May, National Masturbation Month
You won’t find a Hallmark greeting card at for this one…May is National Masturbation month. So grab your lube and get ready to play. But wait, who needs a month dedicated to this self pleasure when you can freely do it anytime you desire? This month is different, whether you realize it or not, when you masturbate in May you’ll be taking part in a yearly social protest.
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Yep you heard me right. If you haven’t ever heard this before, you’re not alone. The movement which started out small is slowly growing. However, in past years there have been masturbate-a-thons and educational seminars hosted across the country. Most notably, the masturbation-a-thon of San Francisco; which raises funds for safe, accurate and comprehensive sex education. This year an opening reception is being hosted by the Center for Sex and Culture Gallery of San Francisco featuring ‘I Masturbate’, a photographic journey into exploring yourself. this show is a document style exhibit that will consist of sex positive photos of people masturbating and personal stories the complete the phrase “I masturbate…”
Where did it all begin?
In 1994 Minnie J. Elders, the US Surgeon General, was invited to speak at a UN AIDS conference. During her speech “she was asked whether it would be appropriate to promote masturbation as a means of preventing young people from engaging in riskier forms of sexual activity, and she replied, ‘I think that is part of human sexuality, and perhaps it should be taught.”
This response created a controversy which ultimately ended her career at the White House. In a pious act, Bill Clinton called for Elders’ resignation. A year later, Monica Lewinsky.
Elders is best known for frank and open dialog about sex and bring contraceptives into the school systems.
In social protest to what Good Vibrations saw as a travesty, National Masturbation Month was born in San Francisco. Grasping Elders vision to have open discussions and promote safe sex, Good Vibrations wanted to bring attention to the importance of masturbation. They fell that masturbation is safe, healthy, free, pleasurable and it helps people to know their own bodies and sexual responses.”
Although it’s true that most surveys indicate that the majority of people have masturbated, it’s still considered to be a shameful act or even a sin in the eyes of some. Masturbation isn’t socially acceptable and usually isn’t talked about in a meaningful way.
The topic of women and masturbation has a dark history. From thinking that hysteria was linked to masturbation to believing that it could cause brain damage, female masturbation as been widely misrepresented. Today many women feel that their sexuality exists only for the pleasure of others. Therefore, exploring themselves seems like a foreign concept. Others view masturbation as a man’s thing and taboo for women to participate in.
During puberty when children are caught masturbating, it’s typically viewed as something to be ashamed of. Rarely is body image and one’s own sexuality discussed. High School Sex Education classes fall very short from providing all the answers. Desiring to break down the stereo types, National Masturbation Month strives to bring awareness to individual sexuality and pleasure.
National Masturbation Month… Why Masturbate?
Because masturbation is immensely pleasurable, invigorating, rejuvenating and fun.
Because sexual pleasure is each person’s birthright.
Because masturbation is the ultimate safe sex.
Because masturbation is a joyous expression of self love.
Because masturbation offers numerous health benefits including menstrual cramp relief, stress reduction, endorphin release, stronger pelvic muscles, reduction of prostate gland infection for men and resistance to yeast infections for women.
Because masturbation is an excellent cardiovascular workout.
Because each person is their own best lover.
Because masturbation with a partner can be educational and hot.
Because masturbation increases sexual awareness.
For these and many other reasons we celebrate National Masturbation Month and affirm the inalienable right to the pursuit of happiness and sexual pleasure!
Masturbation is a healthy sexual expression that we have for ourselves, by ourselves, on our own terms. It’s a way of expressing our sexuality while staying safe. I challenge you this month to explore your own sexuality, to enjoy your bodies, and to begin an open dialogue about sex.
