Why do straight women watch lesbian porn? 13 Fashion Journal readers weigh in

“It’s less aggressive and more focused on female pleasure.”

Arousal and logic don’t always go hand in hand, and we often find ourselves surprised by what turns us on. But that’s not a bad thing – it’s all just part of the journey of sexuality, which tends to be more unpredictable and nuanced than people might assume. 

The vast world of pornography has given us endless content to scroll through and sometimes, the videos that draw us in are at odds with our real-life sexual proclivities. For example, I find competitive woodchopping hot to watch, but would I ever want to date an actual lumberjack? No. 

Interested to hear how others navigate the world? Head to our Life section.

The same goes for straight women who prefer to watch lesbian porn. Whether it be the focus on the female form, the gentler energy, or the lack of hyper-masculine dick-slinging dudes, there are many reasons to love lesbian porn – no matter what you’re into IRL. To find out more, we asked our readers to explain why they gravitate towards girl-on-girl. 

Indiana*, 25

It doesn’t feel as aggressive/staged as hetero porn (when it’s ethical). Plus women are beautiful creatures that have sexier body parts in my opinion (sorry not sorry).

Caitlyn*, 31

It’s less aggressive and more focused on female pleasure… it’s not endless blowjobs. 

Jasmine*, 27

I honestly am not sure why. Lesbian porn was the first type of porn I started to watch when I was younger. I couldn’t watch anything else and started to even question my own sexuality, because that’s all I could exclusively watch. Straight porn gave me the ick. 

As I grew older, my genre of porn has expanded but lesbian porn is still my preference. I’m not sure if it was the authenticity I felt, that it felt more natural and realistic to watch or if it’s something that deep down, I want to experience myself. 

Bethany*, 20

I can relate to the orgasms. I can imagine the same feelings/copy the motions and reach climax at the same time.

Helen*, 35

I find normal porn unrealistic and still all about male pleasure. Lesbian porn is more realistic and sensual. It’s also nice to hear a woman actually enjoying herself and not faking while she’s aggressively thumped!

Raquel*, 24

Something about it is so much more sensual and tickles a part of my brain that sometimes hetero porn does not. Also, boobs galore!

Paulina*, 24

Heteronormative porn feels so violent and is not only a turn-off for me but also seems so unconnected to female desire and pleasure. I also think women are more open in terms of orientation and being fluid. I can acknowledge women are attractive but I fear men cannot do the same for their own sex without feeling guilt, shame or confusion. 

Parker*, 22

When you watch lesbian porn, you get double-female pleasure. There’s no scary bald guy with a 10-inch dick about to spank anyone. It’s just women and it feels safe.

Although obviously some of the orgasms aren’t real, you feel like there’s more of what actually gets women off, not just women being pounded with no clitoral stimulation and pretending that’s what brings women to orgasm. I can’t watch straight porn without rolling my eyes and getting annoyed.

With the way that straight porn is, I’m not surprised so many men are confused about how to make a woman cum and so many women feel like they have to perform a certain way… [women feel like] they’re not normal for not having an orgasm after two minutes of jackrabbit sex. It’s so frustrating.

I just want to watch porn that is realistic and doesn’t leave me feeling like I’m encouraging an industry that is doing women wrong by spreading this myth that it’s normal for women to cum after 30 seconds of penetrative sex. 

Jordan*, 29

I prefer watching lesbian porn because I can conceptualise female pleasure better. I find I am more turned on when I can relate to what the women might be feeling. Plus, women are beautiful! The female form is amazing.

Kaliyah*, 32

As I’ve grown older, I’ve started enjoying hetero porn more. I think as I mature and become more confident/powerful around men.

Noelle*, 31

I find most porn is so aggressive or degrading to women that I am immediately turned off by it. Lesbian porn is usually more realistic, slow and sensual, and less degrading to the women involved. To clarify, I’m in a committed heterosexual relationship and I’ve never been with a woman, but I wouldn’t say I’m 100 per cent straight.

Lauren*, 26

I can’t connect with straight porn – the constant infantilisation of women and the near-brutality of how the man approaches the women turns me off. 

Erica*, 27

Honestly, it’s just hornier.

For more on ethical porn, head here.