Hot Button Party

It's sex with someone you love.

by Christina Shaffer

Elicia Gonzales is asking people to masturbate. For money.

It's not like that, exactly — proceeds from her "Masturbate-A-Thon," a fundraiser with a slightly dirty twist, will benefit the Mazzoni Center, a nonprofit that advocates for LGBTQ and women's health. Just like a 5K charity run, participants must find pledges and follow through with their commitment to, well, service themselves. Gonzales, a manager at the center, hopes that women in particular will get involved.

"Historically, female masturbation has been equated with immorality and insanity," she says. "I wanted to create awareness about female masturbation, encourage women to talk openly and honestly about their values, provide information about the benefits of masturbation and encourage women to have fun."

The Hot Button Party, which celebrates both the Masturbate-A-Thon and National Masturbation Month, will kick off with a "Masturbation 101" workshop led by Danielle Ruggles and Jess Ackerman. Gonzales will also raffle off sex toys, burlesque star The Infamous Miss Mae (pictured) will perform, and the Masturbate-A-Thon winners will be revealed.

Believe it or not, Gonzales is still looking for people to lend a — ahem — hand in the Masturbate-A-Thon, so register at the Mazzoni Center by May 16 if you're interested.

Sat., May 16, 10 p.m.-3 a.m., $5, XO Lounge, 1437 South St., 215-563-0652, ext. 243, mazzonicenter.org.