Masturbation Month

May 1 marks the first day of Masturbation Month also known as National and International Masturbation Month. If you didn't know about this holiday, you’re not alone. The annual observance isn't as high profile as other sexual celebrations, but we at Emojibator are out to change that. 

Masturbation Month started in 1995 as a response to the forced resignation of U.S. Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders in December 1994. After a speech at the UN World AIDS Day in, 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.”

That marked the end of the first black Surgeon General’s Washington career, but the beginning of National Masturbation Month. The founders of San Francisco-based sex shop Good Vibrations said, "Enough is enough!" They wanted to do two things: keep up the conversation about Elders firing and make people talk about masturbation.

Good Vibrations recognized many people needed support and advice regarding self love.  For so long, shame and stigma have been attached to masturbating. Yet the truth is it is a part of human sexuality that is natural, pleasurable, and healthy. It is said "ninety-eight percent of us masturbate" and the other two percent are liars.

So go ahead, don't be afraid to get to know yourself a little more intimately to celebrate Masturbation Month!