“It’s Absolutely Intense, and I Love It!” A Qualitative Investigation of “Pegging” as Leisure

Abstract

In recent years, there has been growing interest among scholars in sexual practices as leisure behavior. The present study focused on “pegging,” which is a new term for the sexual practice of biological females (vagina) anally penetrating (i.e. with strap-on devices, sex toys) biological males (penis) among heterosexual couples. Drawing on our connections within alternative sexuality communities, we interviewed 17 individuals (10 peggers and 7 peggees) to investigate how their pegging practices may reflect specific leisure qualities. Findings suggest that pegging functions primarily as casual leisure largely in the forms of sensory stimulation, play, active entertainment, and pleasurable aerobic activity (for peggers using strap-ons). Pegging was associated with significant relationship benefits for participants, including thorough communication, trust, shared intimacy, and mutual pleasure.

Keywords:

• anal penetration
• leisure
• pegging
• serious leisure perspective
• sex

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank the Center for Positive Sexuality (Los Angeles, USA) for its assistance in helping to recruit potential participants for this study. Sincere thanks is also extended to study participants themselves, who willingly discussed intimate thoughts and experiences in order to promote greater understanding of diverse sexual practices.