Also available in: Deutsch (German)

The eggplant symbol 🍆 is often used as a synonym for a non-existent penis emoji. But what do you use for a sex toy? The Swedish toy manufacturer LELO Global has now launched a petition to get Uni Code, the administrator of the character set so to speak, to allow such an emoji.

The rationale for the petition reads quite plausibly: “Sexual wellbeing contributes to our overall wellbeing, and despite the decreasing stigmatization of sex and pleasure, many still find it difficult to talk about masturbation. As someone who is passionate about this topic, I feel that the lack of a sex toy emoji in Unicode is a glaring omission that needs to be addressed. It’s not about bringing vulgarity into our daily discussions, but advocating for an open, respectful dialogue that recognizes the reality of sexual wellness.”

In fact, the social acceptance of sex toys has increased significantly in recent years. Even large online retailers, otherwise known for their prudery, now stock dildos, vibrators and other aids to increase pleasure, alone, in pairs or with others.

In this respect, it is incomprehensible why Unicode, with more than 3000 symbols now defined, allows practically none that allude directly to human sexual behavior. The end of stigmatization has apparently not yet reached the relevant circles. The petition now wants to change this and is calling for the introduction of a corresponding symbol

You can sign the petition online here.

More information about the toy manufacturer LELO