Grab your favorite cozy blanket and get ready to dive into the deliciously liberating world of International Masturbation Month!
Every May, we toss the shame out the window and celebrate the art of self-love with open hearts (and hands). This isn’t just a month—it’s a movement, and we’re here to spill all the juicy details with a wink and a smile. So, who started this fabulous fiesta, what’s it all about, and who’s waving the flag for self-pleasure? Let’s get into it!
The Sassy Start of Masturbation May
Picture this: it’s 1995, and the world’s a little too buttoned-up. Enter Good Vibrations, the San Francisco sex-positive hotspot that said, “Enough is enough!” They kicked off National Masturbation Day on May 7 to honor the fierce Dr. Joycelyn Elders, the first Black U.S. Surgeon General. This queen got the boot from her gig in 1994 after suggesting—gasp—that masturbation could be part of sex ed and a fab way to stay safe. The nerve! Good Vibes wasn’t having it, so they launched this cheeky holiday to keep her legacy alive. By 2005, the party grew into a month-long bash, now known as International Masturbation Month. Why May? It’s got that springtime va-va-voom and rhymes with “Mmm, yay!”
What’s the Buzz About?
This month is all about embracing your body, boosting your confidence, and having a blast while you’re at it. Here’s why Masturbation May is the ultimate glow-up:
- Bye-bye, stigma! We’re kicking outdated taboos to the curb and celebrating self-pleasure as a totally normal (and fabulous) part of life.
- Health perks galore! Think stress relief, better sleep, happier periods, and even a lower risk of prostate cancer. Plus, it’s the ultimate self-care sesh!
- Empowerment central! Especially for the ladies, it’s a feminist flex—owning your pleasure is pure magic.
- Safer sex vibes! It’s the ultimate low-risk way to explore what makes you tick.
- Chatting it up! From pillow talk to public campaigns, we’re all about sparking fun, judgment-free convos about getting it on… solo!
And let’s not forget the toys! Brands like TENGA are shouting “#DoItInMay” with campaigns that make sexual health oh-so-chic, while Magic Wand celebrated its 55th birthday in 2023 with a sassy #truemagicwand vibe. Talk about iconic!
The VIPs of Self-Love
Every party needs its rock stars, and Masturbation May has a dreamy lineup:
- Dr. Joycelyn Elders: The OG trailblazer who inspired it all. Her bold 1994 stance on teaching masturbation as part of sex ed is why we’re toasting her today. At 80, she’s still a legend!
- Dr. Carol Queen: The brains behind the operation at Good Vibrations, this sexologist is your go-to gal for all things Masturbation Month. Got Qs? Slide into Good Vibes’ DMs!
- Dan Savage: This Savage Love podcast king teamed up with Good Vibes to share steamy masturbation stories and spread the love. He’s all about keeping it real.
- Good Vibrations Crew: From sex educators to the fab folks at the register, they’re the heart of the movement, throwing epic events like the Masturbate-a-Thon (a charity fundraiser, darling!) and curating the Masturbation Hall of Fame with stars like Madonna and Dennis Rodman. Yes, please!
Why We’re Obsessed
Masturbation May is a global glow-up, babes! Sex-positive brands like Empowered Products (helmed by the dreamy CEO Scott Fraser) keep the party going year-round, while platforms like BateWorld.com host cheeky contests like The Great BateWorld BateOff! for the fellas. Media mavens at Autostraddle, Planned Parenthood, and CBC Life drop guides that make self-love feel like a spa day for your soul. Even health orgs like Brook in the UK are in on the fun, serving facts about why solo play is the ultimate win.
Sure, some naysayers clutch their pearls (we see you, 2023 X posts calling out Planned Parenthood’s youth-focused campaigns), but we’re too busy living our best lives to care. In places like Indonesia, the stigma’s real, but Masturbation May is all about changing the narrative, one fabulous moment at a time.
Join the Party!
Ready to make May your most satisfying month yet? Check out goodvibes.com for inspo, snag some tips from plannedparenthood.org, or just treat yourself to a little “you” time. Whether you’re vibing solo or shouting it from the rooftops, Masturbation May is your chance to sparkle, shamelessly. So, go ahead—love yourself like nobody’s watching!
