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Thursday 1 August 2013

Sex and Sexuality, the changing face of Ireland


The changing face of Ireland

I got the opportunity to hook up with an old friend and spend the weekend in Dublin. It goes without saying that one of our planned stops had to be The Ann Summers shop on O’Connell Street.
I remember the controversy when it opened. “Oh my, how dare a foreign retailer come in and impose their low moral standards on the Irish,” was the cry. And on O’Connell Street above all places, near the G.P.O. (The general post office, which was the site where the proclamation of independence was read in 1916) “Keep your filth out,” they cried. And what year did this outrage come about, the shaming of the nation? It may surprise you to hear it was only in 1999!
Well, it has to be said that the nation seems to have gotten over itself. There was no sign of the recession as we went through its doors; the place was thronged with people; male and female, young(although adult!) and old. There’s this little hut in the centre, like a pleasure dome, which houses all the vibrators, jiggle balls etc. This pleasure dome has an attendant there, a lively young lass who comes over to offer “advice” as soon as she sees you looking at something. I have to admit, I’d have had to be pretty desperate for a job to work there, as I wouldn’t have the nerve. It’s one thing writing about sex in the comfort of your own home but it would take a brave lass to stand there, pushing buttons and explaining exactly what each function does, meanwhile asking the customer what exactly they are looking for in a product. I was standing in one section, examining some anal toys when she landed over. I had an idea what I was after, but still got a hop when she came over offering help. Jaysus, I was twice her age and I could feel myself coming over all flustered. I just wanted to see the size of the object and strength of the vibrations, I didn’t need the birds and the bees talk! I convinced her I knew what I was after and that I was grand, but thanks all the same.
My friend was a little less fortunate, she switched on a vibrator and the damn thing wouldn’t go off so she had to get the young lassie to turn it off for her…oh the shame. The assistant reassured us it was just a question of holding the on off button for a few seconds, and bingo, it worked. I tried the same theory on the little one I bought when I got home; doesn’t bleeding work, you have to unscrew the battery compartment; try that with hands smathered in lube and the sound of footsteps in the landing. L

A few interesting facts…
In 1935, contraceptive devices could no longer be imported or offered for sale in Ireland. (But you could make an unsolicited “invitation to treat” or offer to buy if you knew where to go.)
In 1971, Irish feminists took part in the so called “Condom Train,” bringing contraceptive devices from Belfast to Dublin, showing the law to be an ass.
In 1973, the Supreme Court affirmed the right to “Marital Privacy” so great, marvellous; married couples could use contraception if they so desired…the problem was where to source them.
In 1978,  A bill  came into being to enable the limited provision of contraceptives for bona fide "family planning or for adequate medical reasons" in chemists, although this didn’t specify married couples, it was largely taken to mean that. In time skin conditions such as acne, or menstrual complaints were used to over-ride the “married” issue.
In 1985 Condoms and spermicides could be sold in chemist shops without a prescription to those over 18. Slight problem here: the age of consent was 17 and you could get married with parental consent at 16, though presumably, the law being an ass again, your marriage could not be consummated until a year later!
In the early 1990's intentions to open a "sex shop" i.e. an adult shop brought outrage and resulted in "pray in" protests.
In 1992, a change in the law allowed over 17’s to buy contraceptives although the pill was still requiring a prescription.
In 2003 the morning after pill became available, by prescription in Ireland. But still many doctors refused to prescribe it, considering it abortive and unethical.
In 2011 the morning after pill became available without prescription.
Abortion is a whole other issue, and the rights and wrongs could be argued until the cows come home, but for those who are interested in questioning the law, you need look no further than the tragic case of Savita Halappanavar, in 2012.





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14 comments:

  1. Wonderful, hilarious post, Tara! Thanks!

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    1. Thank you Emily, you have to laugh, otherwise you'd cry!

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  2. "hands smathered in lube" You're killing me! Very informative and very funny :)

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    1. Thanks Casey, the inconsistencies in our laws crack me up at times. I remember studying it as a subject in college, and back then I was a "good girl," but the daftness of being allowed to get married younger than the age of consent really got me, I wondered if the bride was supposed to ring mammy and daddy for permission to "do it" whenever the urge came upon them. I think it's changed now, as in you can no longer marry at 16, but I'm not going to stake my life on it.

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  3. Hands smathered in lube and the sound of footsteps on the landing...LOL! Wow, for the days when I lived somewhere near an adult store. I remember those embarrassments. Now, if we want to browse the naughty selection, we have to go 10 miles out of town to Crystal Dolphin's Adult Toy Store and Bait Shop. I WISH I was making that up!

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    1. I envy your ten miles, I gotta go 100, that's why we were like (naughty) children in a toy shop!

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  4. The law's quite frequently an ass here, too, but usually about other things. Hilarious story.
    Angie

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    1. Thanks Angie,I think the law being an ass is pretty universal

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  5. Oh wow, I think we in the west are not as liberal and free as we believe some days… Interesting facts.

    I was in a shop once where the gal came over to help and although you try to believe you won't be embarrassed - Christ - beet red. The friend I was with was totally into it though, comparing vibrators, chatting about this and that - absolutely couldn't care less who was listening. I think in fact she did it just for that reason! Oh, she even picked up a crop and smacked my ass with it - this was before i'd come out! She knows my Naughty Little Secret :) now but back then, I couldn't even stand in the BDSM room without feeling completely sweaty and hot!

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    1. OMG Natasha, I can feel your stess, all these delicious items tempting you and yet you have to hide your excitement. Bet they're more fun these days!

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  6. OMG, loved this post! I remember the days when the adult shops were smarmy places where you wore a hat low on your brow when you went in. These days they're like the mall with the friendly sales person telling you which color looks best on you! :)

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    1. Or in you Renee! "Oh yes, this dildo really is your colour!" LOL.

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  7. So funny Tara. I think the law is an ass most places lol

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    1. It sure can be Constance. Best to try and keep on the right side of it though!

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