Top, bottom, and versatile

These terms may be elements of self-identity that indicate an individual's usual preference and habits, but might also describe broader sexual identities and social roles.

[6] In gay male sexuality, a total bottom is someone who assumes an exclusively receptive role during anal or oral intercourse.

Versatile, or vers, refers to a person who enjoys both topping and bottoming and may alternate between the two in sexual situations.

[1][8][9] Flip-flop or flip fuck commonly describes switching from top to bottom during one sexual encounter between two men.

[11] Versatility, though, is not limited to the simple acts of anal, oral, or vaginal penetration, but also includes the splitting of duties and responsibilities in the relationship.

[12] The reciprocal scenario, where both men take turns fucking each other, is often exercised as a celebration of equality.

According to some, living a versatile lifestyle implies a certain openness to new things and an opposition to labels, stereotypes and generalizations.

Therefore, this concept differs from heterosexual relationships where sexual compatibility does not begin with guessing who will end up as top or bottom.

A 2009 Austrian study on gay pornography has shown that at least 82.4% of all men performing in the male porn industry are versatile at some point during their career.

[13] The term side was coined in 2013 in an article by psychotherapist and sexologist Joe Kort[14] for gay men who are not interested in anal sex.

In the article, Kort offered this definition: "Sides prefer to kiss, hug and engage in oral sex, rimming, mutual masturbation and rubbing up and down on each other, to name just a few of the sexual activities they enjoy.

[23] The position is often cited as being advantageous for bottoms who are new to anal sex, as it allows the receiving partner to lower himself on to the other's penis at his own pace.

[28] The terms top, bottom and versatile do not necessarily refer literally to physical position during sex.