PORTLAND, Ore. – Darklady's Retro-Moderne Pansexual Burlesque Hall is the theme for the eighth-annual Portland Masturbate-a-Thon fund-raiser, which will be May 31. Part of a nationwide event, funds raised by the Portland celebration of self-satisfaction will benefit Esther's Pantry, which for more than 18 years has provided food and personal-care items to people living with HIV/AIDS and their animal companions; the Free Speech Coalition; and the Woodhull Freedom Foundation.

Theresa "Darklady" Reed, organizer of the event, said guests are encouraged to dress in the style of their favorite past, present or future burlesque era and "luxuriate in an evening of solo-sexual satisfaction and entertainment." Kinky and erotic play spaces, two full bars, a food menu, a silent auction, dancing girls (including BBBW burlesque hottie Sahara Dunes), comedians, jugglers and porn stars will be among the decadent entertainment options, she added.

"Although all of my big parties are super fun and always have a fund-raising component, there's something special about the Portland Masturbate-a-thon," she said. "I call it ‘The fund-raiser you can't say without a smile,' and maybe because masturbation is so universal and so individual, it always draws an especially pansexual crowd. My male volunteers tell me it feels great to be able to hand a lesbian a Ziploc bag filled with lube, gloves and a vibrator – and get a big smile in return, instead of a slap across the face."

Celebrities and entertainers scheduled to appear include transsexual mistress of ceremonies Hot Wendy Williams, bawdy Canadian musical group The Wet Spots, stand-up comedienne Jacklyn Lick, multimedia magician DJ Darknezzz, Bryan Grimes, Naughty Barber, Kilted Massage Man, Monkey Rocker and Sex Kitten.

"In addition to being excited about the burlesque theme and the fact Canada's Wet Spots are performing, I'm especially excited about the level of involvement and interest this year's Portland Masturbate-a-thon has been drawing from the adult entertainment industry," Reed said. "It's a great opportunity to introduce literally hundreds of sexually adventurous people to new toys, garments, sex furniture and other products and services."

Foreplay will begin at 7 p.m. at Mt. Tabor Theater, and the party will last until 2 a.m. or until everyone has passed out in ecstasy, whichever comes first.

Admission is $50 in street clothes; $25 in burlesque, fetish or formal attire. Attendees who donate personal-care items for people or pets at the door will receive $5 off admission. RSVPs are required.

Sponsors of the event include Adam & Eve, Big Teaze Toys, Chris King Photography, Cum Kleen and Pleasure Wipes, HotMovies, Kick Ass Pictures , Mars Meadows, Mt. Tabor Legacy, Swollen Skateboards, the Thrillhammer, Topco Sales, Blowfish and Adventure Industries .

The Popular Event Will Feature grrl toyz and X-Rated Toys Donated by
Topco Sales

Chatsworth, CA – Leading novelty manufacturer, Topco Sales, will provide
a wide variety of products from the X-Rated and grrl toyz lines to the
Eighth Annual Portland Masturbate-A-Thon Party. The party is dubbed the
Burlesque-A-Thon and will take place Saturday, May 31, 2008 at the Mt.
Tabor Theater from 7p-2a.

Some of the products include grrl toyz waterproof Slimsticks, the grrl
toyz CyberSkin Passion Flower and She Shell, as well as grrl toyz Velvet
Violet and Precious Metal Silver G-Spot Vibes. Especially for the guys,
Topco Sales' newly repackaged X-Rated CyberSkin strokers will be
provided. That list includes the Tiny Teaser, Mini Pussy, Lip Service,
Double Fucker, Backdoor Buddy, Virtual Touch Pussy and A Little Head
strokers. Noveltease Lusty Lickers Penis Pacifier pops will also be
handed out to the crowd.

Attendees are invited to dress in their favorite burlesque attire from
the past, present or future. The mistress of ceremonies is transsexual
performer Wendy Williams and music is provided by "The Wet Spots".
Dancing girls, comedians, jugglers, porn stars and a silent auction are
also on the agenda. Proceeds raised will benefit the Free Speech
Coalition, Esther's Pantry and Woodhull Freedom Foundation.

"Topco Sales is proud to support Darklady and this event with our
product donations. After all, sex toys and masturbation go
hand-in-hand…or hand in…something," says Desiree Duffie, Director of
Marketing and Public Relations for Topco Sales.

