Politics

Sex Across Party Lines

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 23:45:00 GMT

During a survey Babeland conducted of nearly 2,000 customers this Fall, we discovered some fun statistics about what goes on in the bedrooms of Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, and Independents. Did you know that if you love oral sex, find a Libertarian? Read on for more. Remember, the party with the most toys wins, at least in the bedroom.

Momentum in the Sex-Positive Movement

Fri, 04 May 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Momentum in the Sex-Positive Movement

I was lucky to get to go to the Momentum Conference “Making Waves in Sexuality, Feminism and Relationships". Sex Workers, Sex and the New Media, and Sex Education were big themes at the conference. It was a gathering of several hundred activist, writers, and educators who are all working to create a world that embraces sexuality and sexual pleasure our birthright.

A highlight for me was meeting Dr. Joycelyn Elders. She famously lost her job as President Clinton’s Surgeon General when she endorsed including masturbation in sex education curricula.

She continues to spout common sense on the topic of sex ed.
“99.999% of sex is about pleasure,” she said “so let’s talk to our young people about that.” She also pointed out that with the average age of puberty dropping to 11 and the average age of marriage climbing to 26, 15 years is an awful long time to expect people full of hormones and desires to wait for sex.

She is funny too: “Vows of Abstinence break more than condoms.”

Speaking of funny. I loved this remark from Lara Riscol. She was talking about the laws requiring women to get medically unnecessary transvaginal ultrasounds before an abortion. “The right wing wants to make the government so small they can shove it up your vagina.” Brilliantly putting together the hypocrisy of those “small government” Republicans who want to control women’s bodies.

One way to fight for common sense sex ed? Support the University of Minnesota's new Joycelyn Elders chair in Sex Education.

Yale Needs Sex Ed

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:45:20 GMT

The President of Yale has cancelled Sex Week at Yale, a student organized week with all sorts of events promoting sexuality. Babeland participated in Yale Sex Week a number of times, and there is a special frisson at bringing Babeland’s style of feminist sex positivity to such a bastion of establishment power broking.

People, especially young adults need sex education. Some folks like to think that sexual knowledge leads to sluttiness. But that’s not true. Sex information helps people have more satisfying sex and happier lives. Good adult sex ed. goes beyond procreation and disease prevention, it teaches the anatomy of pleasure and the physiology of arousal. It also encourages people to notice their feelings, communicate their desires and to expect sex to be pleasurable. Chaste or promiscuous, the sex they have will be better. Encouraging people, especially women, to insist on their right to sexual pleasure helps undermine a culture of drunken groping that leaves women feeling used.

One of the concerns of Yale President Richard Levin is that sex week is overly commercial. Babeland, for example, has offered workshops and discussions on the G-Spot, Oral Sex Tips, Sex Toys etc., and of course we always mention babeland.com. The fact is there are still very few resources for adult sex education, and Babeland is a good source of the accurate sex information and encouragement that is so needed. Although there are a few new academic programs in sexuality studies (SF State has a great one) and a handful M.D.s who have focused their practices on sex, there isn’t a large credentialed professional class of sex educators at the college level. For the most part today’s sex educators come from a grass roots movement of pleasure activists who have trained each other in non-institutional settings.

Sex education is a big part of our mission at Babeland and we do tons of outreach and in-store workshops that teach various aspects of human sexuality. Helping to empower folks around their sexuality is the juice that makes selling vibrators a thrill. Going to Yale has been a fun part of that. But if Yale wants a less commercial sex week, I hope they pay that forward with a program to train those educators at Yale. I’d love to see a pleasure focused Sexuality curriculum in every college and medical school in the country.

Until that happens the students at Yale are regrouping and are planning a new SWAY- Sex Week All Year. If they invite us we’ll be glad to be a part of it.

