by In the comprehensive book Buzz written by Hallie Lieberman, readers are taken on an immersive journey through the captivating history of sex toys. From ancient times, including intriguing details about the world’s oldest dildo, to the significant figures that shaped the sex toy industry in the late 1900s, Lieberman provides an engaging and witty narrative.
Throughout the book, I found myself engrossed in the stories behind the creation of Doc Johnson, experiencing exhilarating moments while learning about the pioneering development of silicone dildos, and having my perspective shifted when discovering the surprising buyer of Good Vibrations in 2007.
In this post, I will attempt to summarize some of the key historical figures discussed in the book and the profound influence they had on the industry.
Reuben Sturman
Reuben Sturman, the central figure in the realm of sex toys, emerges as an intriguing antihero. He forged an empire in the adult industry, ultimately owning a vast network of porn shops across the United States and exerting control over 70% of sex toy production.
Sturman’s journey began with the establishment of his own adult bookshop. However, his breakthrough came in the 1960s when he invented peep-show booths, allowing individuals to pay a small fee for a private 10-minute viewing of pornographic content. These booths served as one of the few means of enjoying porn movies discreetly before the advent of VCRs. With a rapidly growing demand, Sturman reinvested his profits to open more shops, resorting to ruthless tactics and even enlisting the help of the mafia to extort other adult businesses through “mortgage” payments.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Sturman expanded his porn shop network extensively across the United States. While he faced frequent obscenity charges for his involvement in porn distribution, these charges were consistently deemed unconstitutional, enabling him to expand his empire unhindered.
In 1976, Sturman established Doc Johnson, a prominent dildo and sex toy company that remains influential today, despite concerns over the materials used in their products. He acquired a dildo company called United Sales, rebranded it as Doc Johnson, and took over their Los Angeles-based factory. Given Sturman’s background as a porn industry titan, it is fitting that Doc Johnson, with its controversial reputation concerning materials, traces its origins back to him.
Although Sturman evaded extortion and obscenity charges, he ultimately faced legal consequences in 1992 when he was convicted of 15 counts of tax evasion, resulting in a 75-year prison sentence. At the time of his conviction, Sturman had recently married and had a young daughter. In an effort to protect his family, he divorced his wife and left them a substantial fortune before entering prison.
In 1994, Sturman managed to escape custody on foot. Authorities began notifying airports, anticipating his attempt to flee the country. However, he was discovered at an In-N-Out Burger, where he was enjoying a meal with his 7-year-old daughter. It was revealed that he had spent his entire two weeks of freedom solely with her, adding a touch of poignancy to his otherwise intense and ruthless life.
Following his recapture, Sturman was returned to prison, where he passed away in 1997 at the age of 73.
Betty Dodson
Betty Dodson, a self-proclaimed feminist with an attitude of “let’s have sex, let’s have fun,” dedicated herself to teaching women the art of self-pleasure. Her book, Liberating Masturbation, served as a comprehensive guide on the subject, providing step-by-step instructions for women to explore and enjoy their own bodies. Notably, the book included numerous illustrations showcasing the diversity of labia, helping women embrace the natural variations in their own anatomy.
During the 1960s and 1970s, female masturbation remained heavily stigmatized and was often considered taboo and even dangerous. Betty Dodson, alongside other advocates, played a significant role in challenging and changing societal attitudes towards self-pleasure. She boldly declared that “vibrators are not fattening, illegal, or immoral,” attempting to debunk the misconceptions and negative perceptions associated with using vibrators. Dodson aimed to empower individuals, emphasizing that embracing pleasure and incorporating sex toys into one’s sexual experience should be seen as positive and fulfilling, rather than something to be shamed or feared.
In addition to her written work, Betty Dodson gained fame for hosting body-sex workshops throughout the 1970s and 1980s. These workshops required participants to be naked, creating a safe and open environment where Dodson could educate groups of women on the art of self-pleasure. Using vibrators like the Hitachi Magic Wand, Dodson guided women through the process of masturbation, encouraging them to explore their own desires and experiences.