"The Darklings and I definitely appreciate the generosity of Topco Sales
and I know the grrl toyz and the X-Rated toys are going to be a hit with
my guests. I've picked up batteries, so there won't be any reason, other
than modesty, for deferred pleasure on May 31st," comments Theresa
"Darklady" Reed.

For more information about tickets and sponsorships, go to
www.masturbate-a-thon.org.

Topco Sales, grrl toyz, Noveltease and X-Rated Toys are either
registered trademarks or trademarks of Topco Sales. The names of other
organizations and companies mentioned herein may be the trademark of
their respective owners.

Related Media
zip file – Theresa "Darklady" Reed Photo

About Topco Sales
Topco Sales® is a leading global manufacturer for the adult novelty
industry. For over 35 years Topco Sales® has based its business model on
quality and innovation to create a variety of groundbreaking products
and classic designs. With its headquarters in Chatsworth, California,
and a factory in China, Topco Sales® continues to grow with the most
popular brand names in the industry: Adam and Eve®, Penthouse®, TLC®,
Wildfire®, CyberSkin®, grrl toyz®, climax®, Chi Chi LaRue's Rascal™
Toys, Danni's Toy Box™, Jill Kelly Superstars Collection®, Lexington
Steele Interracial Toys, Joanna Angel's Burning Angel Toys™, My First™,
Noveltease™, Fetish™, playtoys™ and Hot Shots™. For more information
about Topco Sales®, please visit www.topcosales.us

About Masturbate-A-Thon
After attending the virgin voyage of the San Francisco Masturbate-A-Thon
hosted by Carol Queen, Darklady became inspired with a vision for a
similar Portland fundraiser. Her philosophy about the celebration of
self love has always been simple: Although not everyone is ready to sit
down in a room full of people and masturbate, just about everyone is
ready for a good party; especially a Darklady party! A warm sense of
sexual diversity positive pansexual community; the eclectic blend of
BDSM and sensual "Rubitorium" place spaces, costume themes, DJ driven
and live music, performers, door prizes, traveling celebrities,
opportunities for polite voyeurism, exhibitionism, experimentation,
friendship, and even love – all manifest in wonderfully diverse venues -
and have made Darklady's parties world famous. For more information
visit www.masturbate-a-thon.org

Media Contact for Topco Sales
Desiree Duffie
(818) 332-4600 or pr@topcosales.us

Media Contact for Masterbate-a-Thon
Theresa "Darklady" Reed
503-975-3275 or Darklady@darklady.com

Highlights of this year's event include hostess Hot Wendy Williams, a
silent auction, erotic play spaces, porn stars, and plenty of giveaways.

"We didn’t want to miss out on the action," says Kim Kysar, Distribution
Operations Manager for Pink Visual. "This event sounded like so much fun
and it’s for a good cause, we're very excited to be involved."

In celebration of the theme of the event Pink Visual will be providing
DVDs from their solo series, Wild Fuck Toys.

"In addition to being big fans of stimulating ourselves and our friends,
  my guests and I are big erotic video entertainment fans," explains
Darklady. "Given that the good folks from The Thrillhammer will be
showing off their mega vibrations and some of the local sex machine
creators will be in attendance with their creations, these Wild Fuck
Toys videos should go over great!"

The event begins at 7pm. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in their
favorite burlesque attire from any era. Proceeds will benefit the Free
Speech Coalition, Esther's Pantry, and Woodhull Freedom Foundation.

Darklady is Editor at YNOT, a member of the Free Speech Coalition board
of directors, and has nearly two decades of experience covering the
adult entertainment industry, internet technology, and alternative
sexuality beats online, in print, and via traditional and web radio.

For information about tickets or sponsorships, visit
www.Masturbate-A-Thon.org.

About Pink Visual:

Founded in June of 2004, Pink Visual grew out of the TopBucks webmaster
program, which gave Pink Visual the backing, support, name recognition,
content library, and Internet marketing resources to successfully launch
into the DVD market. Since their start 4 years ago, Pink Visual has
become a leader in adult entertainment. Pink Visual has over 300 titles
in their portfolio presenting distributors, adult retailers, and
licensors an excellent opportunity to capitalize on the popularity of
reality and gonzo titles. Currently Pink Visual offers eight to ten new
titles monthly and is carried throughout the United States, Canada,
Europe, and Australia. Pink Visual’s award-winning reality and gonzo
content is available for web, IPTV, and broadcast licensing
opportunities. Call: 1.866.360.PINK or Email: Kim@PinkVisual.com for
more information.

