What Does the "Sex Positivity" Interest Mean on Bumble?

PDF download Download Article
Learn to interpret this common dating profile description
PDF download Download Article

If you’ve spent time “on the apps,” you’ve probably seen the term “sex positivity” at some point. Usually, it means that the user is open and frank about sex and sexuality, or that they’re open-minded about sexual topics. We’ll tell you more about what it means on dating apps and in general, help you decide if it’s a red flag, start a conversation about it, and fill you in on related dating app terms.

Quick Definition of “Sex Positivity”

“Sex positivity” is a movement that aims to have open conversations about sex, and to keep open minds about topics like gender and sexuality. On dating apps, the label often means that the user is sexually open-minded, or frank about sexual topics.

Section 1 of 5:

What does “sex positivity” mean on Bumble?

PDF download Download Article
  1. If someone uses the “sex positivity” tag, or has “sex positive” in their bio on apps like Bumble, Tinder, or Hinge, it usually means they strive to approach the topic of sex with curiosity and an open mind. [1] They’re probably not ashamed to talk about sex and all its different facets, and are often looking for like-minded users.
    • Someone with this descriptor may (or may not) be willing to try new things and explore their sexuality and what it means for them.
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 5:

What is sex positivity?

PDF download Download Article
  1. For the most part, “sex positivity” is a response to society’s tendency to be hush-hush about all things sex. Sex positivity is a mindset that aims to approach sexual topics with openness, to discuss sexual experiences without shame, and to explore what sex means to an individual. [2]
    • It doesn’t mean that someone sees sex as a constant good thing. Rather, sex positivity frames sex as neutral, like say, owning a dog or enjoying sports—it’s not right or wrong, it just means different things to different people, and that’s okay.
    • Someone can be sex positive and prefer not to engage in sex! It’s just about acknowledging that sex isn’t some taboo thing to be swept under the rug.
Section 3 of 5:

Is sex positivity a red flag?

PDF download Download Article
  1. If someone has “sex positivity” in their profile, there’s no need to back away, at least not until you know a little more about them. Generally, sex positivity is a belief and movement like any other. You may agree or disagree with the idea, but at its core, it’s a movement that aims to have open and honest talks about sex, and that’s not a particularly bad thing to strive for.
  2. While sex positivity itself isn’t a red flag, users around the internet have expressed some hesitation when they see it on a profile. They say that some dating app users, particularly men, use the label “sex positivity” just to jump straight to the topic of sex, in the hopes of landing a hookup, or to try to manipulate other users into sex. [3]
    • If you don’t want others to think the same of you, it might be best not to put the tag on your own profile. Instead, you might say that you’re “accepting and open-minded” while writing your bio.
    3. Advertisement
Section 4 of 5:

Starting a Conversation about Sex Positivity

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you’re unsure of what “sex positivity” means to a certain user, or want to get a better idea of what they’re like, just ask them! They’ve likely advertised themself as sex positive in order to have that talk. If nothing else, it’ll get the conversation going.
    • For example, say: “I notice you say you’re sex positive. What does that mean to you?” or, “Can I ask what your views on sex positivity are?”
Section 5 of 5:

Related Terms

PDF download Download Article
  1. “In a spectrum” often means that the user identifies as on the autism spectrum, and wants to let other users know, or to find other users on the spectrum. Sometimes, it may mean that the user considers their sexuality to be on a spectrum, rather than just identifying as gay or straight.
  2. A situationship is a romantic relationship that doesn’t really have definite terms or labels. It’s relationship limbo, essentially. If someone on a dating app says they’re “in a situationship,” they may be in a noncommittal relationship and looking for something else.
    3. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      What to Write in Your Dating Profile If You Only Want to Hook Up
      The Best Dating Profile Bios for Females
      How to
      Answer "Dating Me Is Like..." on Hinge
      How to
      Write a Dating Profile Bio: 60+ Funny, Clever & Flirty Examples
      “DDF” Meaning on Grindr and Other Dating Apps
      What Does HWP Mean? Decoding the Dating Profile Acronym
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/a30317658/sex-positive-meaning/
      2. ↑ http://www.ejhs.org/volume3/sexpositive.htm
      3. ↑ https://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/what-it-means-when-a-woman-says-she-is-sex-positive-according-to-brian-from-hinge

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 21,346 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement