Tag Archives: swingers

Polyamory, Swinging and Open Relationships. What’s the Difference?

Posted on by Leave a comment

Polyamory, Swinging and Open Relationships are all forms of Ethical Non-Monogamy. This is also known as ENM or CNM for ethical/consensual non-monogamy.

All parties involved are aware of and consent to their partner(s) engaging in romantic, sexual or emotional connections outside of their relationship. This is what what makes ENM different from cheating.

Think of ENM as the umbrella term for all forms of non-monogamy practiced by consent. It does not always mean “sex” outside the relationship. You can have a romantic or emotional bond, sexual bond or a combination.

Polyamory Swinging and Open Relationships. What's the Difference?
Most common categories of Ethical Non-Monogamy

To explain this, there are three major sub-categories that are most commonly referenced:

  • Open Relationships;
  • Swinging; and
  • Polyamory or Poly for short.

So, what’s the difference?

Open Relationships

Polyamory Swinging and Open Relationships. What's the Difference?

Open Relationships typically involve a sexual component. Partners in a committed marriage or relationship agree that they are open to engaging in sex outside the relationship. Generally, this does not involve the forming of romantic or emotional bonds that are inherent in Poly. And, unlike Swinging, partners may have sex (commonly referred to as “play”) separate and apart from the other committed partner(s).

Swinging

Polyamory Swinging and Open Relationships. What's the Difference?

In Swinging, couples (or partners in committed relationships) engage in casual sex but only when together. They are not looking to form emotional bonds outside of their committed relationship. “Play” could be as casual as kissing and fondling, soft swapping which involves heavy petting up to and including oral sex or might “go all the way” to involve full penetration.

Polyamory

Polyamory Swinging and Open Relationships. What's the Difference?

Polyamory is the practice, state or ability of having more than one sexual, loving relationship at the same time, with the full knowledge and consent of all partners involved. What sets Poly apart from swinging and open relationships is the ability to form emotional bonds. Poly relationships may or may not involve sex and may or may not involve playing apart from others in the committed relationship(s). Poly relationships come in many different forms and autonomy of person is held in high regard.

If you’re contemplating polyamory, swinging and open relationships, remember that every ENM relationship is negotiable. Each of the three dynamics above are interchangeable depending on the partner(s), situation, timing and more. What works in one relationship may not work in another. Or perhaps, you just need to take a break. Sometimes timing is off due to life circumstances. Just remember, whichever style you choose (or don’t), you have the right to change your mind on what works for you. And, making safe space for compassionate communication is key.

Looking to connect with others across Canada that are ethically non-monogamous? We recommend Club Eden.

If you liked this article, please like or share using the social media tools provided. And be sure to follow this blog to get an alert as soon as fresh content is posted.

Getting Consent in a Sex Positive Environment

Posted on by Leave a comment

consentToday, I attended a Consent Workshop by The Consent Crew. There were some interesting discussions amongst the attendees and organizers about some great topics.  I want to reiterate some of the points that I feel are most relevant based on my experiences over the past two decades.

IT’S OK TO SAY NO

How many of you are guilty of trying to giggle your way out of an uncomfortable situation just to be polite?  And how many of you have compromised your own boundaries just to wake up the next morning filled with regret?  Western cultural values have taught us to be excessively polite, but that shouldn’t be at the cost of your own personal boundaries.  If somebody is doing something that makes you uncomfortable, you have the right to say no.  And, although you don’t have to justify your reason for saying no, saying it in a way that is polite and respectful will go a long way towards diffusing what could become a confrontational situation over hurt feelings.  Here are some of my favourite ways to say no:

  • No thank you (smile on face).
  • Thanks for offering but not at this time.
  • I’m not into that, but thanks anyway.
  • You seem like a great person but I’m not interested. Thanks anyway.

