Sexuality and sexual well-being are deeply personal topics that everyone should take the time to explore while feeling safe and secure. However, without comprehensive sex education, it can be challenging to know where to start.
- Barriers and challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community
- Looking for inclusive escorts: How to find a knowledgeable LGBTQ+ provider
- Resources and organisations for LGBTQ+ individuals
- Self-care and emotional support strategies for exploring sexual identity
- The takeaway
At Vivastreet, we want everyone to feel happy and fulfilled, and with Pride Month in full swing, we want to help readers learn more about the LGBTQ+ community and how to explore their sexual identities. From learning about communication and consent to finding providers who offer an affirming environment for exploration, we’re covering all bases.
Scroll down to get started.
Barriers and challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community
When exploring sexuality, members of the LGBTQ+ community often face unique challenges that heteronormative people don’t.
Knowing and understanding these challenges can help you navigate them, especially if you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community:
- Harassment or bullying for not being heterosexual due to society’s strict standards
- Difficulty finding like-minded people who are unspoken about their sexuality
- Lack of representation in the media
- Possible rejection from loved ones and colleagues
- Mainstream sex education doesn’t address their needs
Much of society’s structure and sexual education favours heterosexual partnerships. This leaves LGBTQ+ folks without education and ways to explore their own sexuality, which can stem to isolation and confusion.
To counter these challenges and barriers, we must continue to raise awareness and educate people on the LGBTQ+ experience.
Looking for inclusive escorts: How to find a knowledgeable LGBTQ+ provider
When you think of an escort, what image comes to mind? Is it a woman being hired by a straight man? This is the most common image society depicts of escorts.
But it’s not always the case. LGBTQ+ escorts are more common than ever; many are educated on relevant issues and strive to create a safe space for exploration.
Explore well-known escort websites and directories if you’re looking for an inclusive escort. Social media apps are also good places to look for LGBTQ+ sex workers. Read the providers’ bios and look for indications they work with same-sex or queer individuals. A clear and polite message can clear up any misunderstandings if in doubt.
Essential considerations for LGBTQ+ individuals when hiring escorts
If you choose to work with an escort while exploring your sexuality, first of all, congratulations! This is an exciting step to take on the journey to self-discovery.
Secondly, there are additional considerations you need to make before you get started. For example, what are your personal boundaries? If there’s anything you don’t want to do, tell your provider. It’s also helpful to know your own desires and to let your provider know your expectations.
You should also actively listen and respect your provider’s boundaries. Boundaries are there to ensure everyone’s comfortable and having a good time. If your provider says no, don’t keep hinting or pushing them.
Consent must be given before the session starts, which must come from both parties. Remember, active consent is sexy!
How escorts can create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ clients
Escorts who work with LGBTQ+ individuals provide safe spaces for clients free from society’s stigma and challenges.
This often involves clear communication and discussions beforehand. These chats will detail consent, expectations, and the client’s desires. This information helps escorts tailor the services to the client’s needs and pleasure. The escort will also use this information to avoid any triggering service that may ruin the mood for the client.
Escorts should also know relevant LGBTQ+ sex education to ensure the physical acts are safe and pleasurable. They can also use this practical information to help clients learn how queer sex looks. Of course, there’s no “right” way to have sex. However, they can use their experience to teach and help clients explore.
Consent within LGBTQ+ escort relationships
Consent is paramount to any escort relationship, including LGBTQ+ relationships. Without active and enthusiastic consent from everyone involved, no sexual acts should happen. All parties must know the expectations and plan for the session and agree before starting.
Professional escorts will know how to navigate these conversations early into the relationship. If your provider skips this, it’s a red flag, and you should look for another.
See Vivastreet’s complete A-Z guide to consent here.
How to safely explore LGBTQ+ escort services while prioritising safety and well-being
LGBTQ+ escort services provide a platform for exploring your sexuality without judgement or fear.
However, some steps must be taken to ensure your well-being and safety throughout the experience:
- Only work with verified escorts and consider meeting in a public place beforehand
- If you feel uncomfortable at any point, ask to stop. Don’t force yourself to do anything that doesn’t feel right
- Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, stop – even if there’s no logical reason
- Tell a trusted friend where and when you’re meeting your escort
- Use protection or contraception when engaging in sexual intercourse
- Start regular STI testing to look after your sexual health
Resources and organisations for LGBTQ+ individuals
If you’re LGBTQ+, sex-positive resources and organisations can be helpful for education and exploring. In the UK, many organisations champion LGBTQ+ rights and produce beneficial online resources that are free and easy to access.
Some of the best LGBTQ+ organisations include:
Find more information about LGBTQ+ charities and organisations here.
Self-care and emotional support strategies for exploring sexual identity
Alongside the practical safety and well-being tips above, you should also look after your mental and emotional well-being while exploring. Self-care strategies can help you reduce stress and anxiety from challenges or new experiences.
Top self-care tools include:
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- Explaining your feelings to a trusted friend or writing them out in a journal
- Exercising, sleeping well, and eating a nourishing diet
- Indulging in your favourite meal, show, or hobby
- Practising mindfulness or meditation
- Saying no and upholding your boundaries
A consistent self-care strategy helps you minimise emotional worries over time. However, you can also work with a professional if you want expert advice. Sex positive-therapists and counsellors with an LGBTQ+ specialisation are good if you want to talk to an unbiased individual.
The takeaway
Whether you’re just thinking of exploring your sexuality or ready to take the next step, use the information in this blog to make positive and safe decisions. Creating an exciting and fulfilling sex life is vital for everyone, including LGBTQ+ individuals.