Yes, A TSA Agent Might See Your Vibrator and No, You Don’t Have to Be Ashamed

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:28:09 GMT

If you were on a news blackout this week, you might not know that a woman opened her suitcase after a flight to find a note from the airport security agent who searched her checked bag with this message, “Get your freak on, girl”. She was traveling with a Babeland Silver Bullet vibrator and was so creeped out knowing that someone had handled it, she threw it away. We took notice and sent her a new one (having to replace your sex toy after inappropriate conduct from a government employee is just adding insult to injury) and we included a nice gift, too. The woman, Jill Filipovic, blogs at a site we love, Feministe, and posted an articulate and insightful follow-up to the incident today when news hit that the Transportation Security Administration had disciplined the note-writing employee. She was frustrated that the issues about privacy and the government’s invasive security measures post-9/11 weren’t dissected in the media coverage. We agree, but also have to point out the positive side here, that a woman traveling with a sex toy didn’t become the issue. In the dozens of articles and posts we read, the vibrator was a non-issue, and that’s progress. Culturally and socially, a woman's right to sexual pleasure is gaining mainstream acceptance. Many people could relate to this story and wonder about the many times their personal items have been reviewed by security agents. We always worry about what someone else is thinking about our personal choices, it’s a good thing that we tend to worry less about our sex toys. If you want tips about traveling with sex toys, you can view our tips here. Do you have a story about traveling with a sex toy? Share it in the comments. We'll choose a random winner and send you the infamous Babeland Silver Bullet! A winner will be chosen at noon on Monday, October 31st and notified.

Inspiration, Information, Just Because – Link Love

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 07:39:39 GMT

Have any links to share? Let us know what you’re reading in the Comments section. This article sounds techy but the Luddites will appreciate it, too, and it features our friends at Jimmyjane prominently. Lessons Interface Designers Can Learn from Teledildonics: Third-wave human-computer interaction, where users engage with machines on an emotional and even physical level, saw little expression in the marketplace, until a bunch of geeks jumped ship for the sex toy industry. Joan Rivers teaching sign language for "orgasm" on The View. Hilarious! 20 Songs About Cunnilingus, can you think of others? German Greens Warn of Dangerous Dildos Phthalates are an issue we've talked about extensively and Babeland's toys are all phthalate-free so you can shop with confidence and peace of mind for your health. Top 5 Female Sex Fantasies ... And What They Mean by Ian Kerner What's with the "sexless" trend? Recent reports of a backlash against sex are bogus, but they do reveal very real fears.

Men, Sex Toys and Double-Standards

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 19:29:31 GMT

Recently, The Frisky ran a post identifying ten famous men who allegedly enjoy sex toys. Among this list were supposed kinkster Drew Carey, dildo-replica-hopeful 50 Cent and John Stamos (who apparently is not known for owning toys but rather attending “naked parties,” which, although mouthwatering, doesn't really count). Yet while there has been a trend lately of female celebrities publicly pledging their love for their vibrators, no men have actually come forth to declare their love for their toys. How come?

Well, this author acknowledges the double-standard surrounding the possession of toys between the sexes: it's cool for a woman to own a vibrator, but a man owning a masturbation sleeve? Gross!

And that makes all of us at Babeland very sad because there are some amazing toys for men on the market that belong in happy homes. I, for one, can't imagine a world without my Tenga Flip, and think that every man should own both colors.

So, where do these ideas come from and how do we fight them?

In my observation, it all comes back to the age-old battle of Man vs. Machine. In our culture, sex toys are still often perceived to be a token of shame. The common misconception is that a woman will purchase a vibrator because she can't get “the real thing,” that a toy only exists to fill an empty space in her life that should be filled by a man.

I've also witnessed circumstances in which a man felt threatened by a toy. I've talked to a lot of women shoppers at Babeland who told me that their male partners didn't want her to buy a vibrator because “he should be enough” (in which case I often wonder if he watches porn, because the same argument could be applied). I've also met some of these men, who are looking for a toy to use with a female partner, but that she wouldn't use alone. It's amazing how much fear a motorized piece of shaking silicone can inspire.

The theme here seems to be that sex toys are supposedly designed to replace human partners. While some toys attempt to emulate certain body parts, a sex toy can never be considered an alternative to a living, breathing partner. It won't make you pancakes in the morning, either.

I think that men still hesitate to partake in the pleasures of sex toys because it feels like a form of surrender, that buying a masturbation sleeve would be considered an admission of defeat. This would be considered a very brutal blow to the ego for some.

