Sex toy party

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Two folding tables with sexual merchandise.
The merchandise is presented to the potential buyers.

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.[citation needed]

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" (PDF). Sexuality & Culture. 5 (3). Springer: 77–96. doi:10.1007/s12119-001-1031-2. ISSN 1095-5143. S2CID 145228296.
  2. ^ a b Alexander, Brian (15 October 2006). "Tupperware parties with a twist: Sex toys are for sale at these ladies-only gatherings". NBC News. 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. ^ a b "Sex Toy Parties". WTVG-TV. Toledo, Ohio: ABC. 14 November 2005. Archived from the original on 4 June 2011. Retrieved 3 January 2010.
  5. ^ a b 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. 6 (4). Csiro Publishing: 318–327. doi:10.1071/sh08086. PMID 19917201.
  6. ^ "Article: Sex toy parties allow for privacy, fun Like Tupperware party, only with spicier wares". The Gazette. Colorado Springs. 22 March 2005. Archived from the original on 2 November 2012. Retrieved 3 January 2010.
  7. ^ a b Cossman, Brenda (2007). Sexual citizens: the legal and cultural regulation of sex and belonging. Stanford University Press. ISBN 978-0-8047-4996-1.
  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. Archived from the original on 4 June 2011. 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. Archived from the original on 24 October 2012. Retrieved 3 January 2010.
  11. ^ Curtis, Debra (2004). "Commodities and Sexual Subjectivities: A Look at Capitalism and Its Desires". Cultural Anthropology. 19 (1). Wiley/American Anthropological Association: 95–121. doi:10.1525/can.2004.19.1.95. Archived from the original on 2013-01-05.
  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. 4 (2). Routledge: 178–193. doi:10.1080/15546120903001415. ISSN 1554-6128. S2CID 143960046.
  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". NBC News. 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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