SAN FRANCISCO—Good Vibrations declares for the 20th time, "It's International Masturbation Month! So, give yourself a hand! Or a vibrator, or whatever does the trick for you, and don't forget the lube!"
Things have changed a lot in American culture since Good Vibrations originated the very first Masturbation Month 20 years ago, and it might be easy to forget how taboo the idea of self-stimulation once was.
Good Vibrations founded International Masturbation Month in 1995 in the wake of the controversy surrounding the firing of former Clinton administration Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders, who evoked conservative wrath when she stated that discussion of masturbation might have a place in sex education curricula. Realizing that one simple, sensible mention of solo pleasuring was enough to lose this prominent woman—the country's first African-American Surgeon Genera—her job convinced Good Vibrations staff that this most basic and accessible form of sex needed a serious image boost.
"It was a distinct honor to meet Dr. Joycelyn Elders in person and tell her about how we celebrate her bravery and commitment to sex education every year during May. She was touched and flattered for the recognition and I was elated to be able to thank her for her tireless efforts and life's dedication to sexual health," says Jackie Rednour-Bruckman, executive vice president of Good Vibrations, who met Dr. Elders at Good Vibrations’ sponsored sexuality conference, CatalystCon.
Some things have changed in the past 20 years, but some things have stayed the same, and many people still need International Masturbation Month (formerly known as National Masturbation Month) as a reminder that self-satisfaction is a healthy, accessible form of pleasure engaged in by almost everyone, of every gender and relationship status. On top of that, it's the safest form of sex a person can have.
"Masturbation is fun and pleasurable, it teaches you about your own unique sexuality, and it's a great way to postpone partner sex if you're not ready for it," says Good Vibrations Staff Sexologist Carol Queen, Ph.D., one of the originators of International Masturbation Month. Queen will do an After Hours class, "Maximizing Masturbation," to inspire and inform the public about solo sexual options.
Solo-sex mentor, author Betty Dodson (Sex For One), gets right to the point: "Masturbation is the foundation for all of human sexual activity. It's our first natural sex act, the way we discover our genitals and the good feelings they give us when we touch ourselves."
Vibrators and other toys have served as pivotal partners in the self-love revolution. From iconic toys like the Rabbit Pearl to new classics like the Tenga Eggs, Good Vibrations has always been the trusted source for providing quality products to promote sexual pleasure, exploration, and empowerment.
This Masturbation May, Good Vibrations will celebrate the newest incarnation of the most iconic toy of all: The Magic Wand Rechargeable! No more will Magic Wand fans have to stay near the outlet—The Magic Wand—the “Cadillac of Vibrators” that influenced the feminist sex-positive sex toy store revolution—has been liberated.
Good Vibrations continues to celebrate masturbation as a basic pleasure that is the foundation for self-love, sexual health, sexual-liberation and self-knowledge and empowerment. Visit Good Vibrations, in store or online, and let a trained Sex Educator Sales Associates help you find information, and a little inspiration.
