Random Thoughts

How fun to read a story like this on a newspaper web site. I haven’t seen the word gangbang on a news site in a while now. I didn’t know swing clubs were totally legal and out in the open in Australia. I had heard that swing clubs had been officially legalized in Canada. Why is the US so far behind the times when it comes to sex clubs?

From the Brisbane Times:

 Swingers: sex fiends or liberated lovers?

Katherine Feeney | May 15, 2007

Voyeurism, exhibitionism, ‘the lifestyle’ and the good ol’ gang-bang.

Welcome to the wonderful world of Brisbane Swingers; a community of broadminded, sexually secure and very sociable folk, happily flourishing between the sheets of Brisbanetown.

If you believe the online hype, that is.

But how happy are we as a city to play host to such raunchy house parties? And more to the point, are swingers really satisfied?

Well, the swinging phenomenon is hardly new. From the orgytastic ancient Romans to the polygamous shenanigans indulged in by the playmates at the House that Heffner built, seems we’ve been keen to bed partners other than our own for centuries.

Many folk who enjoy the swinging life claim the indulgence stimulates their couple time and enhances their relationship. Some women find swinging liberating in a society that suppresses female sexuality. And there are those who simply enjoy the thrill of going nude for a night.

No longer the dubious wife-swapping of the 1950s, the modern, popular and very legal swingers venues, such as the notorious Mike’s Place in the city, offer live entertainment, finger food, bar facilities, a masseuse and room full of folk looking to spice up their sex lives … for a small fee, of course.

They even throw in condoms and lube; a consideration you’d be unlikely to enjoy should you shag a stranger picked up at a pub in the city or the Val of a weekend.

As such, fly you solo or partnered – if getting your groove on is the goal – seems that these swingers house parties offer real value for money. Entry isn’t restricted to the married sort. Couples of all kinds and singles of the straight or bi-sexual persuasion are welcome. However, stricter admittance rules and higher entry fees apply to the solo male. A discriminatory measure perhaps? An interesting point nonetheless.

Yet swingers clubs remain a much hushed, recreational-sex subculture, largely ignored by Brisbane society because most of us have our reservations as to the morality of the practice and fear of the stigma attached.

The thought of your partner bonking someone else even with your permission spells the beginning of the end to many of us in relationships because it raises all those difficult questions about fidelity and the strength of your commitment.

Is there greater trust demonstrated by a partner willing to let their better half explore their sexuality openly, confident that their love shall conquer all? Or is it foolish to think that sex with strangers comes with no strings attached?

Regardless of where you stand on this spectrum, if you’re thinking about having a swing at the swingers’ life, think carefully about your motivation. Honest communication and self awareness is the key and, for crying out loud, don’t do anything you don’t really want to do.

Click here to read the story at Brisbane Times - what a cool newspaper – and looks like a fun relaxed town to live in. Add Australia to the travel list!