Sik World Clothing and Darklady Present the 8th Annual Portland Masturbate-a-Thon on May 31st, 2008

Sik World Clothing has partnered with Darklady Productions to present the 8th Annual Portland Masturbate-a-Thon on Saturday, May 31st, 2008 at the Mt. Tabor Theater in Portland, OR with proceeds going toward the Free Speech Coalition and Woodhull Freedom Foundation.

The event will be hosted by transsexual porn powerhouse, Hot Wendy Williams and feature a wealth of self-indulgent pleasures and entertainments including Sik World giveaways, kinky & erotic play spaces, a silent auction, dancing girls, comedians, jugglers, porn stars, and Canada’s naughty singing sensation, The Wet Spots.

“My guests are going to love the saucy, sexy, attitude-rich garments that Sik World has sent for them to put on – and then take off,” Darklady says about the various tanks, t-shirts, and panties provided. “I admit that I made off with a pair of booty pants and a cami-top, myself. They’re just that cool.”

Sik World Productions is an attitude-based clothing and accessory company based in San Diego, California. Founded in 1995, the company is distributed around the world in more than 1000 retail outlets and to thousands of individuals via the Internet each year. Specializing in original and outrageous garments, Sik World has been featured in numerous music videos, hit shows on MTV and VH1, and nationally syndicated news articles on both the Fox and NBC networks. In addition, Sik World has regularly been highlighted in international publications including Rolling Stone, Newsweek, Hit Parader, and Metal Hammer with products worn by high-profile recording artists such as Eminem, Slash of Guns and Roses and Velvet Revolver, Kerry King of Slayer, Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, Lil’ Kim, and others.

In support of self-gratification and to put an end to the immaturity that often arises when discussing it, Sik World has decided to feature their "Act Your Age Not Your Dick Size" as the item of the week. Sik World encourages you to remind the men in your life to behave like grown-ups when discussing the issues of sexual health and pleasuring yourself by purchasing this shirt for your immature other.

#     #     #

For more information, sponsorship inquiries or contest giveaways please call contact :
james (at) kerosenemedia.com or 888-SIKNESS (888-745-6377) or
www.sikworld.com

“Our goal is to have fun with people's ideas of what's sexy and what's secret, to help them enjoy, even just for an hour, the idea that sexual expression, be it kinky, queer, straight, whatever, is healthy, benign, … and funny.” – Cass King

The duo is inspired by the lyrical dexterity of Cole Porter, the hard-hitting satire of South Park, and the camp sincerity of Margaret Cho. When they step on stage – Cass in her corset and John in his signature costume of smoking jacket, sock garters and no pants – the pair presents an image that is vaudevillian, oversexed, and slightly wrong: fetish club by way of Monty Python. Using a lively blend of stand-up comedy, original songs, audience interaction, spankings and singalongs, the Wet Spots draw the crowd into a world where the libido is celebrated and satirized.  Their sweet harmonies and naïve enthusiasm win over any audience discomfort, and by the third song even the sceptics can be heard shouting along to “Smack My Bottom!”.

In their first year of performing together, the Wet Spots went from guest spots in seedy cabarets to headlining at seedy comedy clubs, which they took as a step up. Four years later, having sold out shows across Canada and the US, and developing a cult following with the success of their internet video, the duo travels the world with their unique blend of stand-up, song, and sex advocacy.

Despite (or rather, because of) their adult subject matter, Wet Spots songs have been licensed for TV shows like The L Word and several indie movies.  Their live credits include smash appearances at The Vancouver International (Canwest) Comedy Fest, the We're Funny That Way Queer Comedy Fest (Toronto), and the Cape Town Comedy Fest (South Africa), as well as many non-traditional venues, including The Centre for Sex and Culture (San Francisco), The Museum of Sex (NYC), and the Skin Two
Rubber Ball (UK).

