15 Best Gay Sex Positions for Couples to Explore

When it comes to gay sex positions, pleasure isn’t one-size-fits-all. Men looking for fun and different sex positions should play around with unique missionary sex positions, 69 sex position variations, and even Amazon sex position to add excitement and novelty. Experimenting with lubes and sex toys for men (think prostate massagers, anal beads, and cock rings) will only enhance the best gay sex positions, so come to the bedroom with an open mind.

Like any sexual experience, gay sex is personal and there’s a lot of experimentation that can be done to understand your preferences and the preferences of your partner.

“Some men don’t understand what exactly turns them on,” says Finn Deerhart, AASECT-certified sexuality counselor, who works primarily with queer men. “They assume their turn-on is a causal result of the objects they desire or a set of conditions. However, when it comes to sexual arousal, and the deeply personal nature of that energy, it’s less about the specific objects and more about the implied sense of meaning a man derives from his sexual experiences.”

Below, Deerhart, alongside multiple sex experts, share a guide to the best gay sex positions for men that will offer inspiration to try something new, lean into what you like most, and connect with your mind-body connection to be a better lover.

1. Doggy Style

Doggy style is among the best gay sex positions for its ability to lower inhibitions. 

Katie Buckleitner

How to Do It

“This one is a staple for many gay men,” says Deerhart. The receiver kneels or stands facing away from the penetrator. With hips raised, the receiver takes the penetrator as deeply as they desire.  

Why It Works

“The absence of eye contact is part of why men love doggy style,” says Deerhart. “They’re able to tap into their animal bodies while enjoying a degree of emotional opacity.” Removing direct eye contact can help lower inhibitions and encourage partners to be more present in the moment. 

Pros Cons

Deeper penetration

Can be too deep for the receiver, depending on capacity and depth

Freedom of movement for the one thrusting

Receiving partner can masturbate, if desired

Lack of eye contact lowers inhibitions 

Pro Tip

Go slowly and use plenty of lube. We recommend Boy Butter. It’s a fan favorite among users because it’s long-lasting, easy to clean, and strikes a balance between the stickiness of water-based lubes and the greasiness of silicone. Its consistency starts like a lotion that melts into an oil as you work it between your hands. Just note this is not condom-compatible!

$22 (Was $24) at Amazon

2. Spooning

Spooning is among the best gay sex positions for those seeking something intimate yet low-energy. 

Katie Buckleitner

How to Do It

The receiving partner lies on their side with their back toward their partner, while the penetrative partner applies lube and aligns their pelvis to the receiving partner’s butt to assume the “spooning” position. The receiving partner can arch their low back and extend their bottom leg long while bending the top one closer to their chest to create more space for the giver to rest their top leg over them and enter. “Because half of the body is being restricted by the bed, it can be difficult to make adjustments once started,” explains Dr. Rossana Sida, a licensed marriage and family therapist and AASECT-certified sex therapist in Los Angeles, CA. 

Why It Works

“This is the best on a lazy morning where relaxation and intimacy are key,” says Sida. It doesn’t require acrobatics, plus the receiving partner can touch their partner or themselves, either masturbating or giving attention to erogenous zones to enhance arousal. 

Pros Cons

Heightened intimacy between partners

Difficult to find the right angle

Low-energy position, perfect for morning sex

Hard to get the leverage to thrust in and out

Lots of skin-to-skin contact

Pro Tip

The receiving partner can place a small sex wedge or pillow, like Foam Heart Sex Pillow, between their knees if both are tucked to maintain space and limit fatigue.  

$40 at Amazon

3. Missionary

Missionary is a great sex position for women, but it’s also a mainstay among the best gay sex positions for men.

Katie Buckleitner

How to Do It

The receiving partner lies on their back with legs butterflied open, while the giver lies on top and supports their body weight with their arms. The penetrative partner enters so they’re face-to-face. To modify this, the receiving partner can place their legs over the giver’s shoulders for more direct prostate stimulation. 

Why It Works

Missionary is a classic position that offers a high degree of emotional connection due to the direct eye contact, says Deerhart. You get feedback in real time and can read each other’s facial expressions.

