COTR's Alicia Sinclair Rosen to Talk LGBTQ Advertising at SXSW

COTR's Alicia Sinclair Rosen to Talk LGBTQ Advertising at SXSW

LOS ANGELES — COTR founder and CEO Alicia Sinclair Rosen will be among the panelists of the "LGBTQIA+ Sex Education for Brands" discussion at South by Southwest (SXSW) next month.

The discussion will explore "the lack of authentic LGBTQIA+ sex in advertising," noted a rep. "While cishet sex is frequently used in marketing, LGBTQIA+ representation is often limited to Pride season."

Panelists will focus on "strategy and inclusive representation and serve as a call to brands that rely on sex to sell their products to get informed by the community reinventing sex for the world."

For decades, a festival rep noted, cishet sex has been used to sell everything from condoms to hamburgers, while in June, a rainbow is merely added to "everything from search engines to mouthwash."

“Ultimately, you believe in innovation, culture and progress, or you don’t,” they said. “So, unless your brand becomes celibate, reconsider how you respectfully experiment as a marketer. Culture started this. Brands followed suit. Sex sold. Now we discuss what’s next.”

Rosen noted the COTR family of brands embody her personal values and philosophies "in their own unique ways, making sex more fun, more enjoyable and more adventurous for all who seek it."

“With such a broad spectrum of sexual identities and preferences, equal representation for the LGBTQIA+ community is still lacking as cishet norms and values continue to prevail in advertising,” Rosen said. “I hope that having this important conversation on such a prominent stage as SXSW’s will lead to greater awareness of the need for consumers to see themselves in the marketing from the brands they support.”

The in-person discussion is set for Wednesday, March 16; click here for additional details.

Rosen recently spoke exclusively to XBIZ Premiere about her two-decade mission to upgrade sex toys; click here for that story.

Copyright © 2025 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 News

Kheper Releases New 'Think Like a Slut' Party Game

Kheper Games has released the new "Think Like a Slut" party game.

Pjur, Magasin du Nord Partner for 'Flex Area' Campaign

Pjur and retail brand Magasin du Nord have partnered for the wellness brand’s Flex Area campaign.

Kasey Kei Stars in Latest From Transfixed

Kasey Kei stars with Olivia Jay in the latest release from Transfixed, titled "You’re Worth The Wait."

Honey Play Box, Creative Conceptions Ink European Distro Deal

Honey Play Box has signed a deal with Creative Conceptions for distribution in the U.K. and Europe.

Motorbunny Debuts 'Fluffer Rock Hard Power' Cock Ring Vibe

Motorbunny has introduced its Fluffer Rock Hard Power vibrating cock ring.

EQOM Appoints Anneke Kamphuis Interim CEO

EQOM Group, the company behind ONE-DC and EasyToys, has appointed Anneke Kamphuis as its interim CEO.

Viben Debuts 'Dreamii' Collection

Viben has unveiled its new Dreamii line of pleasure products.

Onahole Debuts New 'Brain Hacker DX' Stroker

Pleasure brand Onahole has introduced its new Brain Hacker DX stroker.

Fanreal Debuts 'Real Skin Texture' Love Doll

Pleasure brand Fanreal has introduced its proprietary silicone Real Skin Texture love doll.

Full Circle Expands 'Savage Me Dream Girl Doll' Line

Full Circle has introduced Alyssa, Carla, and Nadia from its Savage Me Dream Girl Doll collection.

Show More