I’m often looking for a good gangbang scene to watch and I’m not alone in the search! Group play is a commonly browsed erotica theme, and a commonly desired fantasy. (Lehmiller). And yet the words “gangbang” can spring to mind many different emotions to people, depending on different contexts, biases, preferences and backgrounds and more.
I’m Elle Stanger, CSE. I’m a pornmaker and certified sex educator and people often share that they feel most comfortable and arousable when they know that performer preferences are leading the production.
Today we are talking about F/MMMMM gangbangs, where a straight woman’s fantasy is unfolding. The movie is about a unique perspective on a gang bang from Kazumi's point of view: Filming a gangbang scene. Kazumi is the star and speaks to director Erika.
Where to find a gaggle of good looking, consent-aware, regularly-STI screened hunks? The porn set of Erika Lust, where Kazumi daydreams her ideal sexy setup. I’ve watched a lot of porn and made a little, and this Kazumi’s Party is presented from a unique perspective. Kazumi regularly “breaks the fourth wall” by talking directly to the camera while collaborating with Erika about the scene. The two women sit fully clothed in an office while Erika suggests another backdrop for her scene: perhaps something athletic and empowering like a tennis court? But Kazumi insists she’s more of a pool-party kitten.
People have been making fantasy and reality-based art for arguably 30,000 years, and some of our human ancestors had communal sex or ceremonial group sex all around the world too, and that includes in pre-colonized America. Recorded ancient Greek and Roman history has revealed some writing about group bangs of men, women, or both. “Orgies gave people a much needed break”, says author Neel Burton, MD. Indeed Kazumi is looking for a good time and porn is a perfect escape from life stress.
Critics argue that gangbangs can perpetuate the objectification and dehumanization of the person or people being gangbanged. Current dictionary definitions of the words “gang bang” have arguably negative connotations referring to violence, or a passive partner. (Merriam-Webster) And since most porn and media has historically been made by-and-for straight men’s perspectives, it comes as no surprise that gang bang erotica is assumed to be for them too.
Art reflects culture and life, and it is possible to redefine gangbangs as consensual, safer practices, which begins by removing stigma to them. Feminist pornographers and patrons can move into embracing diverse art and sex-making as a way to embrace diversity in sex and people. Erika discloses to Kazumi and viewers that she’s never directed a gang bang scene before, hinting that there might be more complexity to it. Collaborating on group sex takes more communication and care, not less! There are steps we can take to improve outcomes in art and sex: as modeled in-scene and what happens behind-the-scenes.
Most sex educators will suggest that people having any kind of partnered sex take time to talk when they are clothed and in a non-sexual space. Such is the case on Kazumi’s set and we see behind the scenes footage of all the performers seated together outside in lawn chairs and robes, talking and laughing. “Munches” are a common name for non-sexual meetups that involve chatting and food, as known in the non-monogamous or banging communities. Group chats can be another way that some people like to plan an orgy or gangbang but be wary of messaging app privacy Terms Of Service.
Performers regularly do blood-screenings and swabs, and it is OK and COOL to ask for proof-of-screening from your real life partners. I like and recommend the STARS Talk tips on maketimeforthetalk.com. People who screen and have multiple partners they communicate with are less likely to acquire or transmit an STI, but “monogamous” people who cheat are more likely to acquire and transmit STIs. (Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2012.) Being proactive with preparation is harm reduction for everyone!
I find myself pondering the sexual orientation of the male performers, as some people also muse to themselves about gang bangs,
“What if the men touch? And I like it? Does that make me a man, gay or bisexual?”
In the case of Kazumi, it doesn’t matter because she’s there to be worshiped, and the sexuality of the men interacting with her only relate to her pleasure. Fellas, is it gay to fuck a woman together? Men touch all the time during fighting and sports play, why should we care any more if they touch during sex?
Modern porn and feminism is about rewriting the norms and so we must ask ourselves, what are we tired of seeing? Porn viewers tell me that it’s boring when all the performers look identical to each other, and it’s stressful to see a woman doing work for a bunch of cis gender men. In reality - group fantasy scenarios are common but women want to be getting off and their pleasure prioritized!
Sex researcher Justin Lehmiller has stated, “Our sexual fantasies are in many ways therapeutic. They don’t just help us to experience sexual pleasure, but also to cope with the psychological needs that we have at a given moment.”
Porn is created to be viewed as entertainment, not an instruction manual for real life. And yet there is power in demonstrating safer sexual practices through our art. Even if you never want to create-your-own gangbang, you’re invited to enjoy this scene.
Porn viewing is a safer way to witness an activity without participating. People who watch sky-diving or deep-ocean exploration videos don't necessarily want to experience those activities firsthand. There are things I’d rather fantasize about or view because they are logistically or emotionally complicated or risky in practice. Off the porn set it is rare to find so many (or any!) relaxed, screened, safe and friendly hunks in a tropical paradise - porn allows us to peripherally experience things otherworldly for many of us. This film is for whoever is searching for a good gang bang scene that ticks all my boxes: enthusiastic performers, good lighting, beautiful and interesting bodies, and a woman who is being treated in a way that prioritizes her pleasure.