opinion

How Romance Publishing Can Learn From the Sexual Wellness World

How Romance Publishing Can Learn From the Sexual Wellness World

When it comes to diversity and inclusivity, the sexual wellness world is forging a path for other businesses to follow. Now a mainstream category, sexual wellness has opened up conversations around these topics — and as cultural attitudes toward sexuality, race, gender and relationship dynamics change, the sexual wellness market is responding accordingly.

Just as the sex toy industry has seen growth in online sales, the same is true in the publishing world. The romance genre is dominating, and has witnessed the most significant growth in all areas of publishing throughout 2022. As people continue to embrace pleasure, they are embracing romance literature too, and these consumers’ calls for greater inclusivity and diversity have the publishing sector playing catch-up. While the sexual wellness world is becoming ever more inclusive, the romance publishing world is only just starting on its journey away from traditionally cisgendered narratives.

So, how can the sexual wellness world help the romance publishing world to become more diverse? How can these two worlds work together to bring about true inclusivity?

Recognizing Similarities

Don’t get me wrong, romance publishing has definitely witnessed some positive shifts. Change is slow, and perhaps more incremental than we might like. Nevertheless, things are moving in the right direction. The romance genre is no longer exclusively centered around straight, cis, white heroes and heroines without disabilities or chronic illnesses swooping in and saving one another. Authors from different backgrounds, communities and viewpoints are becoming more prevalent and popular.

This is something to which the sexual wellness world can relate. Pleasure products are no longer just created for and marketed to straight couples. Instead, brands are branching out and establishing themselves as more body-positive, gender-neutral and accepting spaces. This lets consumers know that no matter what their preference, sexuality or identity may be, there is something for them.

Learning From Each Other

It is also important to note that, in this day and age, consumers are increasingly interested in sexual wellness. They are keen to learn, experiment and be as open as possible. With this in mind, the role of sex experts and sex educators is becoming even more crucial. Providing a safe and affirming voice for these “seekers,” sex experts — many affiliated with sexual wellness brands — are keen to equip the masses with the right information. After all, knowledge is power.

By following the lead of these sex experts, the romance literary world can go further toward ensuring that complete and accurate information is being shared. Authors who have historically been underrepresented in romance literature, but who are now finding more acceptance and more readers, are naturally keen to bring representation into their work. However, they are also eager to model and promote, through their novels, things like correct pronoun use, gender inclusivity, queer sex and racial diversity — many of the same concerns driving sexual wellness brands and voices.

Just as people should be able to find sexual wellness products that cater to their needs and desires, they also deserve to see themselves represented in books of all genres. True inclusivity takes diversity a step further: It not only invites minorities and underrepresented identities to the table, but also fosters a true culture and environment of belonging. That is something we must aim for together, in both industries.

Melissa Saavedra is the founder of Steamy Lit, an inclusive romance subscription service that pairs sexual wellness products with featured novels. Companies interested in having their products included in Steamy Lit boxes should contact Melissa@steamylit.com.

Related:  

Copyright © 2023 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

opinion

Tips for Boosting Retail Sales With Products for Outdoor Intimacy

September is a time of transition, where we bid farewell to the carefree days of summer and prepare for the fall. That makes it a perfect time to help your customers step outside, breathe in some refreshing air and experience an increasingly popular trend: outdoor intimacy.

Carly S. ·
opinion

Triple Win: When the Pleasure Industry Gets Charitable, Everybody Benefits

The pleasure industry has always been about helping people to feel good, and today innovators are doing so in even more far-reaching ways. There is a constant stream of new products released, each designed to encourage users to feel better.

Vanessa Rose ·
opinion

Misguided Notions: A Look at How Vulvas Have Been Misunderstood Throughout History

When the U.K. cervical cancer charity Jo’s Trust recently included the term “bonus hole” in a glossary of language relating to trans and nonbinary people, as an “alternative word for the vagina,” it sparked fervent online backlash.

Julia Margo ·
opinion

Electrostimulation Tips to Normalize Exploration, Boost Product Sales

Electrostimulation has come a long way in the BDSM world, yet it’s still often considered a taboo kink that only sadists and masochists can enjoy. That’s because most shoppers — and likely retail staff, too — are simply unfamiliar with its pleasure powers.

Rebecca Weinberg ·
opinion

Logo Assessment: A Look at the Traits of Recognizable Logos

Creating a captivating logo is much like composing an orchestral masterpiece where the brand’s visual voice resonates as the leading instrument. In this intricate symphony of design, every single note — every color you choose, every unique character, every deliberate line or curve — plays a pivotal role.

Joe Powell ·
opinion

How to Outsmart an Economic Downturn With Retail Tech

As I sit and scan the retail horizon, it’s hard not to get caught up in the economic doom and gloom the mainstream news seems hell-bent on proliferating. Yes, we are in uncertain economic times. Yes, we have to be ready for anything.

Sean Quinn ·
opinion

Tips and Insights for Building Retail Success With Google Ads

Building a successful Google Ads campaign can be a time-consuming process, and tasks such as selecting the right setup and bidding strategy can feel overwhelming to those unfamiliar with the platform’s endless acronyms, like PMAX, SSC, LIA, DSA and ROAS.

Lauren Bailey ·
trends

Boutique Blazers: A Look at How Savvy Indie Retailers Are Navigating Latest Trends

Despite the rise of the internet, online shopping and the explosion of social media galloping across phone screens at an unprecedented pace, the centuries-old brick-and-mortar method of retail maintains its relevance by offering unique in-store experiences.

profile

Kix'ies Founder Samantha DeMartini Aims to Revolutionize Sexy Fashion

“I was 17 years old and getting in a boy’s truck for a ride home,” she recalls. “The most popular boy at school! But as I climbed in, my skirt got stuck in my backpack, exposing my ‘nylon butt.’ You know, when a girl’s rear end is smushed into a pair of high-waisted nylon tights.”

Colleen Godin ·
profile

Dr. Picolya McCall-Robinson Aims to Improve Oral Sex With SugahLipz

Dr. Picolya McCall-Robinson first conceived her idea for an oral-sex enhancement product through her work as a licensed psychologist. She observed that many of her clients, individuals and couples alike, were struggling with questions, concerns and discomfort related to their sex lives — particularly oral sex.

Sofia Barrett-Ibarria ·
Show More