Few are indifferent when it comes to their genre-busting act.  They have won critical acclaim for their "outrageously clever lyrics" (Georgia Straight) and "sophisticated showmanship" (Vancouver Sun). They have also been called "utterly without substance" and accused of "lowering the tone of the evening" (Cape Town Times). Confirming both opinions, The Wet Spots have become favourites on New York and London's cabaret circuits, AND on shock-jock Howard Stern's satellite radio station.

King and Woods met in Vancouver and married in 2003. Before becoming a Wet Spot, John was a singer-songwriter from Winnipeg who performed with pop and punk bands across Canada and England.  Cass was an award-winning spoken word artist and sex columnist, originally from Ontario who managed a pioneering Vancouver sexuality store. They currently live in Vancouver.

Here's a taste of the Wet Spots for ya!

The Mt. Tabor Theater

Darklady's Burlesque Hall will feature: The Wet Spots, the VonFoxies, The ThrillHammer, dance and comic performances, multimedia entertainment, BDSM playspace, erotic playspace, social space, door prizes, silent auction, full bar, and more.

Saturday, May 19, 2007
7:00 pm – 2:00 am
Opening Ritual at 9:00pm
Portland, OR

Silent Auction
Door Prizes
Casting Couch Exhibitionism
Cloakroom
Potluck
S/M play space & sensual Rubitorium
Massage Table

The ThrillHammer, Monkey Rocker, Sex Kitten, The Cone, & virgin voyage of a brand new sex machine!
Birthday fantasies for February, March, April & May
More, more, more!

$25 – without donation
$20 – w/hygiene, dry goods, or pet care product donation
RSVP Absolutely Required
Due to OLCC regulations, ages 21 and over
No wheelchair access into building
Limited scholarship opportunities available

Visit the Masturbate-a-Thon Cafe Press shop, for fabulous and wearable M-a-T swag

RSVP for secret lair coordinates & special instructions to Darklady.

It’s National Masturbation Month again and you know what that means. But in case you don’t, I’ll clue you in. It means masturbating — for charity. And for those who live in Darkladyland it’s a great excuse for another party! I’ll be hosting my Second Annual Super Patriotic Portland Masturbate-a-Thon and Spring Fling on May 31st and although it’s still in the planning stages as I write this column I have every reason to believe it’s going to be another step in party – and Masturbate-a-Thon — evolution.

Perhaps you’re wondering what a Masturbate-a-Thon is. It all started five years ago when San Francisco sex toy and education shop Good Vibrations (http://www.goodvibes.com) and Seattle’s equivalent, Toys in Babeland (http://www.babeland.com) declared May "Masturbation Month." People were encouraged to get pledges from their friends for time spent masturbating at home and the funds raised were then donated to sex-positive causes. Two years ago my friend Carol Queen (http://www.carolqueen.com) took the concept a step further by inviting people to do their fund-raising masturbation together in a San Francisco theater while they chatted, socialized, watched porn, and earned prizes for endurance, multiple orgasms, and the like. It was great fun and helped raise money for Queen’s wonderful Center for Sex and Culture.

Inspired by Carol’s event, I decided to host my own Masturbate-a-Thon. It was the first event I’d ever organized outside of my own home and proved to be a whirlwind of sexy excitement and fun, as well as being – as they say in the world of delicate euphemisms – a learning experience. Now more fully educated, backed by a team of dedicated and creative volunteer Darklings, and with an amazing venue at my disposal I am ready for round two. With the help of individuals and companies interested in becoming sponsors by donating funds or products, this should be my biggest and best party to date.

This year’s Masturbate-a-Thon will feature Portland’s first “hand orgy,” live music, dance and ambient tunes spun by my own beloved DJ Furious Bee, erotic photo galleries, kinky and sensual play spaces, dancing, a sexy May Pole, naughty fortunes hidden inside helium balloons – and so much more. Profits from the event will be divided between four agencies that have my respect and admiration for their good work in their various fields of experience: Planned Parenthood of the Columbia/Willamette (http://www.ppcw.org), Cascade AIDS Project (http://www.cascadeaids.org), The Center for Sex and Culture (http://www.centerforsexandculture.com), and the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (http://www.ncsfreedom.org).

Now that you know what a Masturbate-a-Thon is, what are you waiting for? Ladies and gentlemen, start your masturbating! For the latest on the Portland Masturbate-a-Thon, visit http://www.Masturbate-a-Thon.org.