Pros Cons

Promotes a heightened sense of connection due to eye contact 

Can be overwhelming sometimes for men who would prefer to be less emotionally seen

Can read facial expressions for real-time feedback

Can be physically demanding for the penetrator who has to hold their upper body—or the receiver’s legs—up

Provides direct angle for prostate stimulation

Pro Tip

Use a sex wedge to elevate the bottom partner’s hips. We like Liberator Wedge Intimate Sex Positioning Pillow. The 27-degree angle is the ideal pitch for deeper penetration and stimulation.

$80 at Amazon

4. Standing (Bodyguard)

Standing (aka bodyguard) gay sex position is the perfect way to bring role play into the picture. 

Katie Buckleitner

How to Do It

The receiving partner stands with knees slightly bent for stability, facing away from their partner. They can stand in front of a wall and support their body weight with their hands or stand before a bed and brace their weight by kneeling one leg on it (shown). If kneeling one leg, the receiving partner can lean forward slightly and reach behind and grab their partner’s hips or thighs for greater balance. “While adequately lubricated, the penetrative partner will insert their penis, being mindful of their partner’s comfort,” says Sida. The giver should tilt their pelvis up and choose between a more sensual or vigorous rhythm of movement. Whichever feels best, both partners will need to move their hips in sync with each thrust.

Why It Works

This is an easy anal sex position to bring role play into your repertoire. Also known as “bodyguard” position due to the restraining nature of the position, you and your partner can play with domination. Moreover, the receiver can additionally masturbate while receiving anal if standing in front of a wall for balance. 

Pros Cons

Allows for spontaneity as standing means you can have sex in the kitchen, home office, or shower

Both partners need to have good balance

May be too physically demanding for an entire sexual experience, but it can start things off

Pro Tip

Have the penetrative partner insert a vibrating butt plug like Lovehoney Butt Tingler 10 Function Vibrating Butt Plug.  It’s great for intermediate users what with its four-inch length and flared base. The bulb houses a removable bullet vibrator that has three vibration speeds and seven patterns to find the right sensation. 

$27 (Was $30) at Lovehoney

5. Rusty Trombone

Rusty trombone does double duty as a hand and oral sex position for maximum pleasure. 

Katie Buckleitner

How to Do It

The receiving partner stands with legs slightly apart, while the giving partner kneels behind them, performing analingus (aka rimming) while simultaneously providing a hand job. The position vaguely resembles playing a trombone. For the giver, it requires plenty of coordination between the hand and mouth.

Why It Works

This is a multifaceted experience for the receiver, as it combines oral and manual stimulation for intense pleasure, says Bedbible.com sex educator Kasia Halinowska. 

Pros Cons

Provides dual stimulation as a rim job and hand job

Requires flexibility and balance

Difficulty to master coordination for giver

Pro Tip

Get in the shower together beforehand and get really clean. This will put both of you at ease if you’re starting with optimal hygiene. Our favorite unscented body wash is Nécessaire Fragrance-Free The Body Wash. 

$25 at Amazon

6. Legs Up

Legs up is among the best gay sex positions so long as the receiving partner is flexible.

Katie Buckleitner

How to Do It

The receiving partner lies on their back with legs up so the penetrative partner can kneel, place their hands on either side of them, and slowly ease in. The receiving partner can lift their hips and rest their calves against the penetrative partner’s shoulders, which allows for deeper penetration, as well as greater support. 

Why It Works

The receiving partner won’t get fatigued having to hold their legs up on their own, and this face-to-face positioning helps “maintain eye contact for intimacy,” says Halinowska.

Pros Cons

Promotes deep connection with face-to-face contact

Might not allow for very deep penetration

Pro Tip

Try a hybrid lube that comprises water and silicone, like Hello Cake Tush Cush, for greater comfort and longevity. It won’t dry out as quickly as other lubes and helps prevent tearing.

$19 at Amazon

7. Back It In

For those seeking novelty, Back It In is a great anal sex position. 

