from Clinical/Therapeutic Issues

Study Examines Sexual Behaviors
Of Urban Lesbians

July 12, 2006 - "Behind Closed Doors: An Exploration Of Specialized Sexual Behaviors In Urban Women Who Have Sex With Women," (The Journal of Sex Research, Vol. 43, No. 1, 2006) surveyed the various sexual habits of 400 self-described lesbians.

The study was completed in the fall of 2003 and the spring of 2004 and was conducted by researchers at the City University of New York, the Center for HIV Educational Studies and Training and others.

The study assessed demographics, including age at same-sex gender debut, and five specialized behaviors: watersports (urination), bondage, sado-masochism, photo/video exhibitionism, and breathplay (auto-erotic asphyxiation).

More than two fifths (42.8%) reported having engaged in one of the behaviors at some time in their lives. Bondage was the most prevalent behavior at 29%. Minorities were 2.5 times as likely to have engaged in watersports than white women. In addition, "Same-sex sexual debut was ... related to ever having participated in group sex. Regardless of age at sexual debut, women who reported ever engaging in watersports or group sex were significantly sexually active for more years ..."

Additional Reading: Helping Women With Same-Sex Attraction; Lesbian Sexuality Said to be "Fluid"; Gay Marriage and Human Sexual Nature; Sexual Orientation and Psychoanalysis: Sexual Science and Clinical Practice; The Innate-Immutable Argument Finds No Basis in Science.