Thanks to the efforts of Betty Dodson and other advocates, female masturbation has gradually shed its taboo status and gained recognition as a normal and healthy aspect of sexuality. Dodson’s empowering message and commitment to sexual liberation continue to inspire individuals to embrace their own pleasure and celebrate the diversity of their bodies.
Joani Blank
Joani Blank, a participant in Betty Dodson’s body-sex workshops, played a significant role in the establishment of Good Vibrations. In fact, her own labia were depicted by Dodson and featured in Liberating Masturbation, showcasing the diversity of women’s bodies.
Upon returning to San Francisco, Joani Blank embarked on a new venture by founding Good Vibrations, a unique sex shop catering exclusively to women. With its boutique-style atmosphere, the shop focused on providing women with access to quality vibrators and other sexual products. Blank’s primary motivation was not driven by profit but rather by her genuine desire to assist and support women.
Good Vibrations quickly became a pioneering force, inspiring a movement of independent, woman-owned sex shops. Stores like Smitten Kitten, Babeland, Sugar, Come as you are, Grand Opening, Self Serve, and many others emerged as part of this progressive wave. In contrast to some male figures in the sex toy industry, such as Sturman, who seemed focused on building empires and maximizing profits, the women behind these shops aimed to foster social change and create a sense of community.
The efforts of Joani Blank and her contemporaries exemplified a different approach to the sex toy industry, one that was driven by a mission to empower women, promote sexual well-being, and challenge societal norms. Through their work, they brought about not only the availability of sex toys but also a broader movement for sexual liberation and empowerment.
Dell Williams
Dell Williams, like many others, had encounters with Betty Dodson that left a lasting impact. Following her attendance at Dodson’s body-sex workshops, Williams embarked on a personal quest to purchase a magic wand at a Macy’s store. Unfortunately, she was subjected to teasing by a sales associate.
This experience fueled her determination to establish Eve’s Garden, a women-only sex shop. Initially operating out of her apartment, the shop eventually found a home at street level. With the assistance of Gosnell Duncan, they collaborated on the creation of pioneering silicone dildos, pushing the boundaries of innovation in the industry.
Gosnell Duncan
Gosnell Duncan, the pioneer behind silicone dildos, is a true inspiration. Long before platforms like Etsy or Tumblr existed, he dedicated himself to handcrafting silicone dildos in his basement, earning him my admiration.
An unfortunate accident in his auto-repair shop left him confined to a wheelchair and unable to achieve an erection. During this time, he discovered that he was not alone in facing such challenges. Many disabled individuals longed to experience sexual pleasure again, often prioritizing it over the ability to walk.
Initially, Duncan experimented with PVC strap-on dildos, but he found the material’s smell and texture unappealing. Drawing from his experience using silicone parts in automotive work, he believed that silicone would be an excellent material for dildos.
Driven by his curiosity and determination, Duncan reached out to GE chemists, corresponding with them to learn more about molding and casting silicone. He developed a process wherein he would sculpt a clay model of a dildo, create a mold around it, and then pour silicone into the mold.
Under the name Paramount Therapeutic Products, he began selling his handcrafted dildos at prices ranging from $20 to $40 each.
Recognizing the potential for collaboration, Duncan approached Eve’s Garden and Good Vibrations to inquire if they were interested in offering unique products. Together, they embarked on a groundbreaking journey, creating the first non-phallic dildos that departed from the traditional penis-shaped designs. These innovative creations also introduced a range of colors, including blue, pink, and toffee, challenging the prevailing norms of the industry.
Gosnell Duncan’s dedication to crafting silicone dildos, born out of personal experience and a desire to empower others, has left a lasting impact on the adult toy industry. His willingness to experiment and collaborate has contributed to the diversification and accessibility of pleasure products, making him a true trailblazer in the field.
What the book is missing
Buzz, with its 290 pages, left me longing for more. I genuinely hope that Hallie Lieberman considers releasing a second edition, encompassing the fascinating world of European and Japanese sex toys, as well as exploring renowned vibrator manufacturers like Lelo and Fun Factory.
Nonetheless, I don’t mind delving into Buzz multiple times, savoring its captivating content.
What are your thoughts on Buzz? Does it pique your interest as a compelling book? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments below, and let’s engage in further discussion!
