‘Put me in, coach, I’m ready to play’: sexuality education for adults at Good Vibrations
Although sex education is often provided to young people, there is a lack of spaces where adults can go to learn more about sex from experts in a free and welcoming environment. One place that provides an opportunity for adult sex education is adult sexual retail stores. While these
stores aim to be commercially successful, they also fulfil a role of educating adults about sex and sexuality. This study explains how Good Vibrations (GV), a sex-positive adult sexual retail store company in the USA, disseminates sexuality education for adults. Using qualitative methods
including observations, interviews and textual analysis, I show how GV serves as a coach to its patrons. The coaching framework described here promotes shared responsibility through inclusive and accessible education, highlighting communication and focusing on pleasure and positivity. This
paper provides one of the first evidence-based accounts of how an adult sexual retailer educates its customers and provides a model for sexuality educators for all ages.
Keywords: Sexuality education; USA; adult retail stores; coaching; sex-positive
Document Type: Research Article
Affiliations: Department of Communication Studies, Augustana College, Rock Island, IL, USA
Publication date: 01 November 2016
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