From Free Life, Issue 26, December 1996
ISSN: 0260 5112

In its introduction, this book is described as "a directory of sex-positive services and organisations throughout the US and Canada". Endorsing freedom of sexual choice, the purpose of the book is to provide an aid to people interested in exploring aspects of their sexuality. It does this by listing, alphabetically, a wide range of organisations or "resources" offering sexual services, and giving a brief description of what each listing is about. There are lots of contact services for gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, sado-masochists, group-sex enthusiasts, fetishists, and people whose interest is a combination of these things (e.g. gay sado-masochists). There are specialists clubs, bars, hotels, parties or meeting places, magazines and newspapers. There are also companies that make or sell fantasy clothes and equipment, those that provide body piercing services, dealers in photography, art, lubricants, whips, dildos and vibrators, domination sessions, books, hypnosis, counselling, "alternative healing", etc. The book also has an index which classifies the listings by geographical area and according to the type of services offered.

For example, Club Relate in Orlando, Florida, features masturbation, exhibitionism, and voyeurism; and Fantasy Nights (at the same place) provides a venue for people to act out their fantasies. Forbidden Fruit in Austin, Texas, offers a "selection of lingerie and slut wear...latex and leather" and so on. Small Etc. is a magazine for men who are "small endowed or short in stature"; while The Hung Jury is a contact service for women seeking well-hung men (8" or more). Mother Goose Productions holds monthly meetings in the San Francisco Bay Area for bisexuals, lesbians and gays to indulge in social masturbation. Hot Ash in New York is a club for cigar fetishists; Golden Shower Buddies in San Francisco is a club for men who like urinating on each other; while Red Hankies of San Diego is "perhaps the world's largest social fisting organisation, with over 300 members".

A very useful book. I would like to see one for Britain.

Danny Frederick