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

Cut Ties with Boring Sex Positions.

QUICK LINKS:

1. What is Scissoring?
2. Scissoring vs Tribbing
3. Do Lesbians Actually Scissor?
4. How to Scissor Your Partner
5. The Best Positions for Scissoring

What is Scissoring?

Scissoring is a sex position that involves two people spreading their legs, like a pair of open scissors, to facilitate genital-to-genital contact. Though it is commonly portrayed as a queer sex position, scissoring can be loved and practiced by people of all genders.

Scissoring vs Tribbing

Tribbing is the act of rubbing one's vulva against their partner’s genitals in order to stimulate themselves externally. It is considered a form of outercourse that usually occurs between lesbian partners.

Though scissoring is considered a form of tribadism, the word ‘scissoring’ can be used to describe sexual interactions involving people of all genders. While scissoring is arguably one of the most iconic tribbing positions of all time, it does not encompass the full variety of ways that tribbing can manifest. Tribbing, as a general rule, describes different styles of outercourse, whereas ‘scissoring’ refers to a specific sex position.

• Tribbing does not always imply genital-to-genital contact. Tribbing can be performed on a variety of body parts including but not limited to a partner’s thigh, stomach, or bottom.
• Tribbing may or may not incorporate sex toys.
• Some popular positions for this style of outercourse include missionary position, sitting lotus, and doggie style.

Do Lesbians Actually Enjoy Scissoring?

Scissoring has been a keystone of lesbian pornography, shaping the public’s perception of what it means and looks like to have lesbian sex. This has been the source of criticism for some women in the lesbian community, who claim that these films can contribute to unrealistic representations of female pleasure. Furthermore, the act of scissoring (to literally mash one’s genitals up against another’s) is a crude misconception and oversimplification of lesbian sex.

With that being said, there are many people (including lesbian women) who enjoy and actively participate in scissor sex. This sex position may appeal to people who enjoy fully-body contact, manual stimulation, and grinding.

While scientific research on this topic is limited, Julia V Bailey’s 2003 Study, “Sexual Behavior of Lesbians and Bisexual Women” reported that 85% of their study sample engaged in tribadism, while 50% engaged in genital-to-genital specific tribadism. This demonstrates that while there is some reluctance to embrace the media’s depiction of scissoring, tribbing is still a valuable component to many lesbians’ sex lives.

The Best Positions for Scissoring

In our Grinding 101 Article, we learned that sex positions (like scissoring) can put pressure on the knees, thighs, and hips. For some people, sex positions like these may not be the most viable or comfortable option. If you and your partner are interested in exploring scissor sex, you can try stretching before sex, experimenting with different scissoring shapes, and using sex pillows to add some stability or comfort to your experience.

Classic Scissors
To get in this position, lay down on your side, with your legs spread open. Have a partner recreate this pose while facing the opposite direction. Once you are both in this position, you can intertwine your legs, sliding down the center until your genitals meet.

Safety Scissors
The safety scissor position is an excellent choice for penetrative sex. In this position, one person can lay on their back or prop themselves up with the support of a pillow, while their leg rests against their partner’s shoulder. We love the extra stability that the safety scissor position provides, allowing partners to hold on to each other’s thighs or ankle for additional momentum as they grind.

Zig Zag Scissors
Inspired by the classic scissor shape, this sex position brings the body in contact with a partner’s thigh, rather than their genitals. Your thigh can be used to create pressure, vibration (shaking), and rocking motions.

How to Scissor Your Partner

One of the wonderful things about scissor sex is that this position can be customized to accommodate different toys, body parts, and kinks. This gives this sex position a lot of pleasure potential! There are endless ways to experience scissor sex: with or without clothing, penetration, or sex toys! Take a look at some of our favorite ways to enhance scissor sex below:

• Lube
  Lubricant isn’t just reserved for penetrative sex… lube can be used to create a slick glide against the skin- perfect for activities like massages, nipple play, and tribbing!
• Eye Contact & Make Out Sessions
  Scissor sex can be incredibly intimate because it requires people to bring their bodies as close together as possible. This can create so many wonderful opportunities to bolster connection through kisses and prolonged eye contact.
• Double Ended Dildos
  Double Ended Dildos are commonly used in pornographic films featuring scissor sex, so naturally many people have attempted to incorporate them into their sex lives. A double ended dildo can be used vaginally or anally to stimulate two partners in a scissoring sex position.
• Remote Control Sex Toys
  Long distance and Bluetooth sex toys can be a great way to enhance scissor sex. These wearable and insertable devices can be controlled remotely by your partner as you grind.
• Strap On Harnesses or Penetration
  While penetration is not a requirement of scissor sex, it has become a popular way to enhance it. People with vulvas, or people interested in double penetration, should consider a strap-on harness and dildo for this style of play.
• Finger Stimulation
  You can use your fingers to penetrate your partners genitals or provide external stimulation. Both vaginal and anal finger play are popular ways to spice up this position!

Further Readings:
Experimenting Your Way to More Pleasure: Dipsea Stories
The Science of Sexual Arousal: American Psychological Association
The Definitive Guide to Micro Expressions: Science of People

WITH PLEASURE, 

LOVERS