GRACE Florence, 28, is a carer and adult entertainer from Nottingham.
Here, she reveals all about her experience on Channel 4’s Open House: The Great Sex Experiment, having a ‘Truth or Dare’ orgy – and how she handles online trolls.
Before long, we were all kissing, then as things grew heated, we moved inside for an orgy.
But this was no private sex party – this was the third series of Channel 4’s Open House: The Great Sex Experiment, where curious couples come to test whether opening up their relationship to other people will make or break it.
As one of the show’s resident non-monogamists, this wasn’t my first rodeo.
I’d joined in 2022 for series one, after a friend recommended me to a producer.
I’ve always been open with my sexuality, so I didn’t hesitate.
In my teens, I had a ‘normal’ three-year-relationship with a guy.
Then, in my 20s, I started experimenting with women and began identifying as pan-sexual, which means I’m attracted to all genders, and as a ‘solo polyamorist’ – somebody who has multiple intimate relationships, but maintains a single lifestyle.
It suited me, as I like to live my own life, but I love having lots of connections with different people.
Of course, not everybody understands or wants a non-monogamous lifestyle.
On some dates, after explaining my sexuality, people have said they don’t want to see me again, which I respect.
But you’d be surprised how open-minded people of all ages can be.
Initially, I didn’t tell my family I was appearing on the show, but my 83-year-old grandad Frank – who I’m a carer for – saw a photo of me in the promo for season one and said he thought it sounded brilliant!
I’ve always been honest with him about my lifestyle, and he’s so supportive, as are my friends.
My dad, who is religious, has vowed to never watch it, though!
Unsurprisingly, considering it shows real people having real sex, Open House is strict on STD checks – everyone has to have them before and after filming, and we’re encouraged to practise safe sex, with condoms and femidoms provided.
I’ve slept with a lot of people across the three series – a lot more sex goes on behind the scenes than ever makes it into the broadcast!
One of my favourite experiences was with a participant called Emily in season one.
She wanted to experiment with a woman and we spent a great night getting to know each other.
After the show, she thanked me for making her feel so comfortable and giving her the confidence to explore her sexuality.
Likewise, Simon in series three – who took part in our Truth Or Dare orgy – had come on the show with his boyfriend to experiment with women before they settled down and got married.
We had a lot of fun and he certainly enjoyed himself.
Afterwards, he said he realised he does enjoy sex with women, but ultimately it brought him and his boyfriend closer.
Sometimes, there are awkward moments.
People always say their main fear with a threesome is being left out, and this ended up happening to couple Nathan and Mady, who slept with resident non-monogamist Precious in series three.
‘LOVE CONNECTION’
I’ve been that left-out person – it can make you feel used and invisible – so, when they asked if they could try again with me, because I understood how it felt, I was happy to help.
Nathan initially struggled to maintain an erection, but with some encouragement, we all had a good time and it helped them to rekindle their love connection.
Currently, I’m seeing a woman on and off, who has been supportive of me taking part in the show.
In fact, she says it’s encouraged her to be more adventurous and have flings with other people.
While most of the comments I get on social media are positive, there are always some who say nasty things, but fellow resident Emily and I look through them together and just laugh.
I want people who are interested in exploring this lifestyle to know there’s a massive community out there and you’re not alone.
I’ve met so many lovely souls and life-long friends doing the show, I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Open House is helping to change the narrative and stereotypes around these types of lifestyles, and I’m so proud to be a part of it.”