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Bang! Masturbation for People of All Genders and Abilities
Want to know how to masturbate? Here’s your guide. Whether you’re jerking the gherkin, flicking the bean, or something in between, masturbation doesn’t have to be a taboo topic. This straightforward, unapologetic illustrated guide to self-pleasure will teach you what you need to know to get to know your own body. This inclusive manual covers basic anatomy, techniques, mindsets, orgasms, troubleshooting, and a wide range of the tools and toys. There are sections on debunking myths, exploring your body for the first time, sex toys, tips from trans people for trans people, and a section on masturbating when you have a physical disability and a caretaker that’s written by disabled folks. You’ll also learn about the history of anti-masturbation stigma, some thought-provoking data, and how to teach your kids healthy attitudes toward masturbation. Perfect for the pent-up teens and adults of all ages alike! Overcome physical and emotional obstacles to discover the stress-relieving potential and joy of unpartnered sex.
Includes writing and illustrations by Vic Liu, Nina Chausow, Alex Tait, Clare Edgeman, Leah Holmes, Sam Dusing, Patrick Wiedeman, Rebecca Bedell, Lafayette Matthews, Andrew Gurza, and Angus Andrews.
Includes writing and illustrations by Vic Liu, Nina Chausow, Alex Tait, Clare Edgeman, Leah Holmes, Sam Dusing, Patrick Wiedeman, Rebecca Bedell, Lafayette Matthews, Andrew Gurza, and Angus Andrews.
117 pages, Paperback
Published June 8, 2021
3 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 23, 2021
I am a cis-het white able-bodied male*. Much of this book was not about me. That is very different from saying that it’s not for me.
It seems like there was some thought devoted to choosing words and images that were inclusive but not stodgy. I didn’t notice at first because Bang doesn’t brag about breaking taboo. It just makes inclusivity and de-stimatizing… normal. For example, using “penis-haver” instead of “man” presents as merely delightful, but that subtle swap carries significant meaning. Inclusive colloquialism that you can use!
I am also fortunate to have gone to a high school with an exceptional sex ed. program. Even there, it jumped straight to partnered sex, glossing over masturbation, doubt, history, exploration, or the role of pleasure. Presumably, one was meant to learn about pleasure from the first partner to tell one what pleasure should feel like.
Overall, I recommend Bang to all maturbators: rookie, veteran, and prospective (i.e. anyone), in addition to the guardians of people who are undergoing sexual development. This includes the sexually-liberated, self-appreciating, non-marginalized penis-havers. It’s a no-nonsense, yet playful welcome to a consequential subject. Body appreciation is not just ok (I mean duh); it’s fun; it’s deceptively complicated; it’s not just about oneself. It totally makes sense to start on yourself though.
*Here, I’m sticking to my own perspective because I can’t speak for others. Perhaps the most radical aspect of Bang, however, is its normalization of author and reader perspectives that are very often stigmatized or simply excluded.
It seems like there was some thought devoted to choosing words and images that were inclusive but not stodgy. I didn’t notice at first because Bang doesn’t brag about breaking taboo. It just makes inclusivity and de-stimatizing… normal. For example, using “penis-haver” instead of “man” presents as merely delightful, but that subtle swap carries significant meaning. Inclusive colloquialism that you can use!
I am also fortunate to have gone to a high school with an exceptional sex ed. program. Even there, it jumped straight to partnered sex, glossing over masturbation, doubt, history, exploration, or the role of pleasure. Presumably, one was meant to learn about pleasure from the first partner to tell one what pleasure should feel like.
Overall, I recommend Bang to all maturbators: rookie, veteran, and prospective (i.e. anyone), in addition to the guardians of people who are undergoing sexual development. This includes the sexually-liberated, self-appreciating, non-marginalized penis-havers. It’s a no-nonsense, yet playful welcome to a consequential subject. Body appreciation is not just ok (I mean duh); it’s fun; it’s deceptively complicated; it’s not just about oneself. It totally makes sense to start on yourself though.
*Here, I’m sticking to my own perspective because I can’t speak for others. Perhaps the most radical aspect of Bang, however, is its normalization of author and reader perspectives that are very often stigmatized or simply excluded.
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July 14, 2021Otworzyłam tę książkę, bo wyświetliła się na Scribd i zachęciła ładną okładką. W środku ma ładne ilustracje. Jest spoko napisana, całkiem zabawnie. Ale czy dowiedziałam się z niej czegoś nowego? Nie sądzę
Ale jest cool
Ale jest cool
March 11, 2024
This book needs to be in every home and updated every few years, making it a permanent shelf-staple for parents, educators, therapists, LGBTQ support, young adults and new adults.
Vic Lui serves as editor, keeping the subject matter as fair, factual, and light-hearted as possible.