Katie Buckleitner

How to Do It

The giving partner sits in a chair with knees to chest, torso angled back in a reclined position. Use pillows to provide the proper support and get the angle right. The receiving partner backs into the position and lowers onto their partner’s penis. The receiving partner should use their legs to lower up and down.

Why It’s Great

This is a position for those chasing novelty—who want a change of pace, says Halinowska.

Pros Cons

allows for control over depth of penetration

can be a bit awkward to get into position initially

difficult for giving partner to keep legs elevated without support

8. Helicopter

Helicopter is among the best gay sex positions because it defies gravity and completely flips the script on anal.

Katie Buckleitner

How to Do It

The receiving partner gets on hands and knees, then lowers down to their forearms, to start. The penetrative partner does a down dog over them, head positioned by the receiving partner’s feet, and aligns their pelvis with the receiving partner’s anus. The giver penetrates their partner as they lift their legs to create a helicopter shape. The penetrative partner will keep their pelvis on the receiving partner’s butt, using their arms to support their body (think pushup position), explains Halinowska.

Why It’s Great

You won’t get deep penetration, but due to the downward angle of the penetrative partner’s penis, it stimulates the head. Helicopter is fun and challenging, bringing a bit of spontaneity to your sex life if things have felt ho-hum

Pros Cons

adds novelty to sex 

penetrating partner must have a strong upper body to maintain

provides unique entry and stimulates the head of the penis

difficult to maintain balance and find rhythm

9. Cliff Diver

Cliff diver is among the best gay sex positions for men as it produces a strong prostate orgasm.

Katie Buckleitner

How It Works

The receiving partner gets on all fours while the giving partner helps lifts their legs off the ground, one at a time, wrapping them around their waist for more control and support. The penetrative partner then inserts their penis and holds onto the receiving partner’s hips.

Why It’s Great 

It’s a little more advanced, but for those looking to experiment with standing sex positions, this can create a strong prostate orgasm.

Pros Cons

Exciting and adventurous for couples

Requires strength and coordination

Provides intense stimulation

Not suitable for all fitness levels

Can be scaled to a chair to limit the load on the receiving partner’s arms

10. Pirates Booty

Pirate’s booty preserves novelty and intimacy.

Katie Buckleitner

How to Do It

“This is a twist on missionary position that allows for deeper penetration,” prefaces Searah Deysach, sex educator and owner of Early to Bed. The receiving partner lies on their back with one leg down and the other leg in the air. The penetrative partner straddles the planted leg, slides in, then rests the receiving partner’s extended leg on their shoulder. “This allows the giver easy access and a great view,” says Deysach. 

Why It Works

Pirate’s booty is for couples looking for a missionary sex position variation that’s outside the norm. It allows for deep penetration.

Pros Cons

Both parties can kiss and cuddle while in this position

Receiver needs to have good hip flexibility 

Receiver can stimulate his penis easily (and the giver can help if they don’t need both arms to balance)

Lifting just one leg can cause the pelvis to tilt, which might make the penetrator hit the side of the pelvic bone

Communication is easier when looking at each other

Pro Tip

Lifting just one leg can cause the pelvis to tilt, which might make the top hit the side of the pelvic bone. To avoid this, you might have to lift both legs to keep the pelvis level.

11. London Bridge

London bridge is a fun and different gay sex position that offers plenty of stimulation, control, and variation. 

Katie Buckleitner

How to Do It

The penetrative partner lies on their back, feet flat, knees bent. The receiving partner backs on top of the penetrative partner, between their legs, easing onto their partner’s penis while facing away. “It’s a reverse insertion position,” says sex educator, Goody Howard. “The rider can grind down, lift their hips, dance, squeeze their sphincter muscles for mutual pleasure, and put their hands on their partner’s knees for stability and leverage,” says Howard. “For even more leverage, the rider can “lower the bridge” even further and put their elbows on the bed (or floor).”

Why It Works

This position is actually the great equalizer for couples who may have larger height and weight differences. It also perfectly aligns the penis and anus and is less taxing than other non-traditional positions. 

