LGBTQ+ individuals in the UK define sex differently than their straight counterparts, according to a recent survey conducted by YouGov. While many surveys define “having sex” as intercourse involving penetration, oral sex, or any other activity culminating in orgasm, this survey delved deeper into what actually constitutes sex. It found that queer people were more likely to consider oral sex, hand jobs, and fingering alone as “having sex”.
While the exact definition of sex may not matter as long as all parties involved consent to engage in sexual activity, this survey highlights the varying perspectives on what constitutes sexual activity. For instance, 57% of gay and bisexual men surveyed considered a blow job as sex, compared to 47% of heterosexual men. Similarly, 54% of lesbian and bisexual women considered cunnilingus alone as sex, whereas only 42% of straight women agreed with that definition.
The survey also found that queer people across the board were more likely to consider non-penetrative sexual activity as sex. Almost half (49%) of queer women considered fingering and stimulation of the clitoris with fingers as sex on its own, compared to 37% of straight women. Gay and bisexual men were only slightly more likely (37%) than straight men (34%) to say that hand jobs count as sex.
This survey sheds light on how the LGBTQ+ community in the UK perceives and defines sexual activity, and emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting individual perspectives on sexual behavior.