CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — CalExotics conducted a survey at Harvard Sex Week earlier this month that revealed a prevalent interest in fetish among participants.
Nearly half of those surveyed say they either have a sexual fetish or believe they have a sexual fetish, and more than 50 percent have told a partner about a fetish they find interesting. The survey results were gathered during an interactive “Fetishes A-Z” course taught by CalExotics’ resident sexologist, Dr. Jill McDevitt, during a keynote at Harvard Sex Week on Nov. 1.
“As a topic that garners lots of emotional reactions, the Harvard Sex Week attendees were still able to step back and engage the material in an academic way, challenging their own biases and asking smart questions,” said McDevitt. “Students at the class were highly engaged and thoughtful in their responses. They were also able to have lots of fun!”
The survey’s fetish findings include:
- When asked about attitudes toward fetishes, 22 percent said “yes please,” and another 40 percent said “I’m intrigued.” Eighteen percent thought fetishes were “kinda weird”
- 43 percent said they either have or believe they have a fetish
- 45 percent said that a partner has expressed interest in a specific fetish
- 53 percent have told a partner about a fetish they are interested in
- When compared side-by-side with a list of existing fetishes, the ones that emerged as most interesting to the students were humiliation and power
Other survey findings include:
- More than 80 percent said they were confident or somewhat confident with their sexual abilities
- Individuals favoring a submissive role outnumbered those preferring a dominant role two to one
- 40 percent have tried anal sex before; approximately 24 percent had participated in an orgy or threesome
- 46 percent and 37 percent have engaged in BDSM and role/fantasy play, respectively
“Our mission is to create a safe space for the community where sex is discussed in a positive and educational way, and fetishes are definitely part of that conversation,” said Lita Peña Harvard Sex Week co-chair and college senior. “Similar to CalExotics, we want to promote the concept that sex doesn’t have to be a ‘one-size-fits-all’ topic or something we should scorn.”
The class focused on non-judgment and consent, the company said.
“If it’s not hurting anyone, then it’s ok,” added a student who asked to remain anonymous.
Founded in 2011, Harvard Sex Week is an annual event run by student organization Sexual Health Education and Advocacy Throughout Harvard College (SHEATH), that promotes a thorough, modern understanding of sex and sexuality. CalExotics has been a long-standing partner of Harvard Sex Week, providing education and product, donating more than $8,000 in sex toys for this year’s event.
