Any other "Swingers" on DU?

[benburch]

OK, to start with, this is NOT a sex thread!

I'm just asking if there are any other "Lifestyle" couples/singles/triads/etc. on DU, and if so, how can we use that fact to get sexual freedom issues moved into the political consciousness of the Liberal/Progressive mainstream?

[RaleighNCDUer]

1. I think we've got bigger fish to fry at this point. nt

[benburch]

2. Of course we do!

But we need to look after the small matters with the large, or they once again get left behind.

And small matters can spur people into activism for the bigger picture.

[evilqueen]

4. So do I.

But I get what Ben is saying. I think what we need to do is educate people about alternate relationships, and I think it needs to start with GLBT issues of civil rights.

[H5N1]

10. Diver Down! This is a political anchor

We are still a looong way from equality for gays
(actually, we appear to be losing ground on that).

What you suggest is a political hot potato that I, personally,
would not support as part of any platform.

[lildreamer316]

3. When we can; I'm with ya

just because I get very tired of the stigma of being an exotic entertainer. Noone believes this could be a career or lifestyle choice.Oh,and we are all coked-up whores. Annoying.

[benburch]

7. I am a sexworker's rights activist, too...

Actually have been for longer than I have been involved with Democratic Politics.

I run a slightly famous mailing list called WhoreNet for sexworkers and sexworkers rights activists. (IM me if you are interested in joining the list.)

[lildreamer316]

20. You invited me ages ago; I think I will. n/t

[wakeme2008]

5. They are out Swinging with Bolton over his new job

:hide:

[MelissaB]

6. No, but I have a family member who is.

:hi:

[AnnInLa]

8. well, no....but, I have friends in low places

and some of my best friends are.

[CoffeeCat]

9. Hmmmm....

I'm feeling a bit naive here. Triads...what's that?

What's a "Lifestytle couple/single/triad"?

Thanks for being patient with my questions.

I went to private, Catholic schools my entire life--and that left me a bit disadvantaged in the sexual knowledge area.

Now, I'm a busy stay-at-home mom with two young kids.

We are getting HBO next week...so maybe that will answer some questions. haha :)

[benburch]

11. Well...

"The Lifestyle" (I hate that term) encompasses couples and others who have sex with people who are not their primary partners.

Triads are committed relationships between three people.

Here is the wikipedia entry; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swinging

Here is a site run by my good friend Sue which might explain a bit to you; http://www.swingmom.com/

[cfield]

12. hubby and I have been known to do some

only with our friends, not really into the 'lifestyle' so to speak.
We're not interested in just random hookups; too many worries with that.

[HeeBGBz]

23. Used to be into that when I was a yout

Now I can't hook up with either sex, go figure.

[Faygo Kid]

13. I'm old. I swung in the early '70s.

Now, I basically want a good meal, and swing into bed (a good book and sleep, I mean). Still passionate about our nation; not a bad place for my passion to now rest. Dammit.

[troubleinwinter]

14. I have a "lifestyle"

I thought it was my constitutional right. I thought that was the whole point.

[the_spectator]

15. lol the "polyamory" people...

What "sexual freedom issues" do you think still pertain to your crowd? You're quite free to boink numerous people at one time; do you want a medal for it too?

Or maybe you want to legalize "plural marriage" -- once this becomes a public demand, it will only weaken support for gay marriage: it would only serve to support the "slippery slope" arguments of people like Santorum.:puke:

Be careful what you wish for - polyamory theory may be ever-so enlightened and civilized at this point, but if "plural marriage" were ever made legal, I can guarantee that the main beneficiaries of it will be (straight) RICH MEN. Think they have too much sense of embarassment to go for several trophy wives rather than just one? They have NO sense of embarassment: SO many of them ALREADY drive around in Hummers(snort) without the slightest hint of a blush!

[benburch]

21. No, quite different from polyamory.

Read the links above.

And no, we are not looking for a medal, but we are looking basic right now denied to ALL Americans.

Go read this site, and educate yourself before you dismiss your fellow Democrats so offensively; http://www.ncsfreedom.org/

[AuntPatsy]

16. I'm not sure I see the importance of this issue, its a private lifesytle

and should remain as such, what is the point of addressing this in this party especially at this moment in time when something like this only once again would take away from the more important issues that need our attention such as more affordable health care, better wage earning employment etc etc..

I just feel this is too personal an issue to address especially on this forum..my opinon for what it is worth.

[cfield]

18. it is private but...

if we're out to dinner or something, and my best friend and I hold hands walking out of the restuarant or bar people either glare at us or (the guys) drop their jaws at the sight of two girls holding hands. Of course, our guys love the thought/sight of us walking together but it would be nice to be able to hold hands (we never go overboard, no groping or kissing or anything actually 'sexual') without getting a huge reaction from everyone around us. No one could tell by looking that we do anything in private, we're just good enough friends to hold hands. I guess we expect to be judged by those around us but it would be nice not to be. But that would be in a perfect world.

[troubleinwinter]

19. I think that is precisely the point.

One's "lifestyle" or personal private activities must be protected freedoms. Not demonized and attacked, or legislated against.

I disagree with the idea that it "would take away from the more important issues". Our freedom and our rights as Americans IS the issue, and is not "too personal an issue to address".

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

17. Woudn't this be more appropriate for The Lounge? I believe everyone

has the right to their choice of lifestyle as long as it is between consenting adults. I just don't think GD is the right place to ask about this. There are more pressing issues to discuss here.

Best of luck at getting your forum.

[benburch]

22. That right is legally denied in many cases!

This is a POLITICAL issue.

Read, please; http://www.ncsfreedom.org/

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

28. Perhaps because I live in NY I am insulated from seeing this

discrimination. Once again, I wish you luck in this cause.

[MountainLaurel]

30. Amen

The personal is political, and vice versa!

[Seabiscuit]

24. Nope. But I loved the movie: "Swingers". Had nothing to do with swingers

[PowerToThePeople]

25. Since adultery is never an enforced law...

As far as I know, adultery, if it is on the law books, does not get enforced. I see this as a non-issue. I have friends, good friends, who swing. I also have a couple of girlfriends who are in a bi relationship. On top of that, I have acquaintances who are in the sex-trade industry. Myself, I am just a single male who likes to enjoy life. But, what happens behind closed doors is nobodies business except the people behind that door.

Now, the GLBT issue is of importance. It should be the right of two people who love each other to be legally binded to each other. THis does need to change.

But, people will always gawk at what they are not able or willing to partake in. No amount of "talking" about the issue or publicizing it will change this fact.

[benburch]

26. A Wisconsin man was tried for Adultery in recent years.

And there are many other issues; http://www.ncsfreedom.org/

[benburch]

27. Looks like DU itself is unwilling to give this topic equal rights.

:(

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

29. This happens when new information concerning 9/11 comes to the

forefront. It is then packed up and sent into the dundgeon.

[IvotedforKodos]

31. Shazaam Baby!!

Zach here, Outswinging you all since 1983.

[Callalily]

32. I did not need

to know this Zach! You should take my example

[Politically_Wrong]

33. Simply Fugue is right...

we didn't need to know that...but while we are on the subject...I've been a swinger for the last 16 years...and you know what? no more secrets...I prefer Frito's over any other chip or snack!

[Callalily]

34. Ha ha ha ha

You always make me laugh. Here is my snack of choice, at least for the moment.