company, SkiiMoo Tech. This spring the company’s premiere product, VDOM, begins shipping to customers.
Founder Glenise Kinard-Moore developed the VDOM out of personal need. While heterosexual couples can have sex whenever the mood strikes, lesbian couples often have to rummage through the nightstand or struggle with strapping on a harness. Not only is this a mood killer, a spontaneous quickie in the backseat after a movie date is out of the question.
Our goal is to really continuously push the envelope with technology to make [genital prosthetics] more and more humanistic
Rather than simply wishing there was a product that eliminated the awkwardness of strap-on sex, Kinard-Moore set out to create one. “I wanted to be able to have sex anytime,anywhere with my wife. So, I did some research, found out what exactly was required in terms of building it, discovered that there was a market for it, and I went from there.”
VDOM has two unique components. The first is its life-like medical-grade silicone prosthetic. Available in a variety of skin tones, it attaches to specially designed underwear that’s comfortable enough to wear all day. While VDOM enables users to ditch the pre-sex prep and experience strapless intimacy, it’s more than a pack-and-play sex toy. This is a state-of-the-art prosthetic device with many functional uses. Kinard-Moore refers to it as a fully integrated lifestyle product.
VDOM’s second standout feature is its cutting-edge technology. By trade, Kinard-Moore is an information security professional with extensive experience working with Bluetooth tech. She seamlessly integrated Bluetooth capability into VDOM to create the first solution-oriented intimate product of its kind.
“The No. 1 thing that separates the VDOM from everything else that's out on the market is the ability to go from ‘black’ to ‘red’ at the push of a button. You do not have to stick your hands in your pants, you do not have to assemble anything, you don't have to stop the natural flow of intimacy with your partner,” says Kinard-Moore.
With the ability to go from flaccid to erect in six seconds, the device can be controlled from a cell phone, smartwatch, or manually. App control can also be granted to remote users for purpose of playfulness or utility. The app also incorporates a blackout period function so wearers can avoid surprise remote erections at inopportune times.
Although Kinard-Moore originally developed VDOM for lesbian sex, other uses for this hands-free technology quickly became apparent. After bringing in consultants from various communities, she uncovered a myriad of ways VDOM addresses the sexual and anatomical needs of those who are LGBTQ+, disabled, struggle with erectile dysfunction, and more.
SkiiMoo Tech’s research revealed that many transmasculine wearers prioritize prosthetics that serve anatomical functions rather than just sexual ones. Realistic devices with stand-to-pee (STP) capability can help combat gender dysphoria and body dysmorphia. To address this need, the company is currently developing a version of VDOM that, in addition to all of its existing features, functions as an STP device. It’s expected to hit the market within the next six months.
Through research and feedback, Kinard-Moore also learned that the VDOM serves a crucial need for older transmasculine people and those that don’t have the option or desire for bottom surgery. “I have a huge group of 50 and older individuals who are transgender who said, ‘I'm way too old at this point to be thinking about having bottom surgery … this finally gives me, at this part of my life and at this age, something that makes me feel hope.’”
As an affirming piece of equipment for a variety of marginalized individuals, the VDOM has life-changing potential. According to Kinard-Moore, “our mission is all about creating real-life solutions for real people and creating those things for communities that are usually not in the forefront.”
“You don't necessarily see sex-oriented products created specifically for the LGBTQ community.” she continues. “When it comes to individuals with certain physical disabilities, you don't necessarily see products that are truly created for them to have an orgasm. Men who have erectile dysfunction, they do have products, but they are usually alternative products that are one-size-fits-all.” Kinard-Moore is determined to change this standard.
VDOM kicked off pre-order via crowdfunding this past November and the product will start shipping on April 30. It is also available direct to consumers at TheVDOM.com and retails for $675. VDOM is growing quickly. Kinard-Moore expects to add wholesale distribution in the coming months plus she is currently ramping up for SkiiMoo Tech’s first angel investment round.
After the rollout of VDOM, Kinard-Moore has ambitious plans for the future and the harnessing of cutting-edge sextech. She gives a sneak peek at some of the new technology SkiiMoo Tech has in development designed to address the shortcomings in current prosthetics. “We're working on a body sensor for the actual wear of the device itself so that it actually reacts to the body.” She explains that much like a fitness watch, the device would gauge certain vital statistics to track arousal and react accordingly.
One of the most exciting areas SkiMoo Tech is exploring is a “brain-computer interface” that would allow users to control devices with their mental levels of arousal. “So just like how a man sees a woman and he gets aroused because she’s attractive, it would react the same way and be controlled the same way.” Kinard-Moore sums up how these newest projects fit into SkiiMoo’s larger vision, “Our goal is to really continuously push the envelope with technology to make [genital prosthetics] more and more humanistic.”
Kinard-Moore recognizes that the influx of women and people of marginalized identities is dramatically and positively changing the sextech industry. We’re seeing growth and technological innovation accelerate exponentially. This is especially true for empowering products designed for individuals who are typically passed over. She predicts this will continue and vows to harness her role in this evolution. “Being a woman that identifies as LGBTQ that is black, I have to use my voice. And what better time than now when women are taking over the industry? I truly feel like it's a revolution. So let me bring it all to the table.”