Likewise, it seems that men are judged as sex maniacs, desperate for a hole with or without a body attached. I assure you it is not the case. Sometimes a standard wank just doesn't cut it, and it's nice to have a layer of silky, textured silicone to switch it up a bit, whether it's realistic or not. It's no different than poking a vibrator in your region of choice.

Let's be honest here: While a sex toy does make an excellent companion or accessory, a human being and a sex toy are not the same thing. Silicone is a wonderful material, but it will never be a replacement for the combination of flesh and personality of my partner. Likewise, have you ever met a person that can vibrate? If so, please introduce me. Sex with a human and sex with a toy should never be compared to one another. They are two completely different kinds of amazing that work well separate or apart.

So join me, fellas. There's a sexy world of toys designed especially for us. By the way, the Cobra Libre, Babeland's bestselling vibrating sleeve, is 40% off June 17-19. Try it, you'll like it! Share your favorites in the comments.

Happy National Teachers' Day!

Tue, 03 May 2011 15:51:57 GMT

Happy National Teachers' Day, everyone! It's part of National Teacher Appreciation Week, actually, so if you didn't give an apple (see left) to your favorite sex educator today, it's ok, you still have some time. There are so many amazing sexuality educators that have changed my life and made a difference for me, inside and outside of Babeland. When I heard Tristan Taormino talk about anal sex for women for the first time, it totally changed the way I thought about having anal sex with a partner. When I watched a video of Betty Dodson's Bodysex group and saw her amazing consciousness raising strategies, I knew I wanted to work with people radically around their sexuality too. And working alongside other amazing sex educators, like my fellow Babelanders, reminds me every day of the importance of having a supportive community around you to propel you forward. Who is your favorite sexuality educator? It doesn't have to be someone professional in the field, it could be a friend, lover or relative. How has some informed your sexuality in a way that changed your life?

Some Extra Tax Time Motivation: 15% Off Everything!

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 07:07:48 GMT

Sometimes you need something more buzzy than coffee to get you through your taxes, so this weekend, Babeland will automatically be offering 15% off your order (use code GOLD15)! For today only, every customer who spends $25 or more will also get a free gold bullet (worth $15)! Maybe tax time isn't looking so bad after all...

I Have Sex (And I Support Planned Parenthod)

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 07:58:23 GMT

There's been a lot of amazing viral efforts in the last month to rally around Planned Parenthood, following the House of Representatives' recent vote to end their federal funding. These efforts been coming from both the organization itself, as well as from the supporters of the organization's reproductive health care, sexuality education, cancer screenings and family planning information. I woke up to a particularly inspiring one yesterday from Wesleyan college students and knew I had to re-post it. My favorite part about this video is that it serves as an amazing reminder that sex education and sexual health services are foundational aspects to having happy and healthy youth populations, who are informed about their sexual choices and prepared to make their own life decisions. Kudos to the creators of this video! httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaxBR1AiFS4&feature=player_embedded And Babeland customers have their own way to show their support, too! Buy Proper Attire condoms at any Babeland store or online and proceeds will go to support Planned Parenthood. How cool is that?

International Women's Day Celebrates Its 100th Year Anniversary

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 11:41:18 GMT

It's been a very busy century for women since the first International Women's Day, to say the least, not to mention a complex one. So today, on the 100th year anniversary celebration, it's interesting to consider where we are and where we have been. For instance, in most parts of the Western world, women live longer and healthier lives than men; yet throughout their lives, they still only earn about 84% of what men do. As this video from WeAreEquals.org points out, "women are responsible for 2/3rds of the work done worldwide, yet earn 10% of the income and own about 1% of the property." It goes beyond the financials, as well: 70 million women go without a basic education every day of their lives and 60 million women are sexually assaulted every year. While it's momentarily comforting to turn to recent reports on how women fared better during the "man-cession" or on how a growing number of households have a woman as the primary breadwinner, these short-lived (and potentially media-overblown) instances of women "winning" over men are hardly grounds for a dismissal of the pervading differences that exist between women's and men's lives, especially in regard to women's sexual health. According to the Kinsey Institute, an estimated 100 to 400 million women are still subject to Female Genital Mutilation around the world every year, and just in the United States alone, a woman is raped every two minutes. Hence the importance of International Women's Day! For those of you who are fond of social media, the International Women's Day website offers a number of ways to call out the day on your Facebook or Twitter account. You can also participate, either virally or in person, in the "Join Us on the Bridge" event, connecting women today across the globe. Here's a list of more philanthropic efforts that can help you get involved as well. Check out this amazing wishlist entitled "All I want for International Women's Day is..." and get inspired to write some wishes of your own. And for a more personal touch, post a status update on your Facebook or send out an email to your family and friends, telling them about the amazing women who have touched your life. Or tell a woman in your life how she's made it bigger and brighter! In fact, I think there's a few ladies I'll be emailing right now.

