Masturbation Month question: Public self pleasure--hot or not?

Erin Flaherty, Shine staff
Would you be willing to masturbate in public? Image courtesy of Getty
Would you be willing to masturbate in public? Image courtesy of Getty


Last week, Shine readers had plenty to say about cuddle parties, "non-sexual" get togethers where participants are encouraged to spoon and act like barnyard animals, all with their clothes on. Then we asked readers to tell us whether they'd participate in one, or um, if they'd even be willing to go for it in an orgy. Oh but gentle Shiners, looks like we were just getting you warmed up for the ultimate event, and a trend that's far more ahem, labor intensive than any cuddle party. What could this wondrous event be? A Masturbate-a-Thon. And yeah, it is what it sounds like.

Venerable, women-oriented sexual product retailer Good Vibrations has christened May, the so-called month of sexual awakening, "Masturbation Month." (Funny, we just celebrated Orgasm Month in April!) Now, before you get totally freaked and/or disgusted and tune out, consider its "right on" political origins. Back in 1995, they started National Masturbation Month to protest the firing of Clinton appointed U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Joycelyn Elders. Conservative members of the administration blasted Elders when she responded to questions regarding safe sex by saying that "Masturbation is something that perhaps should be taught." Whoops.

Courtesy The Center for Sex & Culture
Courtesy The Center for Sex & Culture

Anyhoo, long story short, the original concept behind the accompanying pledge event, Masturbate-a-thon, was to raise awareness that there's nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to pleasuring oneself, to raise money for non-profits supporting sex education, and you know, to raise other things as well. But a couple years ago, they decided to take things to the next level, and bring self love, generally, a private matter, to the public. The result? A great big circle jerk, to be completely blatant.

This year's Masturbate-a-thon takes place Sunday May 25, in sex positive San Francisco at the non-profit Center for Sex & Culture (world famous sex educator and author Nina Hartley is a co-host!) so um, mark your calendars ladies and gents. Sign up here, and if you can't make it, don't fret: There will be a live event video feed available to voyeurs and masturbation enthusiasts alike (over 18 years of age, of course). Tune in to see if someone breaks past masturbation world records such as:

Time Records:
Female: 6 h, 30 min (Norine Dworkin, San Francisco, 2004)
Male: 8 h, 30 min (San Francisco, 2006)
Trans/Genderqueer: Yet to be set!

Most Orgasms:
Female: 49 (London, 2006)
Male: 6 (London, 2006)
Trans/Genderqueer: Yet to be set!

What do you think? Are you all for raising sexual education awareness about masturbation? I gotta say, I definitely am, but call me a Timid Tina: I just don't see myself going so far as to participate in this event. In fact, the thought of it creeps me out almost as much as a cuddle party does. Thoughts people?