Sexual taboos are a longstanding source of societal controversy. These sexual practices, off-limits within certain cultures, are often viewed with judgment and practiced secretly. 

As the discussions around sexual health and freedom shift and evolve, there's a growing argument for normalizing these conventions. Proponents argue that open conversation and acceptance lend themselves to inclusive, healthy sexuality within society. But not everyone agrees. 

So, what’s taboo sexuality, and why are people against it?

What’s taboo sex? 

Sexual taboos are sexual acts that are considered outside typical sexual norms. These preferences are viewed as abnormal and, in some cases, unacceptable, with most societies finding their discussion uncomfortable. Some examples include breeding and extramarital affairs. 

While some sexual “taboos” are rooted in culture and religion or specific groups of people, there are sex preferences out there that may be less deserving of the title. And some of them are harmless fantasy — it all depends on what you’re into.

Taboo sexuality versus fetishes and kinks

When considering what's taboo, kinks and fetishes are often lumped in together. But they're not the same. While the term "taboo" has a negative connotation and may make you think of something forbidden, fetishes and kinks are a different story. 

Taboo sexual acts are considered abnormal or unacceptable by societal standards, like sleeping with your married professor. Fetishes and kinks, on the other hand, are unique preferences that cause arousal and help the person achieve climax. But even these two terms differ. 

Kinks are specific sexual preferences or practices that often deviate from traditionally "normal" sexual behavior. Common kinks include:

• Role-playing

• Exhibitionism

• Voyeurism

• Auralism (being aroused by sound)

• Bondage

• Temperature play

• Tickling

What's considered a kink is subjective, but the prioritization of communication, understanding, and agreement between partners is universally agreed upon. These values are vital for adding kink to your sex life in a healthy way.

Sexual fetishes are fixations or attractions to a body part, material, object, or scenario that becomes a person's primary focus for sexual arousal and climax. In some cases, the person with the fetish can’t achieve orgasm without some involvement of the fetish in sexual activity.

Common fetishes range from a focus on specific materials like leather or latex to an attraction to certain body parts like feet. 

A list of sexual taboos, kinks, and fetishes

Understanding the differences between taboos, kinks, and fetishes is crucial to developing a thoughtful, nuanced view of sexual behavior. Because human sexuality is incredibly diverse, its practices range from conventional to unconventional and even unethical, which is why some preferences are considered inappropriate. 

Here's a list of taboo kinks and fetishes to better understand their scope. 

Sexual taboos 

• Breeding: Those with a breeding fantasy feel sexually aroused by the thought of impregnating or becoming impregnated by their partner(s).

• Primal play: Participants interested in primal play may enjoy acting on their most primal urges, including role-playing animal-like behaviors like growling, biting, and chasing.

• Age gaps: Age-gap sexual play, where one person in a sexual relationship pretends to be much older or younger than the other, often revolves around power dynamics. In this sexual taboo, the “older” partner may be seen as dominant or experienced, while the “younger” partner may be perceived as submissive.

• Inappropriate partners: With age gaps comes the territory of inappropriate or off-limits partners, like a family member’s best friend or a married teacher. It depends on the dynamic — and the audience — but some crushes are taboo based on proximity. 

• Incest: This fantasy involves engaging in sexual activity with a family member, including step-siblings or parents. Most countries outlaw this behavior and consider it deviant due to social, moral, and biological reasons. 

Kinks

• BDSM: This common kink combines bondage, discipline (or dominance), submission (or sadism), and masochism. Practicing it requires open communication, consent, and trust for everyone involved, as well as a safe word and sexual aftercare. 

• Role-playing: This involves acting out sexually exciting ideas, characters, or scenes, such as teacher-student or doctor-patient. Role-playing is an exciting and creative way to spice things up in the bedroom between consenting adults. 

Fetishes 

• Latex: This is a sexual attraction to latex material, usually in the form of clothing. Some people enjoy how the material feels against their skin, while others like how it looks. 

• Feet: Considered one of the most common, a foot fetish is a sexual fascination with the shape, size, smell, and appearance of feet in general or a specific person's feet. 

• Leather: This is a sexual attraction to leather, including items and clothing. It may relate to leather's texture, smell, or symbolism of dominance and power.

Consent is key

Sexual desires and behaviors are complex, but the bottom line always remains the same: The importance of consent, good intentions, and safety can't be overstated, whether during kink play, setting up and playing out a fetish scene, or indulging in what's socially considered “taboo.”

Ensuring everyone is entirely on board before and throughout a sexual experience is essential. In an environment where care and respect are required, no one should feel shamed or constrained by societal norms when exploring their sexual fantasies. What's considered "normal" varies significantly, and exploring your needs and desires in a considerate, mindful way can be a fulfilling and healthy part of personal growth.

Dive into your sexuality with Quinn

Find what makes you feel good with Quinn, the audio erotica app created by women for the world. Different things feel and sound good to different people, and Quinn's broad range of audio stories and guided masturbation sessions are perfect for exploring your sexual fantasies. Yes, even the “taboo” ones. 

To access thousands of audio stories and guided sessions, download the Quinn app for iOS or Android.