Pros Cons

Low impact on the knees and back

Rider needs to be careful when leaning down. It’s important to finesse and smoothly transition from upright to leaning on elbows

Great for genital alignment, so big height differences don’t matter as much

Good for plus-size couples 

Increases sensitivity for the person being ridden

Pro Tip

To ensure you don’t have to stop before the climax to add more lube, try Lelo F1L. The long-lasting, water-based lubricant is hypoallergenic and unscented. 

$18 (Was $26) at Amazon

12. 69

69 is among the best gay sex positions, because it’s all about joint pleasure.

Katie Buckleitner

How to Do It

Both partners lie in opposite directions: one partner’s head on the other’s cock and vice versa, sucking each other at the same time. “This position is great for Sides, men who love sex with men but don’t enjoy anal sex,” says Deerhart. “The 69 sex position makes it possible for each to relax into mutual receptivity since both are receiving oral at the same time.”

Why It Works

“The magic of 69 is it releases each man from any pre-existing, prescribed roles and allows each to stay focused on the pleasure of giving and receiving without a fixed context,” adds Deerhart. Plus, the partner on bottom can give a rim job or a blow job.

Pros Cons

Heightens the odds of mutual orgasm

Some partners can get overwhelmed and lose the ability to stay focused on their own pleasure

No set “roles” for partners

Related: The Best Nipple Clamps of 2024 for Maximum Pleasure

13. Lotus

Lotus sex position is among the best gay sex positions for partners craving intimacy.

Katie Buckleitner

How to Do It

Lotus is a tantric sex position. To get into it, the bottom (penetrative) partner sits cross-legged, torso upright, then the receiving partner straddles them so they’re face-to-face. The top partner can also cross their ankles or have feet touch, says Halinowska, and both partners can wrap their arms around each other. This is more of a rocking position, with the top partner controlling the speed and rhythm. To help counterbalance, the bottom partner can lean their hands back for greater support and leverage.

Why It Works

Lotus is an incredibly intimate position, as it encourages and maintains eye contact between partners.

Pros Cons

Promotes full-body, sensual contact, and deep connection

Might not be ideal for extended periods due to the seated position’s strain on hip flexors

Hands are free to roam

14. Squatter’s Rights

Squatter’s rights is among the best gay sex positions for couples who love rimming.

Katie Buckleitner

How to Do It

This reverse face sitting position flips the script and puts the emphasis on analingus. The receiving partner hovers their body over the giver’s mouth, taking care not to put too much body weight on their face. The receiver can use their legs to brace their weight and place their hands on their partner’s chest for balance, explains Halinowska. 

Why It Works

This is a playful take on oral sex that also hedges into dominance and submission, as the receiving partner has the control.

Pros Cons

Concentrated oral stimulation for receiver

Might get uncomfortable for the giver’s neck  

Pro Tip

Use a wedge like Liberator Flip Ramp under the giver’s head for greater neck support.

$240 at Lovers

15. Cowboy

Katie Buckleitner

How to Do It

The receiver lies down on their back, and the receiver, facing him, eases down on the penetrator’s penis and bucks at the rate that feels good to him. “This position is great for receivers who want more control over the experience,” advises Deerhart.

Why It Works

“The receiver gets to decide how deep, fast, and intense the thrusting goes,” says Deerhart. “So they’re more likely to open up and freely enjoy being penetrated.”

Pros Cons

The receiver can decide duration and intensity.

This position can sometimes cause a penetrator to lose their hard-on since the flow of gravity naturally pulls blood downward in the erection.

Some guys who penetrate in this position may feel too restricted, since the receiver is sitting on top of their body and taking charge.

Meet the Experts

  • Finn Deerhart, AASECT-certified sexuality counselor
  • Dr. Rossana Sida, licensed marriage and family therapist and AASECT-certified sex therapist in Los Angeles, CA
  • Kasia Halinowska, Bedbible.com sex educator 
  • Searah Deysach, sex educator and owner of Early to Bed
  • Goody Howard, sex educator 

Related: 10 Best Sex Swings of 2024: Why You Should Make a Push for One

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