Sexuality Education or “Live Nude Girl”?

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 13:57:39 GMT

As some of you may have already seen on the news and across the blogosphere, professor John Michael Bailey of Northwestern University is in a lot of hot water over a live sex demonstration that occurred in an optional lecture for his human sexuality class. In some of the first articles I found released regarding the incident, though, it wasn't very easy to figure out what exactly had happened. One author referred to "penetration with a sex toy," though did not disclose what sort of sex toy it was. Another referred to the toy as a "f---saw," I would assume for shock value, but didn't mention what the purpose of the public penetration was, except to say the motorized toy was "kinky" and therefore fell under the topic of the lecture. I have to admit, after about a half hour or so of online research, I couldn't really say that I knew what really went on in this classroom. The coverage felt as unsatisfying and as ineffective as a censor's floating black rectangle over a pair of breasts. I had an idea of what the story looked like, without the actual details. Thankfully, Salon.com's staff writer Tracy Clark-Flory published an interview with John Michael Bailey, which (in addition to the breadcrumbs I'd already found) filled in many of those blanks for me. I discovered that the class had watched a video during the formal class on female ejaculation and the G-spot (two areas of contention within human sexuality) and having observed that video themselves, the panelists for the "Network for Kinky People" offered to demonstrate how a woman ejaculates, utilizing a modified electric saw (presumably with a insertable toy attached). The woman involved (whose name, incidentally, as well as personal photos, have been distributed widely with the story - far more so than her partner's) thus disrobed and she and her partner engaged in a sexual act involving the toy. Now, obviously, this demonstration was explicit, as it contained nudity and penetration. Yet as Clark-Flory herself points out, "aren't we overreacting a bit?" The primary motivation voiced by the panelists was their belief that the video (which may or may not have been pornographic) ineffectively demonstrated the dynamics of stimulating the G-spot to ejaculation. Bailey himself did multiple check-ins with the students to affirm that the material was explicit and that those who were uncomfortable could leave. The question is, then, where is the harm? Perhaps the perceived harm comes at least in part from the "Edited for TV" approach reporters seem to be taking, rather than stating what actually happened in this classroom. If the incident is indeed as Bailey accounts it, it served an educational purpose of teaching students what a woman achieving G-spot orgasm might look it (as well as how to do it). Also, for any artist who has taken a drawing class (or a medical student who has observed a pelvic exam, for that matter), nudity serves its place in the classroom. Furthermore, those who remained in the classroom to observe it had a genuine interest in being there. Still, regardless of these nuances, the treatment of the demonstration as media story mirrors the way we seem to treat sexuality in general: foggy titillations that fails to deliver actual information. What do you think? Did Bailey go to far in allowing this in a classroom? Or do you think it's media hype? For another perspective on this topic, check out what Babeland's co-founder Rachel has to say over at Moms in Babeland.r another perspective on this topic, check out what Babeland's co-founder Rachel has to say over at Moms in Babeland.

