BTN News: Exploring the depths of human intimacy, a groundbreaking study from the SexLab at the Konrad Lorenz Foundation in Colombia sheds new light on a topic often left in the shadows—sexual fantasies. Titled “Sexual Thoughts as Indicators of Sexual Health in Colombia,” this pioneering research delves into the complex and varied inner worlds of over 1,500 Colombians, encompassing a diverse range of identities including women, men, trans people, and non-binary individuals from 10 different cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali. Conducted under the watchful eye of Mayra Gómez-Lugo, director of the SexLab, this study marks a significant step toward understanding the hidden fantasies that shape our sexual health and perceptions. As Gómez-Lugo explains, almost everyone has experienced a sexual fantasy at some point—whether during an intimate moment, self-pleasure, or simply as part of daily life. Yet, not all fantasies are created equal; some inspire passion, while others stir discomfort or even rejection.
The SexLab Study: Revealing Colombia’s Top Fantasies
The findings of the study reveal a diverse array of desires across Colombia, with different types of sexual fantasies rising to prominence among both men and women. The most common is what researchers have dubbed “vanilla sex”—fantasies of conventional, romantic encounters that involve deep emotional connections. In Colombia, these fantasies are the most prevalent, with 51% of men and 55% of women preferring these thoughts, highlighting a strong yearning for intimacy and emotional closeness.
Meanwhile, fantasies involving sex in forbidden or dangerous places, such as airplanes, workplaces, or parking lots, have a considerable following. A notable 47% of men and 46.8% of women expressed a penchant for such adventurous thoughts, pointing to a widespread desire for excitement and thrill in the Colombian imagination. Tríos (threesomes) and encounters in exotic or extravagant locations—like yachts, penthouses, or private beaches—also feature prominently. While 44.72% of men are more inclined toward fantasies involving multiple partners, 41% of women favor scenarios set in luxurious and unique locations.
Pleasure or Discomfort: The Dichotomy of Sexual Fantasies
Claudia Pérez-Durán, a key researcher at SexLab, highlights that fantasies are not always a source of pleasure. According to the study, fantasies are categorized into two distinct types—positive and negative. Positive fantasies, which evoke pleasure and satisfaction, often revolve around romantic and emotionally charged moments, like passionate kissing, which was mentioned by an overwhelming 99.5% of both men and women in the study. This reflects a deep-seated desire for affection and emotional connection in Colombian society.
On the flip side, negative sexual fantasies—those that elicit feelings of discomfort or even revulsion—were notably common, especially those involving sadomasochism. Approximately 44.6% of women and 40.7% of men viewed sadomasochistic fantasies negatively, indicating a certain level of disapproval or discomfort with the dynamics of power and pain in their intimate thoughts.
Dominance and Submission: The Power Play in Fantasies
Diving deeper, the study reveals the prominence of fantasies involving elements of control—either as the dominant partner or in a submissive role. Dominant fantasies often center on controlling the partner’s actions, imposing restrictions, or engaging in behaviors such as bondage. In contrast, submissive fantasies explore the experience of being controlled, punished mildly, or being placed in a situation of vulnerability. Despite their popularity, these fantasies can also be sources of unease. Fantasies involving sexual violence, in particular, were among those most likely to generate negative feelings, highlighting a significant area of discomfort among participants.
“Understanding these differences is crucial,” says Gómez-Lugo, “because the perception of sexual fantasies varies greatly depending on their content and the emotions they evoke.” This underscores the importance of a nuanced approach to studying sexual health, something that will be further explored in the new specialization in Sexuality offered by the Konrad Lorenz Foundation in Colombia.
A New Era for Sexuality Research in Latin America
The SexLab study offers a fresh perspective on sexuality in Colombia, setting the stage for further investigation into the rich and complex tapestry of human desires. The research not only illuminates the fantasies that resonate most with Colombians but also the ones that make them uncomfortable, challenging prevailing assumptions about what people really want in their intimate lives. As the SexLab continues its pioneering work, it marks the dawn of a new era in understanding sexuality across Latin America—one that embraces both the light and shadow of human desire.
What’s Next for Sexual Health Studies in Colombia?
With the launch of a new specialization in Sexuality at the Konrad Lorenz Foundation, researchers hope to deepen their understanding of how sexual thoughts, whether positive or negative, serve as indicators of broader sexual health. As more data emerges, the future of sexuality research in Colombia looks poised to become even more comprehensive and enlightening.
By examining these hidden realms, the SexLab is helping shape not just academic understanding but also societal perceptions, driving conversations that are long overdue. The study serves as a call to embrace the complexities of human sexuality, moving beyond the conventional narratives and toward a more inclusive and thorough exploration of the desires that define us.
This study is just the beginning, and as more findings are unveiled, we can anticipate new insights that may challenge and refine our understanding of sexual health and fantasy in Latin America.
Join the Conversation
What are your thoughts on the findings from this groundbreaking study by the SexLab at the Konrad Lorenz Foundation? How do these insights compare with your perceptions or experiences? Share your views and continue the conversation on social media using #SexLabResearch and #SexualFantasiesColombia.
By diving into the uncharted territory of sexual fantasies, this research not only breaks new ground but also brings a fresh wave of understanding to the complex landscape of human desires and health in Colombia.
