Sex clubs are a growing trend that allows people to explore their kinks in a safe environment. They can take many forms, from private members-only clubs to publicly accessible bars and parties.
These erotic spaces can bring up a lot of emotions, so it’s important to have a plan before you go in. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your first visit to a sex club:
They cater to a variety of people
Sex clubs, also known as swinger clubs, are establishments where patrons may engage in erotic activities with other members. They differ from brothels in that sex club patrons interact with each other, rather than sex workers. The clubs are often marketed to heterosexual individuals and couples. Some have specific areas for different types of play, like a dance pole or BDSM room. On-the-door rates, membership fees and event tickets vary widely from club to club.
In Sealed Section’s interview with Chantelle Otten, she notes that sex clubs can be home to a variety of different activities and cater to people of all interests. She suggests that it’s best to go into the experience with clear expectations and open communication with any partners or friends attending with you. This will help you avoid any unexpected scenarios that might arise during your time at the club. In addition to this, sex clubs often have rules around cleanliness and hygienic practices, such as keeping wipes handy for cleaning up after yourself.
They’re more plentiful than you think
Sex clubs can be found in almost any medium to large city. Many are public and open to anyone who wants to attend. Others are private and require a process to get in. Some require an application, photos or even an interview.
These clubs can be as simple as a bar with erotic play areas like dance poles or BDSM rooms. They can also include specific areas for different types of play like cinema rooms, dark rooms or couples’ only rooms. Some even have a dungeon room, grope room or school room.
There are a lot of kinky people who go to sex clubs, and their play can be anything from exhibitionist to voyeuristic. But the first myth to dispel about sex clubs is that they’re wild free-for-alls. Most have detailed rules for club etiquette to ensure that everyone can enjoy themselves safely and responsibly. For example, most clubs will wipe down any surfaces where the skin of the participants come into contact with, which is a great way to prevent sexually transmitted infections (like chlamydia or herpes-1, which can cause lifelong cold sores). They’ll also usually have some kind of ID verification system to stop anyone from getting in without paying.
They’re a safe place to explore
Although sex clubs can be a kinky and fun place to hang out, it’s important to note that it’s not an all-out free-for-all. Many clubs have specific sex-positive rules that guide their members, from the clothing (or nudity) guidelines to the general sex practice rules.
In addition, some clubs offer a range of different “playrooms” where people can engage in sexual practices. These rooms may include a cinema room, dungeons, grope rooms, school rooms, mirror rooms and more.
The sex club’s growing popularity points to a broader spatialization of leisure sex in the United States. While current discussions of recreational sex are focused on hooking-up, casual sex, and the risks of Tinder/Grindr, sex clubs are an increasingly important space where people can experiment with a wider range of erotic practices in a safe and judgment free environment. The results are often deeply satisfying.
They’re not a once-in-a-lifetime experience
Despite their seedy reputation, sex clubs are not just a wild free-for-all. They’re actually pretty regimented, and their rules are designed to create a safe space for people to let loose. They also enforce enthusiastic consent, which means that it’s rare to have sex without express consent from both participants.
The club environment is one of the largest and fastest growing arenas for recreational sex. Despite this, we know relatively little about the nature of sex clubs marketed to heterosexuals.
This article aims to make the invisible visible, exploring how these venues shape sexual experiences and culture of desire. Drawing on ethnographies, interviews and large scale quantitative data, it offers a glimpse into the world of sex clubs, and their cultures of attraction. It also explores the implications of this for gender and sexuality studies.