Hot Octopuss has launched a new website that aims to increase inclusivity in the sex toy industry by hosting accessible content for all. The new look site offering ‘Pleasure For Every Body’ includes a ‘non-binary button’ that gives site users the option to remove all gendered terminology.
Created in collaboration with global PR firm Manifest, in addition to the non-binary button the site’s new features include sections devoted to: those with disabilities, health issues and or sexual concerns; older consumers; trans and non-binary users, created in collaboration with trans-led, UK-based sexual health service CliniQ that discusses ways Hot Octopuss products may work for trans and non-binary people during and after transition.
Hot Octopuss co-founder and CEO Adam Lewis said: “When we launched our company back in 2013, our mission was to fill a gap in the market for penis toys and to reduce the stigma around male masturbation. However, as we became more aware of our older customers and those with disabilities and health conditions, we realised that there was near-silence in the industry and media around sex in relation to these audiences. We were also contacted by some trans and non-binary reviewers who said our gendered approach to marketing products excluded them. As a result, we reviewed both our mission and our approach to production and marketing.”
He continued: “While the nature of Google search means that we still need to include gendered terms on our website at present, we hope that the introduction of a non-binary version of the site will allow customers of all genders to feel welcome and spoken to. We are also expanding our blog content to feature voices that are less often heard talking about sex and pleasure, including disabled and older writers. We hope eventually to remove gendered packaging from our products, and our aim is to consult with customers on how future products can work for them whatever their gender, medical status, age or ability.”
Julia Margo, co-founder and COO of Hot Octopuss, added: “We’re aware that there is a lot of work to be done in the sex toy industry on increasing inclusivity. Our new site is a work in progress, and we invite feedback from all of our customers on ways it can be improved – we know we are just at the beginning in terms of becoming a truly inclusive brand. We also hope the site launch will encourage conversations within the industry on inclusivity and encourage other companies to look at their marketing language.”
The new site can be found at www.hotoctopuss.com