“I’m Proud of My Sex Worker”: International Sex Worker Rights Day

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 21:06:20 GMT

On a recent weekend drive out of town, I was on the highway, listening to a newscast on my favorite public radio station. They were interviewing a woman who recently wrote a book about the modern history of teenage girls and the teen stars they love. One of the questions asked of the author pertained to the way young girls dress and within the question, the phrase "like a hooker" fell into one of the sentences. Now, this might not seem like something very important, but if the female host had used another negative term for women, people might have thought it a bit tacky or out of place. Speaking ill of sex workers, though, still seems to naturally roll of the tongue - even for progressive individuals, such as the host of this show. And while it might seem like a small thing, if someone were to candidly speak ill of a group of people you were allied, it might not seem so small. Yet because we value the rights of sex workers so little, it's just another everyday thing to put sex workers down. I think of moments like this especially on days like today, since today, March 3rd is International Sex Worker Rights Day. And while there are amazing projects going on all over the world to bring some sex workers together and unite some for the collective cause of gaining worker's rights for sex workers, I worry less about what sex workers say to each other and more about what's being said about them. I would love to see people rallying themselves for the causes of sex workers as allies - mothers, fathers, siblings, friends, coworkers, and partners - and just being supportive of the people around them who engage in sex work, whether it's convenient to do or not (as I imagine, it's may not always be). That's why I love the ad campaign by Canadian non-profit organization Stepping Stone, which presents sex workers through the lens of just those people (in the case of the above photo, a sex worker's mother). No one can fight for their rights alone, they need the support and respect of surrounding communities in order to realize a goal like decriminalization, on any level. It is my belief that the more we can normalize sex work on some level, treat it like another profession (though it may never be unsalacious enough to just be "any other profession"), the greater chance sex workers have of being treated with dignity and respect - not "like a hooker." Despite the recent setback of $pread Magazine, the sex worker advocacy magazine, closing up shop, there are still ways to pay it forward and get involved in making the voices of sex workers (as well as your own voice, in support of their rights) heard. You can donate to the Speak Up! Media Training, which is a weekend-long media training for sex workers (from around the continent!) on how to effectively speak to the media. You can also create a piece for the Sex Worker Zine Project, which is accepting submissions from both sex workers and allies. In the meantime, if you are interested in finding out more about the lives of sex workers and those who love them, here's a link to a podcast from the Red Umbrella Diaries, a monthly storytelling series that highlights the experiences of those in the sex industry. This particular piece is called "Growing Up Loving a Working Mother" and is by Sydney Seifert, a writer and photographer from New York City.ing-up-loving-a-working-mother-sydney-seifert-podcast-episode-25/">"Growing Up Loving a Working Mother" and is by Sydney Seifert, a writer and photographer from New York City.

Lyon Martin Health Services Needs Our Help!

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 16:51:46 GMT

The San Francisco Bay Area and women & trans folks everywhere were delivered devastating news Tuesday when plans to close down Lyon Martin Health Services were released. Lyon Martin is a vital women's clinic, which was established in San Francisco in 1979 to serve lesbians who lacked access to nonjudgmental healthcare. Since then, the clinic has expanded to assist even more segments of the population. For more info on Lyon-Martin's history, the work they've been doing and opportunities to assist in efforts to keep Lyon-Martin open, please visit their site. At an emergency community forum, with over 100 attendees pulled together in less than 5 hours, a lot of information was shared about how the clinic reached this state and what the bottom line needs to stay open now are. A SF Bay Times reporter was in attendance and wrote this detailed article, which offers important information. I can personally attest that the service which is provided by Lyon Martin far exceeds any quotable statistics. To have health concerns to begin with can often be terrifying, then add to that the lived reality that seeking assistance for said concern could damage you even further, rather than assist and alleviate. Such is the predicament many lesbians, low-income women, trans-people and HIV positive people face, every time the notion of “health care” comes up. We’ve had mainstream health care providers treat us with disdain, disgust, and disregard (and all too often, blatant physical, verbal and emotional abuse). For many of us, we had never been treated with respect or honest concern around our health until we walked into Lyon Martin. At Lyon Martin, I’m a valued member of our community whose health and well being matters: not just for the state of my life, but for the state of our community at large. They don’t want anything bad to happen to me, I feel that deeply as a result of my experiences with them, and I definitely don’t want anything bad to happen to them! Community members interested in answering Lyon-Martin’s appeal for emergency funding can take one of the following steps:

Donate online at www.lyon-martin.org
Send a donation via check to: 1748 Market Street, Suite 201, San Francisco, CA 94102.
Make a donation over the phone by calling 415-901-7131
Attend one of the upcoming Lyon-Martin fund-raising events. A list of upcoming events is available here

