Logo
ISSUE #33.14 • NEWS • NEWS STORY

Holy Hedonism, Batman!


In the name of safe sex, PDX prepares to be dominated by passionate perverts and latex.

Recently in "News"

November 4th, 2009
Murmurs • Lists. A Great Way To Organize The News You Follow.5 comments

November 4th, 2009
Dr. Know2 comments

November 4th, 2009
Letters to the Editor • Inbox1 comment

November 4th, 2009
Not As Simple As 1-2-3 | Oregon’s upcoming census could mean another seat in congress.1 comment

November 4th, 2009
Rogue of the Week • University Of Oregon | Who’s killing Rudolph?5 comments

November 4th, 2009
Gimme A Break | Earl Blumenauer’s bill pays people to ride their bikes to work, but not everyone’s cashing in yet.1 comment

November 4th, 2009
Giving Treebates | Planting a tree may lower your sewer bill. 3 comments

November 4th, 2009
The Daily Show | Can a new publisher reverse the slide at The Oregonian?1 comment

November 4th, 2009
Law Of Averages | As Skipper leaves the sheriff’s office, an investigation into an alleged coverup is part of his legacy.13 comments

November 4th, 2009
Hey, Neighbor! • Hey, Neighbor!0 comments


"Take two of these..." In 2005, Just Suck It Already campaign organizer Betka Schpitz (right) was already dispensing advice during Portland's Pride Parade.
BY KYLE CASSIDY | kcassidy at wweek dot com

[February 14th, 2007] Bored with the same old, same old this Valentine's Day Hang on a couple weeks until the Just Suck It Already safer-sex campaign hits town.

On March 3, five women dressed in naughty latex nurse costumes will hit Portland streets to hand out free condoms, dental dams (for oral sex) and safe-sex information.

The main target initially will be Old Town. But planners, who have printed 1,000 bumper stickers, expect to continue the weekend event in perpetuity—opening eyes (and mouths) citywide to the joys of latex and safer sex.

"I think latex is important," says campaign organizer and Portland dominatrix Betka Schpitz. "It's sexy and safe and feels great. Just give yourself a hand massage with a latex glove and some lube and tell me you don't agree."

This is Just Suck It Already's first venture in Portland, though the city has a long history of alternative safe-sex campaigns. In 1995, Danzine—a nonprofit that began as a magazine—was created by, and for, people in the sex industry. Before closing in 2003 because of financial shortfalls, Danzine provided information about prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and birth control, and offered a needle-exchange program.

What distinguishes Just Suck It Already—a not-for-profit safe-sex movement—is its fire for educating people about the pleasures of latex. Or, as Schpitz writes on justsuckitalready.com, "We are passionate perverts here to encourage moral hedonism and gourmet sexuality in all of its forms."













icon Story continues below

advertisement

advertisement

"It's probably not how we'd deliver the message, but it's great," says Loreen Nichols, program manager for Multnomah County Health Department's HIV and hepatitis C programs.

One campaign sponsor is San Francisco-based Vixen Creations, which bills itself as the world's premier maker of "heirloom-quality" silicone dildos and anal plugs. Another is Syren Latex, a Los Angeles company that makes rubber evening gowns and formal latex evening wear. (Syren also has made Hollywood costumes for Batman, Catwoman and the 2005 Brad Pitt-Angelina Jolie flick, Mr. and Mrs. Smith.) The campaign's condoms will be provided by New York-based Condomania, which touts itself as America's first condom store.

"We will be handing out at least 1,000 condoms a month," Schpitz says.

Just Suck It Already will also be sponsoring the "Blasphemy Ball" on March 10 at Dante's (1 SW 3rd Ave.). Event organizer Stacy Bias expects "at least 300 kinksters, radicals, queers and activists" to attend what's being billed as a "night of focused, therapeutic rebellion."

Asked what to expect if you're unaccustomed to the kink community, Bias says you're likely to leave saying, "Whoa, I need a shower."

As for Just Suck It Already's larger campaign promoting latex costumes, rubber cocks and dental dams to get Portlanders to practice safe sex and moral hedonism

"I'm here to open a door for that to happen," Schpitz says. "And I can be very persuasive."

Rate This Story
3.77 average/22 votes

 
read all 7 comments | add your comment
 

RECENT COMMENTS ON “Holy Hedonism, Batman!”

4

Well, to each their own opinion, Mark.

I personally feel like if people were more educated in non-patronizing ways about the risks involved with having unprotected sexual contact, ...

Jenn, Feb 19th, 2007 7:54pm
5

What has this world come to? Not to sound too stereotypical, but I found it very odd, and slightly comical, that Mark (a guy) is advocating increased chastity, and Jenn (a woman) is rooting for more ...

KLo, Feb 20th, 2007 3:29pm
6

betka schpitz is a true american hero.

aa, Feb 21st, 2007 6:59am
7

*yawn*

bb, Feb 23rd, 2007 12:10pm
 
 
 





Recently in Willamette Week
December 31st 1969Washington State | The Canada of Oregon has it all—a Stonehenge replica, a longboarder's concrete wet dream and dark, damp underground lava caves. Vive les rocks.
December 31st 1969Oregon's Outer Edges | Crater Lake. Hell's Canyon. Wallowa and Steens mountain ranges. Hell, yeah.
December 31st 1969Central Oregon/High Desert | No rain, plenty of snow, obsidian flows and great local beer. The folks from the real eastside know how to unbend outside.
December 31st 1969Great Cascades/Columbia Gorge | With plenty of room to roam—and hot springs for your weary feet—it's the place to ramble and relax for the weekend.
December 31st 1969Willamette Valley | Monks, tracks, tubing and wine make the fertile strip a virile place to play.
December 31st 1969Stumptown | Tons of public parks, an extinct volcano and nude beach volleyball to keep you jolly. Get out and collect those merit badges, without leaving the city.
December 31st 1969The Coast | The beaches are public. You own them. Go play—hike in the old-growth forests.
December 31st 1969Cycle Tour 101: Your on-bike guide to Highway 101 | To ride the greatest bike route in Oregon, you need to get out of Portland.
December 31st 1969Doggin' It | What happens when a Portland running club jogs with pooches from the pound?
December 31st 1969Over the Edge | Sam Drevo will paddle yr ass.