In the spirit of general sex-positivity, let's talk about swinging. I see that among active participants, the words "swingers" and "swinging" are being replaced by "play couples" and "the lifestyle." Either way, you're talking about heterosexual couples exchanging partners with other couples for recreational sex. Sound like fun? Here's some basic info about "the lifestyle":
It's couples-oriented. Single men have a tough time getting into most swingers' events, although single women are often accepted.
It's not just the Beautiful People. Most swingers are a bit older and, as in the rest of the world, while some are gorgeous hard bodies, many aren't.
It's mostly het sex. Bisexual behavior between women isn't uncommon, but sex between men is clearly frowned upon.
It's an organized sexual community. There are hundred of swingers' clubs nationwide, according to the North American Swing Club Association (a.k.a. NASCA International). There is also an annual conference called "The Lifestyles Convention," which drew over 3,000 people last year.
Like other sexual subcultures, the swinger lifestyle comes with its own lingo:
路 Open Swinging: Having sex with someone else while your partner is present, frequently while they are also having sex with another person.
路 Closed Swinging: Having sex with someone else, with your partner's agreement but without them being present.
路 Soft Swinging: Engaging in foreplay with someone else, and then returning to your own partner for actual intercourse.
路 Off-Premises Party: Sex will not take place at the actual event--it's for meeting and mingling only.
路 On-Premises Party: Sex will be happening at the party.
Where to go in Seattle: I got information from www.sexuality.org, a great resource, and from the NASCA International website (www.nasca.com). Other area swinger resources include New Horizons (425-745-3156/www.horizonsclub.com), People's Choice Club (425-778-8330/www.peoplesc.com), and Original Circles (206-227-0567/www.originalcircles.com).