On second thought, don't.

Fortunately for those enthusiastic masturbators without a nasal mucus fetish, there are a plethora of far more palatable lubrication options available. The most common and least expensive one is, of course, saliva. Our bodies supply this slippery stuff pretty effortlessly in most cases. Naturally occurring lubrication is also secreted by the vagina in women and by the penis as pre-ejaculate in men. But sometimes this isn't enough and that's why modern science has selflessly set about creating an array of gels, lotions, oils and other lubes for our solo and partnered sensual pleasure.

We like to think that our own natural juices are more than ample for any sexual job we might undertake. But there are a number of reasons why that's not always the case. Our age, our health, what we eat, where we are in our menstrual cycle, what medications we take, how much and what kind of sex we're having can all influence the amount and consistency of our fluid levels. If we're menopausal or having anal sex, the need for additional lubrication is especially important. Many men like to use lubricants during masturbation because stroking a dry penis can be uncomfortable, especially if their skin is sensitive.

Throughout history, people have employed a variety of oils, fats, creams and lotions to help reduce friction during intercourse or solo sex, but ultimately they just aren't as desirable as water-based or silicone lubes. Although they last longer and don't get sticky over time, oils and fats remain on the skin long after you're finished using them, can stain cloth, attract dirt and bacteria, and play hell on latex barriers such as condoms and dental dams. Scented products that aren't specifically designed for sexual use can sting and burn tender tissues. Lotions and creams tend to be soaked up by the skin before they've done their job. Because of these factors, "personal lubricants" are probably the most commonly available sex product on the market.

Because they are safe on condoms, the most commonly recommended lubricants on the market are water-based. K-Y Jelly is a classic example of a water-based lube, although it also dries out quickly due to its thicker consistency. People with delicate skin generally have good results from water-based lubes, especially those without Nonoxynol-9, a spermicide that's been shown to cause irritation and, as a result, actually increase the risk of women contracting STDs.

Those with especially sensitive skin, an interest in being sexual in the bath or hot tub, or a desire for an oil-like lubricant that's kind to latex often find that silicon-based lubes fit the bill. I-D Millennium and Wet Platinum are two examples. Silicon lubes tend to be more expensive per-ounce, but since they last longer and don't get sticky as quickly as water-based lubes, the actual long-term cost per use is likely to be less. They also tend to transmit warmth and sensation better. Two cautions: because they're so slippery, extra care should be exercised by men who like to place lube inside of their condoms. Whether it's for intercourse or solo sex (yes, some men like to use condoms as masturbation toys), silicon lubed condoms will be slightly more slippery and thus can come off more easily. Also, if you're going to be playing with silicon toys, such as dildos or butt plugs, silicon-based lubes can damage them. However, if you cover the toys with a condom and properly clean them once you're finished, there's no reason not to use your favorite silicon lube.

Although there are no hard and fast rules about which lubes go with which kinds of sex, certain qualities work best within certain sexual contexts. For instance, super-slick emollient lubes such as Astroglide, Probe, Liquid Silk, or ID work especially well rapid motions associated with vaginal penetration or male solo sex, although they can also dry quickly. A sprits of water refreshes them, however. Because there is so little natural lubrication in the anus and rectum, heavier, more viscous lubes such as Maximus, Embrace, or ForPlay are good for coating the delicate interiors prior to penetration with a penis or toy. Once you're ready for the main show and things have heated up, applying your favorite slick lube will do additional wonders. Jelly lubes can be especially good for anal play due to their consistency and endurance.

Sometimes it's fun to put your mouth somewhere that's had lube on it. Most non-flavored lubes have a fairly benign taste – but they're still not a lot of fun to have on your tongue. Today there is a wide assortment of flavors available in lubes and massage oils. They range everywhere from mild palate pleasers such as strawberry-kiwi, vanilla, melon, apple, grape, and Pina-Colada to some pretty wild and spicy flavors, including some that heat up when breathed upon — specifically targeted toward those who like it truly hot. When applying a flavored lubricant internally, make sure it's sugar-free; otherwise you open yourself up for possible unpleasantness, including yeast infections.

And regardless of what kind of lubricant you're using or what you're doing with it, that's nothing to sneeze at.

