André Hazes Jr. Expresses Shock Over Sex Toy: “This Thing Is Not Normal”

When Dutch pop star André Hazes Jr. Recently admitted on his podcast ‘ADHazes’ that he’s “completely hooked” on a specific intimate device—calling it “not normal” in how quickly it works for women—the candid conversation sparked more than just laughter between siblings. It highlighted a growing cultural shift where conversations about sexual wellness are moving from whispered bedroom talk into mainstream media, even crossing international borders to influence how Americans approach their own intimate health.

This isn’t just about a celebrity’s personal preference. The openness displayed by Hazes and his sister Roxeanne reflects a broader destigmatization trend that’s been gaining momentum in progressive urban centers across the United States. In cities like Austin, Texas—where the live music scene on Sixth Street mirrors the Dutch artist’s own performance background and where a culture of openness about personal wellness has long been intertwined with the city’s “Preserve Austin Weird” ethos—such conversations resonate particularly deeply. Austinites pride themselves on blending traditional Texan hospitality with progressive attitudes toward health and self-expression, creating fertile ground for discussions that were once considered taboo.

The specific product Hazes referenced—a suction-based clitoral stimulator commonly known by brand names like Satisfyer—represents a category of products that has seen explosive growth in both European and American markets over the past five years. What began as niche novelty items has evolved into a mainstream segment of the sexual wellness industry, with products now found not just in specialized boutiques but increasingly in everyday retail environments. This evolution mirrors broader societal shifts where conversations about sexual health, pleasure, and self-care are being normalized, particularly among younger generations who view intimate wellness as an integral part of overall health rather than a separate, stigmatized category.

In Austin specifically, this trend intersects with the city’s reputation as a hub for health innovation and progressive social attitudes. The presence of institutions like the University of Texas at Austin’s Human Development and Family Sciences department, which conducts research on intimate relationships and sexual health, provides an academic backdrop to these cultural shifts. Meanwhile, local businesses in areas like South Congress (SoCo) and the Domain have begun adapting their offerings to reflect changing consumer attitudes, with some boutique retailers carefully curating sections dedicated to sexual wellness products alongside more traditional health and beauty items.

The conversation between the Hazes siblings also touches on an important gender dynamic worth noting: André’s commentary about the device’s effectiveness highlights ongoing discussions about the orgasm gap—the well-documented disparity in sexual satisfaction between heterosexual partners. While his specific claims require medical context rather than celebrity endorsement, his willingness to discuss the topic openly contributes to breaking down barriers that prevent many couples from addressing sexual satisfaction issues constructively. In a city like Austin, where relationship counseling services report increasing numbers of couples seeking help specifically for intimacy concerns, such public conversations can serve as valuable conversation starters.

Given my background in community health education, if this trend toward more open conversations about sexual wellness impacts you in the Austin area, here are three types of local professionals you should consider consulting:

First, gaze for Certified Sexual Health Educators who hold credentials from organizations like the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). These professionals provide evidence-based information about sexual wellness products, help individuals and couples navigate choices based on their specific needs, and can contextualize celebrity discussions within broader medical and psychological frameworks. The best practitioners in this field maintain strict professional boundaries while creating judgment-free spaces for education, often collaborating with healthcare providers to ensure their advice aligns with current medical understanding.

Second, consider Relationship and Intimacy Counselors who specialize in helping couples communicate about sexual needs and desires. In Austin, many of these professionals integrate mindfulness techniques—drawing from the city’s strong yoga and meditation communities—with traditional therapeutic approaches. When seeking such counseling, prioritize therapists who explicitly mention sexual wellness in their practice descriptions and who demonstrate comfort discussing topics that others might discover awkward. Effective practitioners help couples move beyond embarrassment to develop honest communication about intimacy, using tools and frameworks that respect both partners’ perspectives.

Third, explore Wellness-Focused Retail Consultants at establishments that specialize in sexual health products rather than novelty shops. The most reputable retailers in this space employ staff who receive ongoing training about product functionality, materials safety, and proper usage—not just sales techniques. Look for businesses that prioritize education over titillation, offer private consultation spaces, and maintain clear return policies. In Austin, several such establishments have emerged in recent years, particularly in neighborhoods known for progressive businesses like East Austin and the Guadalupe corridor, where they operate alongside other health and wellness ventures.

These professionals represent a growing ecosystem of support for individuals and couples navigating the evolving landscape of sexual wellness—a field where celebrity disclosures like André Hazes Jr.’s, while not medical advice, can serve as catalysts for meaningful personal exploration when approached with proper guidance and accurate information.

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