 

IT’S OK TO HEAR NO

When you hear no, you may feel hurt, rejected and generally bad.  Why?  Because our culture has taught us that “no” is a bad word when in reality, “no” is just somebody’s way of expressing their own personal boundaries.  Usually, the no you are hearing has very little to do with you and everything to do with the person saying it.  Perhaps they are there for a different reason than you.  Maybe the timing is just off.  Or, it could be as simple as they like blonds, and you’re a brunette.  Whatever the reason, remind yourself…“getting a no is no big deal”.   Here are some of my favorite ways to respond gracefully to “no”:

  • I’m not hearing a clear yes so I’ll take that as a no.
  • No problem.
  • Thanks for letting me know. I appreciating knowing your boundary.
  • Thanks anyway.

 

GET CONSENT

Obvious right?  Easier said than done.  Consent is complicated.  Often, expectations surrounding consent are firmly rooted in cultural values, gender values, family values, or even the environment we are in at the time.  At Club Eden, the expectations are framed by the use of signage, marketing, and agreements.  This is a great foundation for consent.  But even with all of this, there is still room for interpretation based on an individual’s unique perspective formed over the course of a lifetime.  This is why it is also important to say no when you feel like your personal boundaries are being compromised.  In my experience, most people want to do the right thing and DON’T want to maliciously or deliberately compromise your boundaries.  They just don’t realize they are doing it.   Here is one of my favorite personal stories to reflect how cultural expectations can create a misalignment between boundaries:

While working in an office environment, one of the long term vendors and friends of the owner approached me saying “it’s nice to finally meet you”.  He then stepped in and gave me a hug and then a kiss on my left and right cheek.   My background is British and back then, I was a bit of a cold fish.  His background is South American and to not step in with a light hug and kiss on the cheeks would be considered an insult.  He didn’t get my consent but conversely, because of his cultural values, he didn’t think he had to.   This illustrates a great example of how easily consent boundaries can be accidentally crossed.

When at Eden, remember these four points to help you navigate consent:

  1. Play within the rules of the framework provided (signs, agreements, marketing messages).
  2. Politely say no when your boundaries are being crossed;
  3. Politely hear/accept no when somebody tells you.
  4. If your no is not being heard, then it’s ok to find the organizer or one of the staff to help you diffuse the situation.

When attending other sex positive events remember to familiarize yourself with their unique framework.

I hope this article helps you find your voice for consent.  Play safe, have fun and respect your own boundaries and the boundaries of others.

Eve, Founder of Club Eden and Co-author of Sex Get Over It

Women 26-45: Get vaccinated against HPV today

Posted on by One comment

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world today.  There are over 100 different types of the virus. Over 40 are sexually transmitted and responsible for genital and anal warts.  15 high risk types can cause pre-cancerous lesions, cervical cancer as well as anal cancer and other genital cancers.

While condoms are a good start to protecting you from STIs, they’re not bulletproof.  HPV is highly contagious and can spread through direct skin to skin contact.  Condoms only offer protection over the areas that are covered.

In 2006, the HPV vaccination was introduced for women up to age 26.  By 2011, the use of Gardasil in women was studied and approved for women up to age 45. It was found that the vaccine helped protect against infection and disease from the HPV types contained in the vaccine provided they had not been previously infected.

Good news for women aged 26-45.  Even better news for those in a non-monogamous relationship.  Don’t you owe it to yourself to play safe?  Call your doctor and get vaccinated today! Protection from genital warts and cancers below the waist is just a prick away.

Eve, http://www.clubeden.ca

Sources:

FIGO endorses HPV vaccination

Cancer.org

Public Health Agency Canada

HPVinfo.ca

The Exotic Erotic Ball adds a Whole Lotta Spice

Posted on by Leave a comment

If you’re looking to add a little sugar and a LOT of spice this Halloween, look no further than Perry Mann’s 30th annual Exotic Erotic Ball taking place at Cow Place in San Francisco October 23-24. 2009.

“It’s part Mardi Gras, part burlesque, and part rock concert, yet totally unique. The Exotic Erotic Ball is a celebration of human sexuality and freedom of expression. It’s a lingerie, fetish, masquerade affair.”

This weekend long extravaganza will feature some of North America’s most unique, alternative entertainers from go go dancers and burlesque acts to snake charmers, “shaving shows”, nympho twins and penis painters.

