Good Vibrations Magazine

Meet educator extraordinaire, Jo-El (and her sidekick, Rusty Hips!).

Rusty Hips by Larry Utley
Larry Utley’s Artist Gallery

With a staff as interesting and diverse as ours, we just can’t keep them to ourselves anymore! In this installment, meet Jo-El…sex educator, hand-stander, drag king and future Winnebago driver.

So, Jo-El, what do you do outside of working for Good Vibrations?

I have been a professional Drag King for over five years. My alter ego’s name is Rusty Hips. He just co-hosted this year’s big San Francisco Drag King contest. I am also the Program Coordinator for the Off-Site Sex Education program at the Center for Sex and Culture that Carol Queen started last year. Check out our website!

Where did you grow up?

In the Los Angeles suburbs…San Fernando Valley, to be exact….the porn capital of the world!

When did you start working at GV?

I started in Sept of 2001.

What did you do before working at GV?

Before I realized I was destined to be a sex educator, I taught gymnastics, worked on an ambulance as an EMT, and was a Surgical Technician.

What’s your favorite thing about working for GV?

The best part is working with the public-the transformation that occurs when you debunk the myths of sexuality, and allow people the space to learn more about their own sexuality without the shame that is so prevalent in our society. I love educating the public about the best way to stimulate the G-spot, that the clit is 4″ long (the legs are called the “crura”-tell all your friends), the proper ways to have anal sex, and that 90% of women require some sort-of external stimulation in order to achieve orgasm. The world needs to know these things, ya know?

What’s the most interesting experience you’ve had at work?

I’ll never forget the time I was helping an older gentleman who appeared to be wearing very short shorts with a longer shirt. When he came to the counter to be rung up, he pulled his shirt up to get his wallet, which was attached to a g-string speedo. When I told him that I would be happy to ring him up once he put some pants on, he replied with, “These ARE my pants!”

Did you ever think you’d be selling sex toys?

Nope, but I’m damn good at it. At the root of selling sex toys is knowledge of pleasure physiology and anatomy, and what toys/lube/barriers will be best for a customers needs. This requires creating a comfortable, safe space to divulge pretty intimate conversation. The more you educate a customer about their bodies and the way toys work, the more you’re going to sell. And then everyone is happy!

What’s your idea of a “perfect” day?

I’m pretty simple…having uninterrupted time with my love at the beach with delicious food.

Name five things you couldn’t live without?

Hmmmm…”things”, huh?? OK-a decent knife, music, chocolate, comfortable shoes, and sex.

What’s your favorite (sexy) movie?

Outlaw Ladies…I love classic porn!

Where could we find you on any given Saturday night?

Haha! Probably going on a long walk after having a delicious dinner, scheming up ways to spend my two days off (Sunday/Monday are my weekend).

What’s one thing about you that would surprise your co-workers if they found out?

That’s a hard one…at this point, working with them for the last five years, I don’t think anything will surprise them. Let’s see…I was raised Mormon, and could probably beat most people my age at a handstand contest. I think they all know that already…oh yeah…and I’m a lover, not a fighter.

What’s one thing you’ve learned by working at GV that you’d like to share with our customers?

ONE THING: Don’t be misled by the shape of vibrators. Vibration is most effective when used on the outside of the body. Only about 10% of all female-bodied people can achieve an orgasm from JUST penetration…the other 90% need external stimulation. I’ve encountered too many women who feel like there is something wrong with their bodies because they are not able to achieve orgasm from penetration alone, and too many men who feel like they aren’t doing something right if they’re unable to get their partners to come from just intercourse.

TWO THINGS: Don’t use spermicide!! All water-based lubes will have somewhat of a spermicidal effect. Spermicide is pretty toxic stuff…many Planned Parenthoods, and the city of San Francisco do not promote the use of this stuff. There are lots of other alternatives.

Where do you see yourself in five years? 10 years? I mean, if you’re not still working at GV!

I’m a big fan of living in the present, but if I had one fantasy of my future, I’d be in a Winnebago, livin’ life out on the road.

Perhaps I can take Good Vibes with me.