Make Love, Not War
Bonobos use sex for conflict resolution, greeting, and social bonding — engaging in sexual activity regardless of gender, age, or reproductive state.
Bonobos (*Pan paniscus*), our close primate relatives, have a unique approach to social life: they use sex to solve almost everything. Conflict resolution, greetings, forming alliances, and reducing tension all involve sexual contact.
Unlike chimpanzees (our other closest relatives), which are violent and male-dominated, bonobos live in peaceful, female-led societies where sexual activity maintains social harmony. This has earned them a reputation as the "hippie apes."
Key facts about bonobo sexuality: - They engage in sex regardless of gender — male-male, female-female, and male-female pairings are all common - Sexual activity happens throughout the reproductive cycle, not just during fertile periods - Young bonobos engage in sexual play (though actual reproduction only occurs in mature adults) - A female bonobo may have sex with multiple partners in a single hour
One of the most common behaviors is genital rubbing (GG rubbing) between females. Two females will embrace face-to-face and rub their genital swellings together rapidly. This behavior is thought to strengthen social bonds and reduce competition.
Bonobos share about 98.7% of their DNA with humans. Their behavior suggests that sex can serve social functions beyond reproduction — a concept that challenges traditional assumptions about animal sexuality.