And for those looking to be the show rather than watch the show, be sure to RSVP for the Exotic Erotic Ball Official After Party where you might just be lucky enough to hob knob with some of the world’s most exotic models, porn stars, musicians, DJs and celebrities.

Tickets are a steal at only $59 for general admission and $125 for VIP tickets.  And if you book your flights through Allegiant Air, you might just be able to pull off this entire exotic weekend getaway for under $1000.00/couple.  Not a bad price for a little sugar and a LOT of spice…not to mention one hell of a sexy weekend adventure for two.

For more information and tickets, visit: www.exoticeroticball.com.

How to Swing: a couple’s guide to the swingers lifestyle

Posted on by 2 comments

If you’re considering the swinging lifestyle, are new to the concept of swinging, or are looking to improve your swinging relationship, read on.  This four part “how to” series will help to demystify swinging, answer common questions, provide you with the tools to safely navigate this complicated landscape, and identify ways to get started and meet other like minded play partners.

History of Swingers

There are a number of theories on how swinging started, however, the most common theory emerged in the 1950s whereby California military couples would gather at “key clubs” or “key parties”.  The men would throw their keys into a bowl and their wives would choose a sexual partner for the evening by randomly selecting a key from the bowl.   Eventually, the media caught wind of the activities and began writing stories about this new social phenomenon dubbed as “wife swapping”.  Over time, the phenomenon spread to the surrounding suburban communities and by the early 1970s, the term commonly known as “swinging” emerged.

Today’s Swingers

Today, swinging has evolved into what is now more loosely called “the Lifestyle”.  Although no exact count exists, The North American Swing Club Association (NASCA) claims there are organized swing clubs in almost all states as well as Canada, England, France, Germany, and Japan.

This new form of swinging encompasses a much broader range of play styles.  Although there’s no shortage of “full swap” couples, many couples are now entering “the lifestyle” to enjoy a lighter side of fantasy play with others that includes Voyeurism, Exhibitionism, Threesomes and Soft Swap but may never include full swap or “wife swapping” (visit our Sexipedia for detailed definitions).  Due to the insurgence of detailed information about this topic on the internet, “The Lifestyle” is growing in leaps and bounds.  There are conventions, resorts, clubs and websites dedicated to “the Lifestyle”.  There are mainstream television shows such as “Swingtowns” and “Big Love” dedicated to the lifestyle and other forms of open relationships. And in some countries, including Canada, swinging has been recognized as a legal activity at the highest judicial level.   With its increasing popularity and social acceptability, more and more Canadian couples are turning to this new form of swinging  as a way to “spice up” their sex lives.

Who are swingers?

According to the “General Social Survey”, Swingers tend to be middle class, white collar professional couples with above average education and income.   They are doctors, lawyers, nurses, teachers, mid to upper level managers, entrepreneurs and office workers.  when it comes to attitudes about sex and marriage they are less racist, less sexist, and less heterosexist than the general population. Swinging appears to make the vast majority of swingers’ marriages happier, and swingers rate the happiness of their marriages and life satisfaction generally as higher than the non-swinging population.”

Swingers could be your business associates, your friends, your neighbours…they may even be you!

Facts about Swingers


Swingers Should be Outraged!

Posted on by Leave a comment

I came across an article this morning that absolutely infuriated me.  A woman was found guilty of running a swingers club featuring sex acts performed by young children, including her own!!!  What was she thinking?  And those that actually attended the club to watch should not only be ashamed of themselves but should also be held criminally responsible in my opinion.

Children should be protected and loved, not pawned off for sexual entertainment, and for money at that.  Children have nothing to do with swinging, sex or the lifestyle.  In fact, they should not even be exposed to anything remotely sexual until of course they reach the right age where it becomes necessary to educate them purely for the purposes of keeping them safe.

This woman and her club goers should not even be put in the same category as swingers.  This goes far beyond consenting adults fulfilling their fantasies in a safe environment.  Not only is it illegal, it’s despicable.
It’s no damn wonder that swingers get a bad name.  Swingers should be outraged.

Read the full article here.