Fortunately, this is an area where the art of love and the science of technology are compatible. With a little knowledge and forethought, the process of choosing a toy – whether it's your first or your 40th – can be rather enjoyable, perhaps even a form of foreplay. Regardless of context, one's results are always improved by using the right tool for any job. Sex toys are no different. In order to determine which of the many pretty packages of fun sex tools is correct for your fleshly project, there are a number of important questions to ask. Among them are:

Who will use the toy?

Why will they use the toy?

When will they use the toy?

Where will they use the toy?

What kind of sensation are they hoping to experience?

These questions may seem unusual, but once they have been answered, it will be much easier to determine the kind of toy best suited for the job at hand and the person employing it.

Who will use the toy
When answering this question, consider the age, gender, overall health, and physical and emotional condition of the person who'll be enjoying this item. A young, slim, or sexually inexperienced woman may well be better suited for a different kind of vibrator than an older, heavier, or more sexually experienced woman, for instance. Furthermore, a pregnant woman may want to focus more on clitoral stimulation than vaginal penetration, a factor that influences the decision making process. A man's enjoyment will depend on a number of different factors from a woman and a transgendered person likewise has unique sensual needs. Allergies are also important to consider, since sensitivities to latex or other common sex toy materials will affect what items will be suitable for use and under what circumstances. Also, remember to consider the state of mind of the user. Are they comfortable with masturbation or use of toys or are they apprehensive, possibly even morally conflicted?

Why will they use the toy
Will this device be used primarily for solo sex or as part of partnered sex? In order to enhance orgasm or in order to help improve orgasmic response? Is the user "in training" and working up to larger toys for anal or vaginal sex? Are they monogamous but seeking a double penetration experience? In the case of post-operative transgendered women, is the goal to increase vaginal elasticity? Is the user emotionally uncomfortable with certain kinds of touch and hoping to become more used to the sensation by use of a toy? If a man, is he seeking to increase endurance, decrease/increase sensation, or alter the appearance of their genitals in some way? Is the toy part of experimentation or purchased out of a feeling of necessity, perhaps after surgery or due to a medical condition? Each of these elements can influence which toys are more appropriate for the user.

When will they use the toy
Is this new toy going to be used before or during sex with another person, either privately or during a party? Or will it be used only during the owner's alone time? Will it sometimes replace or supplement a partner's mouth, hand, or genitals? Will it be used as part of a more elaborate sexual scenario? Will it be used frequently or only occasionally? Does the recipient travel and need something small to carry with them, perhaps in a pocket or purse? Some objects will draw more attention than others if they pass through airport security. A favorite metal cock ring or cage might be embarrassing to explain, for instance. But a snapping leather strap can be worn on the wrist, while a simple black rubber ring will go unnoticed through an X-ray machine.

Where will they use the toy
Do they need to be discreet while using the item in question or might they want to show it off to others? Will battery buzz or vibration sounds be acceptable or should the object be silent? Do they want to be more sexual in the shower or another aquatic environment? The clit-delicious vibrator perfect for using during doggie-style probably isn't the best choice for masturbation during a bubble bath or in the hot tub. Will it be used indoors or outdoors? Giving someone an electric vibrator to take on camping trips might not be as practical as a battery driven vibe or a hand-operated dildo, for example.

What kind of sensation are they hoping to experience
For women, the big question is generally whether vaginal or clitoral stimulation is the goal. If vaginal, is the G-Spot a target for pleasure or does she desire a feeling of fullness? In all cases, personal preference should be considered when evaluating vibration intensity. Some women prefer the more gentle vibration of some battery operated vibes while others adore the more aggressive stimulation of an electric massager. Both men and woman can enjoy anal penetration and/or stimulation. Some women find that it can enhance G-Spot sensation – and the male prostate nearly always likes some attention. Anal vibration generally does little for women, although many men find that their prostate enjoys the extra stimulation. Make sure anything used for anal play has a flanged bottom or some other method of making sure it doesn't slip inside, especially if it vibrates. It doesn't take much heat to put the rectum at risk. If a penile constriction device of some sort is desired, what sort of pressure does the man prefer and how quickly and easily will he want to be able to remove the ring?

By answering these questions, the dizzying array of candy colored sex toys on the shelves will become less confusing and your choices will more appropriately cater to the sensual needs in question.