The topics of toys, guilt, mental well-being, age, body dysmorphia, the benefits, where the stigma historically of masturbation stems from, assistance for those with disability, statistics in masturbation, is as satisfying as a good finish.
Lui provides great input and honesty too. At the beginning of the book, the editor states that while the book was written by predominantly cis identifying people, the "scientific terms" of penis and clitoris are adjustable for trans and non-binary people as befits their choices and verbiage. The end of the book even provides words of affirmation for anyone and everyone:
'Mostly everybody does this. Do it if you want. Don't let anyone steal your thunder'.
I'm all for breaking the stigma on sex and physical pleasure. This was one of the first books that did so without being a shaming, medicinal or psychological tool.
Vic Lui serves as editor, keeping the subject matter as fair, factual, and light-hearted as possible.
The topics of toys, guilt, mental well-being, age, body dysmorphia, the benefits, where the stigma historically of masturbation stems from, assistance for those with disability, statistics in masturbation, is as satisfying as a good finish.
Lui provides great input and honesty too. At the beginning of the book, the editor states that while the book was written by predominantly cis identifying people, the "scientific terms" of penis and clitoris are adjustable for trans and non-binary people as befits their choices and verbiage. The end of the book even provides words of affirmation for anyone and everyone:
'Mostly everybody does this. Do it if you want. Don't let anyone steal your thunder'.
I'm all for breaking the stigma on sex and physical pleasure. This was one of the first books that did so without being a shaming, medicinal or psychological tool.
December 15, 2025
I was very ready to call this essential reading for my fellow ace people, and I think it’s a step below that. Bang! is a collection with lots of helpful, normalizing information about masturbation, but it doesn’t have a particular emphasis on asexuality. This is unfortunate, because through casual conversations and online content, I’ve found that for many ace people, masturbation is our preferred form of sex.
The essays in Bang! are chock full of advice, supportive statements, and technical information that will be helpful for anyone interested in masturbation, including asexual people. I especially appreciated the guidance on masturbation-related guilt, and how discussing your experiences with others can be a helpful antidote. Talking about masturbation with my ace friends is one of the most affirming experiences I’ve had, because finally SOMEBODY GETS IT.
It’s not that this book doesn’t get it, but they kinda undersell the possibility that solo sex can be just as special as partnered sex. The contributors are often selling masturbation as an important way to learn how you like to be touched, to then bring that information back to your sexual partners. But what if that second part weren’t always a requirement? I would love to see more people discuss what that looks like, because many couples I know are dealing with this in real time. More possibility models, we need them so deeply!!
Let’s discuss a few things I definitely enjoyed: Bang! has several essays that focus on masturbation for wheelchair users, trans people, and seniors, all of which seemed both helpful and respectful. One essay did mention post-coital tristesse (PCT), but it was brief and didn’t fully connect it to religious trauma as much as I might have hoped. There is also an essay about ethical porn, which offers the great idea of making your own! This is coming up a lot more in my life—for starters, my favorite OF creator’s best videos are just her watching her old videos. It’s a very meta experience where I’m like yes, you are in my shoes as a fan of your own content! I also met someone earlier this year who writes their own erotica, and then has their partner narrate it!!! So basically this was a great reminder for me about how we can get more involved in creating our own media.
In closing, I’ll say that I’m very happy this book exists, AND I’d love a longer version with more contributions from asexual writers. In a third edition, I’d also love for them to update the essay “Destroyer of Civilization”, which provides great context on why people hate masturbation (industrial era ableism and productivity BS along with age old religion.) Unfortunately, this essay also refers to male and female masturbation—even if that’s the terms used back in 500 BCE, we know that’s not what’s meant now, and so we could use the same gender-expansive language used in the rest of the book. This essay could’ve also used some better copy editing—the Christian Church couldn’t possibly have prohibited masturbation in 500 BCE, because that was 500 years before the birth of the man who was the ORIGIN of the church. Again, if anyone related to the publication of this book somehow happens along this review, I would gladly offer my proofreading services! I really enjoyed this book concept, and would love to see even more like it in the future.
The essays in Bang! are chock full of advice, supportive statements, and technical information that will be helpful for anyone interested in masturbation, including asexual people. I especially appreciated the guidance on masturbation-related guilt, and how discussing your experiences with others can be a helpful antidote. Talking about masturbation with my ace friends is one of the most affirming experiences I’ve had, because finally SOMEBODY GETS IT.
It’s not that this book doesn’t get it, but they kinda undersell the possibility that solo sex can be just as special as partnered sex. The contributors are often selling masturbation as an important way to learn how you like to be touched, to then bring that information back to your sexual partners. But what if that second part weren’t always a requirement? I would love to see more people discuss what that looks like, because many couples I know are dealing with this in real time. More possibility models, we need them so deeply!!