Tristan Taormino "Uninvited" from Oregon State University's Modern Sex Conference

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 14:35:54 GMT

This morning, sex educator and feminist pornographer (as well as former Babelander) Tristan Taormino posted a press release on her website, which stated that Oregon State University's offer for her to give the keynote speech at their Modern Sex Conference on February 14th had been rescinded, due to the University's concerns regarding the content of her resume and website (despite OSU having originally approached Tristan). Since Tristan's contract with OSU was still pending at the time of cancellation, she was told she would not be reimbursed for her airfare, which had already been booked. Tristan is the author of 7 books on sex and relationships, editor of 18 anthologies, and an award-winning adult film director (known for her sex ed films) for Vivid Entertainment. Prior to this proposed lecture, she had given more than 75 lectures at top colleges and universities, including Yale, Princeton, Cornell, Brown, NYU and Columbia. To find out more about how you can support Tristan's work and speak out on behalf of such a vital voice in sexuality education, visit Tristan's website, where you can find more information about getting involved online as well as contacting Oregon State University directly.

International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 17:25:37 GMT

December 17th is the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers. Started in 2003 in honor of the sex workers murdered by the Green River Killer Gary Ridgway, the event is now recognized worldwide. This evening, sex workers and sex worker allies from around the world will hold vigils, community gatherings and speak-outs to mourn victims of violence. Since stigma and discrimination are often factors in the targeting of sex workers as victims, the day is also an opportunity to acknowledge both individual and institutional violence perpetrated against people involved in sex work. Here's a list of events happening around the world.

Red Umbrella Diaries Tonight! NYC

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 08:46:19 GMT

As the holiday season gets into full swing, parties and events with friends and family take center stage. Watch performers and artists Lily Burana, Katelan Foisy, Fiona Helmsley, Tré Xavier, and Sydney Seifert tonight at Happy Ending Lounge, speaking about their own experiences with chosen families, personal conflicts and systems of support for this month's Red Umbrella Diaries event, hosted by Audacia Ray. 15% of of the bar proceeds from this event go towards the New York vigil for the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers. To get more involved with the event, or organize an event in your area, check out the website. Event details: Happy Ending Lounge @ 302 Broome St (between Forsythe & Eldridge) Starting at 8 pm. FREE!

World AIDS Day: Where We Are Now

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 12:25:12 GMT

As we take time today to participate in World AIDS Day events around the globe, we find ourselves at an interesting point in the history of the world's battle against HIV/AIDS. The New England Journal of Medicine recently released the results of a HIV prevention trial, which demonstrated that taking a HIV treatment pill daily reduces an individual's chance of infection, a study made possible by the passionate work of volunteers as well as the study's participants at San Francisco's Gladstone Institute. And while we celebrate this victory today, as well as the knowledge that new infections declined by almost 20% in 2009, we also recognize that infection still outpaces success stories by two to one. We go into 2011 knowing there is more work to be done. As a Babeland customer, you've already played a part in making a difference. Since June of this year and continuing through the holiday season, we're donating $2 of your purchase of a Babeland Goodie Bag to LGBT organizations as part of our Come for a Cause philanthropy program. Other ways to get involved? Add a red ribbon to your outfit today, as well as your Facebook and Twitter photos. Get tested! Donate your money or your voice to a worthy cause. Attend an event with your friends and family.

Int'l Transgender Day of Remembrance

Sat, 20 Nov 2010 12:00:27 GMT

Today is the Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day designed to bring attention to the hate crimes against trans persons. The event is held yearly in November to honor Rita Hester, whose unsolved murder on November 28th, 1998 began the “Remembering Our Dead” web project and a San Francisco candlelight vigil in 1999. It is estimated that one out of every 1,000 homicides in the United States is an anti-transgender hate crime. The Transgender Day of Remembrance is also an opportunity for allies of trans people to stand in solidarity with transfolk at events around the globe. It's an excellent opportunity to let your friends and family know you are a trans ally, look into legislation that you can support to help create greater social equality, or learn about what's happening around the world today by watching some of the wonderful media that has been created especially for this international event.

Get Out and Vote: Babeland’s Got Your Silver Bullet!

