GENDER AFFIRMATION 101: A GUIDE TO THE BEST GENDER AFFIRMING PRODUCTS

Interested in Gender Affirming Sex Toys & Apparel? From Binders to Packers to FTM Strokers- learn about the latest options and expert recommendations for a more authentic expression of yourself!

Guest written by Rain Andersen (@wearenotfriends_) a veteran sworker with nine years in adult entertainment and six years working for Lovers.

Gender Affirmation is the process of embracing and living as one's true gender, regardless of their assigned gender at birth. This involves aligning a person's experiences with their identity, often through a series of steps that help them to feel more authentic and comfortable in their own skin. This can include:

Social Affirmation: Such as coming out, adopting a preferred name, using pronouns, or expressing oneself through clothing and voice
Medical Affirmation: Such as undergoing surgery and/or hormone therapy
Legal Affirmation: Such as changing one's name and gender markers on official documents

In this article, you’ll learn about Gender Affirming products, meant to support and affirm a person’s gender identity, hear about the experiences of Trans & Non-Binary individuals, and discover resources to enhance your intimate experiences.

Want to get to the good stuff fast? Check out the Sex Toys mentioned in this blog:

QUICK LINKS:

Sex Education for Trans & Non-Binary People
The Best Gender Affirming Products
The Best Gender Affirming Sex Toys
Further Education & Resources

Sex Education for Trans & Non-Binary People

As a Trans or Non-Binary Person, navigating sex and intimacy can be particularly challenging. One of the biggest hurdles can be accessing sexual health information that is tailored to your experiences and identity. Finding a sexual partner who respects and accepts you for who you are, without fetishizing or diminishing your identity, can be another significant obstacle. Lovers has enlisted the help of some incredible Trans Writers to discuss some of the most common barriers to pleasure:

Tips for Having Sex with Trans & Non-Binary People: Guest Author, Dusty Howard offers their advice on how to honor and respect your Trans or Non-Binary partner
How HRT Impacts Libido in Trans Women: Guest Author, Eva Reign discusses what it's like to receive Hormonal Replacement Therapy as a Trans Woman
Queer Sex 101: Guest Author, Gabrielle Alexa offers insights into the sex lives of the Queer Community
Finding a Sex Toy with Gender Dysphoria: Guest Author, Henri-June provides tips & suggestions for picking out a Sex Toy with Gender Dysphoria
The Trans Guy's Guide to Sex Toys: Guest Author, Dusty Howard introduces you to the best Sex Toys for Trans Men
The Trans Woman's Guide to Sex Toys: Guest Author, Eva Reign introduces you to the best Sex Toys for Trans Women

The Best Gender Affirming Products

Gender Affirming Products are a crucial part of a Trans or Non-Binary Person's sexual journey, helping them to feel more comfortable and at ease in their body. These products allow individuals to modify their physical appearance to better align with their Gender Identity, eliminating or greatly reducing feelings of Gender Dysphoria.

While only some individuals may experience Gender Dysphoria, many people find these products to be a valuable and empowering addition to their sex lives. There are many styles of Gender Affirming Products to choose from, including Chest Binders, Packers, Pumps, STP Devices, Gaffs, Breast Plates, and Body Tape, each designed to promote confidence and self-expression.

Packing Heat: This beginner-friendly guide explains how to use a Penis Packer or STP Device
A Beginner's Guide to Chest Binders: Learn about different styles of Chest Binders and how locate the perfect fit
How to Wear a Chest Binder Safely: Guest Author, Dusty Howard offers practical advice on how to wear a Chest Binder
Strapped In: Read the ultimate beginner-friendly guide to Strap-On sex
The Best Harnesses for Strap-On Sex: Guest Author and Sex Educator, Gabrielle Kassel introduces you to popular styles of Strap-On Harnesses
Penis Pumps 101: Learn all about Penis Pumps, how they work, and how to use one in this entry-level guide
A Beginner's Guide to Breast & Vulva Pumps: Learn all about Breast & Vulva Pumps, how they work, and why people love them in this entry-level guide

The Best Gender Affirming Sex Toys

If you've undergone Gender Confirmation Surgery or are undergoing Hormone Replacement Therapy, you may be experiencing significant changes in your body. As your body evolves, your preferences in Sex Toys may also shift and adapt to these changes. With so many different Vibrators to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start! Below, you can find our favorite Sex Toy Resources for Trans & Non-Binary People- from modified air pulse toys to innovative grinding pads!

Fun Factory Vim Wand, $169.00

Light but weighted, powerful but quiet, strong but flexible, this wand will blow your mind with all it is capable of. Vim is a vibrating Wand with a uniquely weighted motor that offers all the rumbling power your body craves. The flexible neck helps you position the wand right where you want it and the wide range of settings flow from gentle to strong, waking up your nerve endings and generating incredible orgasms.

The Boundless Vibrating FTM Stroker, $52.00

The Boundless Vibrating Stroker takes your exploration and enjoyment to the next level. Made of liquid silicone, this stroker is ultra soft and comfortable to use. Customize your experience with the 10 functions that vibrate, pulsate, and increase in intensity, as you feel the added sensation of the textured interior.

Womanizer Liberty 2, $99.00

Pleasure air technology makes the Liberty 2 a powerful air pulsator, providing sensational clitoral stimulation. The Liberty 2 also features 4x the battery life, so you can enjoy more and worry less about having to charge your toy. A total of 8 intensity levels add to your ability to customize your pleasure, and Travel Lock means you never have to worry about the Liberty 2 giving you away in public settings.

The NYTC Trans Masc Deluxe Pump Kit, $62.00

From New York Toy Collective comes the Trans Masc Pump Deluxe to delightful and fulfill you. Comfortable and easy to use, this pump comes with 3 different cylinder sizes so you (and your partner) can pick what works best for your body. Increase sensation and boost growth instantly with this convenient pump.

The VibePad 2, $179.00

Designed with a cascading wave shape that caters to your body and ensures contact in just the ways you like for vaginal, clitoral, and anal stimulation! Smooth silicone makes grinding against the pad comfortable and extra enjoyable. Explore the varied vibration settings for added stimulation and, unlike most other grinding pads, feel the pinpoint pleasure of the vibro-tongue with 7 licking modes!

Further Education & Resources

At Lovers, we're committed to promoting sexual empowerment. To achieve this, we believe it's essential to stay informed and educated about the experiences and terminology used by the Trans & Non-Binary Community. By doing so, we can empower Trans & Non-Binary individuals to make informed decisions about their sexual health and enjoy more fulfilling sex lives, a fundamental right that should be accessible to all.

The Phenomenon of Not Feeling Queer Enough: Guest Author, Dusty Howard discusses the insidious nature of identity politics & how it impacts members of the LGBTQIA+ Community
The Political Bills Targeting Trans People: Trans & Non-Binary People have continued to face on-going censorship and discrimination. In this blog, we introduce you to some of the harmful bills currently impacting the LGBTQIA+ Community
An LGBTQIA+ Glossary: Throughout history, we've had to invent big words to tackle big issues. Familiarize yourself with these terms to show LGBTQIA+ People that they are seen, heard, validated, and respected
6 Ways to Honor the LGBTQIA+ Community: Looking for ways to show your support to the LGBTQIA+ Community? Here are 6 ways to be an ally to the Queer Community during Pride Month and beyond

Want more great product recommendations?
Shop All Gender Affirmation Products

Further Readings:
Understanding Gender Identities: The Trevor Project
A Guide to Being a Trans Ally: The Trevor Project
Why You Should Ask for Pronouns: Human Rights Campaign