Let’s discuss a few things I definitely enjoyed: Bang! has several essays that focus on masturbation for wheelchair users, trans people, and seniors, all of which seemed both helpful and respectful. One essay did mention post-coital tristesse (PCT), but it was brief and didn’t fully connect it to religious trauma as much as I might have hoped. There is also an essay about ethical porn, which offers the great idea of making your own! This is coming up a lot more in my life—for starters, my favorite OF creator’s best videos are just her watching her old videos. It’s a very meta experience where I’m like yes, you are in my shoes as a fan of your own content! I also met someone earlier this year who writes their own erotica, and then has their partner narrate it!!! So basically this was a great reminder for me about how we can get more involved in creating our own media.
In closing, I’ll say that I’m very happy this book exists, AND I’d love a longer version with more contributions from asexual writers. In a third edition, I’d also love for them to update the essay “Destroyer of Civilization”, which provides great context on why people hate masturbation (industrial era ableism and productivity BS along with age old religion.) Unfortunately, this essay also refers to male and female masturbation—even if that’s the terms used back in 500 BCE, we know that’s not what’s meant now, and so we could use the same gender-expansive language used in the rest of the book. This essay could’ve also used some better copy editing—the Christian Church couldn’t possibly have prohibited masturbation in 500 BCE, because that was 500 years before the birth of the man who was the ORIGIN of the church. Again, if anyone related to the publication of this book somehow happens along this review, I would gladly offer my proofreading services! I really enjoyed this book concept, and would love to see even more like it in the future.
March 12, 2021
Basically a quick book that says "hey, it's ok to masturbate!"
"All genders and abilities" is kind of misleading. It DOES include a transsexual chapter (which was sort of... enlightening, I guess though pretty basic but I'm not a transsexual so I have no clue if it's useful).
The disabled bit is a quick gloss over. Which focuses on wheel-chair bound or bilateral amputee/paraplegic's. Which is fine, but when I read the title on Humble Bundle, I was assuming blind and/or deaf would be thrown in as well (especially given the number of folks that seem interested in blind/deaf sex lives of the people they know). There's none of that here.
The "data" page is from 2009, which is ok but... not current per se.
It's not a bad book, but given the tier I paid on Humble for it (and a few "Unfuck your..." self-help books) it's... not worth that $15 tier.
Hopefully the "Unfuck your..." series of self-help books are better, but not a good first-start in this Humble Bundle browsing.
"All genders and abilities" is kind of misleading. It DOES include a transsexual chapter (which was sort of... enlightening, I guess though pretty basic but I'm not a transsexual so I have no clue if it's useful).
The disabled bit is a quick gloss over. Which focuses on wheel-chair bound or bilateral amputee/paraplegic's. Which is fine, but when I read the title on Humble Bundle, I was assuming blind and/or deaf would be thrown in as well (especially given the number of folks that seem interested in blind/deaf sex lives of the people they know). There's none of that here.
The "data" page is from 2009, which is ok but... not current per se.
It's not a bad book, but given the tier I paid on Humble for it (and a few "Unfuck your..." self-help books) it's... not worth that $15 tier.
Hopefully the "Unfuck your..." series of self-help books are better, but not a good first-start in this Humble Bundle browsing.
April 20, 2022
This is the standard for all sex ed books going forward! I loved this book from beginning to end and it was gender neutral! It has been a point of frustration with sex ed books that it's very gendered. I love Liu's writing was fun but informative like talking to a friend. My only complaint that it was way too short.
November 14, 2024
Content Warning: as you can tell this book talks about masturbation and so does this review. So just be aware of that and let's get on into the review.
────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──────
As someone who isn't cis-gendered, I struggle with loving myself due to my body dysphoria and that makes masturbation upsetting and dysphoric to me. I've never come across a book on masturbation before especially one that includes other people besides only cis-gendered individuals.
The chapter on masturbating while trans and tips for touching with a physical disability were a perfect length in my opinion and had great tips on these topics.
One thing I noticed in this book, that I loved was the fact that the author didn't gender genitalia when writing about masturbation. Usually without even thinking people gender things in society so to be neutral and inclusive with the language in this book was refreshing.
Because, yes people have genitalia but that doesn't mean they identify (For example: people who are Transgender or Gender Non-Conforming) with the label society has put on their genitalia.
Example of how society genders genitalia:
Vagina = Female, Penis = Male.
(By the way, if you disagree with me that is fine, I don't want to hear about it though.)
I also appreciated the introduction to this book. I love self-love and showing that you love yourself and the introduction was very body-positive and I love that!
In the end, I enjoyed this book and how respectful and considerate the book was overall.
