Sex toy party

A sex toy party is a usually female-only gathering[1][2] where participants learn about and buy sex toys.[3] It is a type of party plan, similar to Tupperware parties.[2]

The party may start with an icebreaker game,[4] then a sex toy representative, or 'facilitator',[5] displays and discusses the products.[6] Although the discussion is sexually explicit, euphemisms such as 'button' for clitoris are common.[7] The participants examine and talk about the products, with the option of purchasing them from the representative in a private room at the end of the party.[4][8] Other merchandise such as bath salts, aromatherapy, and body paints are more commonly sold.[9] The representative receives commission based on the sales from the party. There are thousands of representatives of sex toy party companies in the United States.[7]

Sex toy parties began in the 1970s, and became increasingly popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s.[10] The marketing practices of sex toy parties have encouraged alternative sexual practices.[11] The popularity of sex toy parties has suggested to be related to self-help and self actualization.[7]

According to research studies conducted by scientists such as Debby Herbenick and Michael Reece of Indiana University, sex toy representatives are often asked for advice on sexual health,[5] and many have a background working in sex education, health, education, or sexuality.[12] Some romance companies do permit males at their sex toy parties.

A woman was arrested in Texas in December 2003 on obscenity charges for hosting a sex toy party for undercover narcotics officers,[13][14] but the case was dismissed by the judge in July 2004.[15]

References

  1. ↑ McCaughey, Martha; Christina French (September 2001). "Women's sex-toy parties: Technology, orgasm, and commodification". Sexuality & Culture. Springer. 5 (3): 77–96. doi:10.1007/s12119-001-1031-2. ISSN 1095-5143.
  2. 1 2 Alexander, Brian (15 October 2006). "Tupperware parties with a twist: Sex toys are for sale at these ladies-only gatherings". MSNBC. Retrieved 3 January 2010.
  3. ↑ Audi, Tamara (5 November 2001). "Sex-Toy Parties Generating Millions for Burgeoning Industry, Officials Say". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved 3 January 2010.
  4. 1 2 "Sex Toy Parties". WTVG-TV. Toledo, Ohio: ABC. 14 November 2005. Archived from the original on 4 June 2011. Retrieved 3 January 2010.
  5. 1 2 Herbenick, Debra; Michael Reece; Arianne Hollub (November 2009). "Inside the ordering room: characteristics of women's in-home sex toy parties, facilitators and sexual communication". Sexual Health. Csiro Publishing. 6 (4): 318–327. doi:10.1071/sh08086.
  6. ↑ "Article: Sex toy parties allow for privacy, fun Like Tupperware party, only with spicier wares". The Gazette. Colorado Springs. 22 March 2005. Retrieved 3 January 2010.
  7. 1 2 3 Cossman, Brenda (2007). Sexual citizens: the legal and cultural regulation of sex and belonging. Stanford University Press. ISBN 0-8047-4996-5.
  8. ↑ Rouvalis, Cristina (28 September 2002). "Naughty wares spice up these house parties". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 3 January 2010.
  9. ↑ Needham, Christina (10 October 2005). "Woonsocket sex-toy business connects women with their inner goddess". The Providence Journal. Providence, Rhode Island. Retrieved 3 January 2010.
  10. ↑ Copeland, Libby (7 February 2000). "Girls just wanna have fun; All-female sex toy parties make for big business". The Spectator. Hamilton, Ontario. Retrieved 3 January 2010.
  11. ↑ Curtis, Debra. "Commodities and Sexual Subjectivities: A Look at Capitalism and Its Desires". Cultural Anthropology. Wiley/American Anthropological Association. 19 (1): 95–121. doi:10.1525/can.2004.19.1.95.
  12. ↑ Herbenick, Debra; Michael Reece (April 2009). "In-home Sex Toy Party Facilitators as Sex Educators: What Questions Are They Asked and What Makes Them More "Askable"?". American Journal of Sexuality Education. Routledge. 4 (2): 178–193. doi:10.1080/15546120903001415. ISSN 1554-6128.
  13. ↑ Rubenstein, Steve (16 December 2003). "Texas housewife busted for hawking erotic toys". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 3 January 2010.
  14. ↑ Alexander, Brian (18 March 2004). "Sex toys and porn on her terms". MSNBC. Retrieved 3 January 2010.
  15. ↑ Rubenstein, Steve (30 July 2004). "Vibrator case dismissed in Texas". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 3 January 2010.


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