‘If there is no homo, there is no trio’: women’s experiences and expectations of MMF threesomes

ABSTRACT

Although contemporary research into threesomes is expanding, little is yet understood about women’s perspective on threesomes involving two men and one woman (MMF) – the generally more stigmatised configuration of mixed-sex threesome. Using semi-structured interviews with 16 women who had ever engaged in a mixed-sex threesome, this research aimed to explore women’s attitudes and experiences of MMF threesomes and understand their (dis)interest in them. The findings suggest that although MMF threesomes were somewhat stigmatised by participants, more were interested in them than not. Core to women’s (perceived) enjoyment of these threesomes was the desire to engage with men who would interact sexually with each other. This helped to create a safer, less objectifying environment, as well as providing sexual arousal for some women. Accordingly, it is suggesting that the stigma around MMF threesomes is diminishing, and in this context, women are enacting their sexual agency to pursue the sorts of sex they desire.

KEYWORDS:

• Consensual non-monogamy
• group sex
• sexual behaviour
• sexuality
• threesome

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ryan Scoats

Ryan Scoats is a researcher at Birmingham City University in the faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences. His work focuses on the meanings people attach to threesomes and their interpretations of their experiences. Other research interests include masculinities, sports cultures, sexualities, identity and consensual non-monogamy.