Masturbation Month

May 1st marks the first day of Masturbation Month, which provides a unique opportunity to get people talking about a self love and encourage conversations about sexual wellness.

Masturbation Month launched in 1995 following the forced resignation of U.S. Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders. After a speech at the UN World AIDS Day, an audience member asked Elders about masturbation’s potential for discouraging early sexual activity. She answered,“I think it is something that is part of human sexuality and a part of something that perhaps should be taught.” Days later she was fired for her comment. The founders of Good Vibrations, a San Francisco based sex shop, created Masturbation Month in response.