A quiet revolution is brewing. Amid the buzz of innovation and networking at recent industry events, delegates from the sexual wellness industry are uniting for a common cause: fair advertising.
Sexual wellness brands have long faced an uphill battle when it comes to advertising their products online. Companies like Smile Makers, LELO, and Satisfyer have seen their ads rejected and accounts shadowbanned on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Despite adhering to guidelines, their campaigns are often labelled as “inappropriate” or “sexually explicit,” while ads for male-focused products like erectile dysfunction medication sail through unscathed.
Enter Sciart, a forward-thinking marketing agency that’s had enough of the double standards. They’ve launched a bold campaign, petitioning for the reform of advertising regulations and the destigmatisation of sexual wellness products on tech platforms. The campaign is not just about fairness; it’s about breaking the silence and challenging outdated norms.
Sciart’s journey began with interviews. They are constantly speaking to senior figures in the industry, gathering firsthand accounts of the frustrations and barriers these brands face. The stories were compelling, revealing a pattern of discrimination that stifles innovation and keeps essential products out of reach for many consumers.
Armed with these stories, Sciart took their petition to the EroSpain (Spain) and Erofame’s (Germany) conference. The response was overwhelming. Delegates adding their voices to the call for change. It was a powerful moment of solidarity, showcasing the industry’s determination to fight for its rights.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the Center for Intimacy Justice (CIJ) has been spearheading similar efforts in the United States. The CIJ has been working tirelessly to highlight the inconsistencies in advertising policies and to advocate for more inclusive regulations. Their work has garnered significant attention, with high-profile support from celebrities like Christina Aguilera, whose company Playground will be donating 1% of proceeds from their Pillow Talk products to CIJ to help stop the censorship of sexual health information online.
Fredrik Wahlqvist, CEO of Sciart says “In the end, this is more than just a fight for advertising rights. It’s about breaking down taboos, promoting sexual health and wellness, and ensuring that everyone has access to the products they need. As the signatures on Sciart’s petition grow, so does the hope for a future where sexual wellness is celebrated, not censored”.
You can find more info and the petition HERE
