Frot

thumb|266x266px|Two men rubbing their penises together

Frot or frotting (slang for frottage; ) is a sexual practice that usually involves direct penis-to-penis contact. The term was popularized by gay male activists who disparaged or disliked the practice of anal sex, but has since spread in usage to others who may not share those attitudes. It can also be used as a type of foreplay.

Because it is not penetrative, frotting has the safe sex benefit of reducing the risk of transmitting HIV/AIDS; however, it still carries the risk of skin-to-skin sexually transmitted infections, such as HPV and pubic lice (crabs), both of which can be transmitted even when lesions are not visible.

It is analogous to tribadism, which is vulva-to-vulva contact.

Concept and etymology

thumb|Mughal art depicting two frotting men

The modern definition of frotting emerged in a context of a debate about the status of anal sex within the gay male community; some in the anti-anal, pro-frotting camp insist that anal sex ought to be avoided altogether.

Alternative terms for frotting include frictation, which can refer to the wider meaning of frottage but also penis-penis sex specifically, as well as sword-fighting, Oxford style, Princeton rub, and Ivy League rub. However, frotting can still transmit other sexually transmitted infections, such as HPV (which can cause genital warts) and pubic lice (crabs). This preference has led to some debate in the gay male and MSM community regarding what constitutes "real sex" or the most sensual expression of sexual intimacy. Some frotting advocates consider "two genitals coming together by mingling, caressing, sliding" and rubbing to be sex more than other forms of male sexual activity.

During anal sex, the insertive partner may be referred to as the top or active partner. The one being penetrated may be referred to as the bottom or passive partner. Those with no strong preference for either are referred to as versatile. Some frotting advocates insist that such roles introduce inequality during sexual intimacy, and that frotting is "equal" because of mutual genital-genital stimulation. The lack of mutual genital stimulation and role asymmetry has led other frotting advocates to denounce anal sex as degrading to the receptive partner. This view of dominance and inequality associated with sex roles is disputed by researchers who state that it is not clear that specific sexual acts are necessarily indicative of general patterns of masculinity or dominance in a gay male relationship, and that, for both partners, anal intercourse can be associated with being masculine. In a 2005 article in The Advocate, one anal sex opponent said that no longer showing anal sex as erotic would help avoid HIV/AIDS, and opined that some gay men perceived him to be anti-gay when he was only trying to keep gay and bisexual men alive and healthy. and as "the natural apex of sex, a wonderful expression of intimacy, and a great source of pleasure." and is often thought to be expected, even by MSM who do not prefer the act.

Prevalence

A 2011 survey of gay and bisexual men by the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that out of over 1,300 different combinations of sexual acts practiced, the most common, at 16% of all encounters, was "holding their partner romantically, kissing partner on mouth, solo-masturbation, masturbating partner, masturbation by partner, and genital–genital contact."

Among other animals

Genital–genital rubbing has been observed between males of other animals as well. Among bonobos, frottage frequently occurs when two males hang from a tree limb and engage in penis fencing; it also occurs while two males are in the missionary position.

Genital rubbing similar to frotting between non-primate males has been observed among bull manatees, in conjunction with "kissing". When engaging in genital–genital rubbing, male bottlenose dolphins often penetrate the genital slit or, less commonly, the anus. Penis-to-penis rubbing is also common among homosexually active mammals.

Concept and etymology

Prevalence

Among other animals

See also

References

Further reading