Sexessorize

All-female sex toy parties give ladies a chance to test sexgoodies, ask questions in comfortable setting

Sylva Florence / senior photographer Sex toy distributor Pam Shrewsburg holds up a glow in the dark dildo called "Orange Delight."

Pin the Macho. Honey Bear. Krystal Wabbit. Slumber Bunny. While these may sound more like characters from a Saturday morning cartoon, they actually are items for sale in an increasingly popular all-female forum known as the "sex toy party."

"It makes me think of a kinky Tupperware party," senior Ryan Price said. To women who have experienced a sex toy party, however, it is anything but.

Participants in sex toy parties generally sit around a saleswoman with order forms for different sexual toys. The saleswoman passes around different objects and goods for the girls to look at and see how they work. If the girl finds something she enjoys, she can buy it on the spot, or the object can be ordered and anonymously mailed.

"A lot of societal views of sexuality are geared toward satisfying men," said senior Chelsea Connors, a Maryland student and toy distributor. Connors buys a sex toy kit from the Slumber Parties company. After selling the merchandise, Connors keeps 40 percent of the profit, while the rest goes back to the company. "We try to empower women by bringing pleasure back to them in this side of their lives," she said.

A group of four JMU girls living in an off-campus house who hosted a party of their own in mid-November, which lasted about two hours, said they were satisfied with the results.

"People were really into it, and everyone was passing [the toys] around," senior Laura Howes said. The party gave the girls an opportunity to see the toys in an all girl setting as well as how they work before purchasing them. The policy is strictly enforced by Slumber Parties. Distributors are not allowed to give the presentations if males are present in the room, Connors said.

"[Guys] would have prevented girls from interacting with each other and the toys," senior Janice Metzer said. "Besides, the toys were designed mainly for girls."

For Connors, the best-seller has been Coochy, a conditioning shave cream especially for the bikini area. Samples of Bosom Buddy nipple cream were passed around at the party, and girls were encouraged to try it out.

The girls also played games involving the toys, such as passing a dildo nicknamed "Johnny" around the room without the use of their hands. Although Connors mainly caters to college-age girls, she said she has done a couple of sessions for older women.

"Older women tend to spend more money, but college parties are easier ‘cause they’re a crazy, fun crowd," she said.

The job also has allowed her to gain some insight into cross-generational sexual attitudes. Sexual reflection seems to be a recurring theme among these parties, and for good reason — according to the Slumber Parties Web site, "If a woman is educated and aware of her own wants, needs and desires, it will enhance the opportunity for success in all other areas of her life."

After a party like this, guys may be worried that they will be seeing less of their girlfriends. Connors doesn’t believe this will happen, however. After all, "I don’t think anything can replace the real thing," she said.

If anything, sex toy parties can help girls to better appreciate their sexual interactions. "You really need to know yourself before you can expect anyone else to give you pleasure in that way," Connors said.