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 14:05:56 GMT

Whether you think we need to Restore the Sanity or Restore America, get out and vote. We’d all like a silver bullet to create jobs, fix the economy, and ensure access to affordable healthcare, but it’s not going to happen if we don’t participate. Fulfill your civic duty and Babeland will reward your efforts with a free Babeland Silver Bullet Vibrator. Elect to Have an Orgasm with the Free Babeland Silver Bullet Vibe! In retail: Visit our retail stores on election day, Tuesday, November 2, tell us you voted, and we’ll give you a FREE Babeland Silver Bullet Vibrator ($15 value), no purchase necessary. Online: At Babeland.com, we’ll include the Babeland Silver Bullet Vibrator with any purchase on November 2, simply type in the code “110210” at checkout. While supplies last.

Babes in the Wild: CLAGS Lesbians in the 70s Conference

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 04:00:59 GMT

Last weekend, a few Babes from our NYC Soho store attended the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies' conference on lesbians in the 70s, entitled "In Amerika They Call Us Dykes: Lesbian Lives in the 1970s." It was a diverse conference, from the standpoint of attendees as well as presenters from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The event, which took place at the CUNY Graduate Center, had panels on topics ranging from motherhood, spirituality and aging to the Academy, BDSM and sex work. Here's what the Babes had to say about it their favorite panels:

Sarah: I love nothing more than a well-formulated conference, and this one was definitely it. I attended the panel on "Lesbian Sexualities in the 70s" and found it to be very informative. It's really amazing to discover that not only are there other women who have experienced the same things you have, but that they is a great history of women talking about and experiencing the same issues. For instance, I sometimes get frustrated that things aren't radical enough or moving forward at a fast enough pace, so I always thought of people such as Patrick Califia to be my best role models: people who push buttons and get things done. Yet listening to women speak about the difficult divides between BDSM culture and lesbian identity formation in the 70s made me realize how important it is to really educate oneself on what a truly diverse community we have as modern queers, so that I can speak to our past effectively into my own future. Rebecca: This conference was amazing. I love intergenerational conversations, which was exactly what was happening at this conference. My favorite panel was on Disability and Embodiment, where I learned (among other things) that the 70s lesbian fat power activists in San Francisco were the same people who were involved in starting the disability rights movement. Those two movements mean an enormous amount to me and are connected in my life, but I had no idea how connected they are historically! I also really enjoyed the panel called "Defining the Boundaries of Lesbian Identity." It brought up a lot of the disagreements that are on-going in these communities and it was fascinating to see those fights actually play out in person. Lauren: CLAGS was like an all star event, where the womyn from an era of consciousness-raising and radical identities were engaged in active discussion with womyn today - full reunion style! Conversations about lesbian identity, spaces, and bodies were at the forefront, and it was such a special and specific type of conference that made me realize how much I love talking about politics and identities with womyn of various ages and backgrounds. Working at the Lesbian Herstory Archives allows me to be able to keep these types of conversations alive with those who helped to create and sustain it, as well as the womyn who continue to protect and expand its legacy. Because of this desire to keep the story alive, one of my highlights at the conference was the "Black Lesbian Herstory in the 70s: South Afrika to Amerika". Two of the womyn who spoke, talked about their experience with A Queer Black MobileHomeComing, where they travel around the country "collecting and amplifying the social organizing herstories of black women, trans men, and gender queer visionaries" because of their "innovative and loving response to a deep craving for intergenerational connection." Check them out at their homepage.

If you are looking for some literature that is just as comprehensive as this conference was, we recommend The Whole Lesbian Sex Book (2nd Edition), which contains the stories of lesbians of many generations, an outline of the BDSM Hanky Code and other sex-positive materials. It comes highly recommended for anyone whose partner is female bodied and enjoys pleasure (and after all, isn't pleasure good for everyone?)rational connection." Check them out at their homepage. If you are looking for some literature that is just as comprehensive as this conference was, we recommend The Whole Lesbian Sex Book (2nd Edition), which contains the stories of lesbians of many generations, an outline of the BDSM Hanky Code and other sex-positive materials. It comes highly recommended for anyone whose partner is female bodied and enjoys pleasure (and after all, isn't pleasure good for everyone?)