────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──────
As someone who isn't cis-gendered, I struggle with loving myself due to my body dysphoria and that makes masturbation upsetting and dysphoric to me. I've never come across a book on masturbation before especially one that includes other people besides only cis-gendered individuals.
The chapter on masturbating while trans and tips for touching with a physical disability were a perfect length in my opinion and had great tips on these topics.
One thing I noticed in this book, that I loved was the fact that the author didn't gender genitalia when writing about masturbation. Usually without even thinking people gender things in society so to be neutral and inclusive with the language in this book was refreshing.
Because, yes people have genitalia but that doesn't mean they identify (For example: people who are Transgender or Gender Non-Conforming) with the label society has put on their genitalia.
Example of how society genders genitalia:
Vagina = Female, Penis = Male.
(By the way, if you disagree with me that is fine, I don't want to hear about it though.)
I also appreciated the introduction to this book. I love self-love and showing that you love yourself and the introduction was very body-positive and I love that!
"Masturbation is not a competition or a destination. It is a practice, and it will only improve as you give yourself permission to take the time that you need, create a space that makes you truly comfortable, and explore tools to help grow your experience." (Page 3)
In the end, I enjoyed this book and how respectful and considerate the book was overall.
August 6, 2022
Deceiving
February 26, 2023
Inclusive content for all persons!
June 3, 2022
Rating: 3.75
A short but fairly informative read. I appreciate that it expanded to include information for trans and disabled people; as someone cis and abled, it also educated me and gave me some perspective (note: the authors are both trans or disabled in their respective sections, so this is an own voices book). I would say overall, this is a great rundown on sexual health re: masturbating with terminology, anatomy, methods, history, and statistics. There is a section analyzing guilt from religion/society and referrals for sex toy stores.
One note I would give to publishers is in this physical copy, pages with graphics that were centered needed more spacial allowance for binding. There would be diagrams or words that were too centered that I couldn't see or read well because of this.
A short but fairly informative read. I appreciate that it expanded to include information for trans and disabled people; as someone cis and abled, it also educated me and gave me some perspective (note: the authors are both trans or disabled in their respective sections, so this is an own voices book). I would say overall, this is a great rundown on sexual health re: masturbating with terminology, anatomy, methods, history, and statistics. There is a section analyzing guilt from religion/society and referrals for sex toy stores.
One note I would give to publishers is in this physical copy, pages with graphics that were centered needed more spacial allowance for binding. There would be diagrams or words that were too centered that I couldn't see or read well because of this.
March 19, 2023
Short and sweet, a quick run through with emphasis on one of the most important aspects of finding pleasure is being free of judgement both from the self and society. With that said, there was a part I though was uncomfortable. Just a little paragraph about if your fantasies involve consent issues maybe seek professional help and I'm thinking...so how about that being free of judgment, eh?
Aside from that, the book does do well in bringing in multiple voices. There are parts written by a wheelchair user and another on working with chronic illness. The author acknowledges the majority of the book is written by cis people but it brings in voices from transmac and transfem individuals.
I like the bits of history and demographic information following the fun. Makes for a cohesive whole in understanding why western society views a natural part of life as something to be avoided.
Aside from that, the book does do well in bringing in multiple voices. There are parts written by a wheelchair user and another on working with chronic illness. The author acknowledges the majority of the book is written by cis people but it brings in voices from transmac and transfem individuals.
I like the bits of history and demographic information following the fun. Makes for a cohesive whole in understanding why western society views a natural part of life as something to be avoided.
March 15, 2021
I really loved this book! Nobody ever talked to me about these things when I was growing up, and it's so cool to see them being talked about in a book in such an unembarrassed way. Because obviously this topic is pretty relevant to everyone! Also, the drawings are super pretty and interesting. I kind of want to tear them out and put them on my wall. Would definitely be a conversation starter (lol)! I can't wait to gift this to my girlfriends.
March 22, 2021
This book is a lot of fun! The design is so gorgeous and really easy to navigate, I especially loved the data sections and the parts focusing on the history of masturbation. Really appreciated all the different points of view and how inviting and warm the tone of the book was. Got a lot out of it as an adult reader and feel like it's something that I really would have appreciated as a teen.
July 27, 2021
This book, this knowledge, should be in the education curriculum!
September 1, 2021
Short book, easy to read. Mostly about body positivity, which I’m happy to see.
February 7, 2022
Quick, informative read. I'll just leave it at that.
May 13, 2023
Great book for sex education, all focused on pleasure and super inclusive. Loved it!
January 12, 2024
Unfortunately not a lot of depth to it.
While a soothing, fun and easy lecture, no doubt, it only scratches the surface.
While a soothing, fun and easy lecture, no doubt, it only scratches the surface.
January 19, 2024
Short, but well researched
July 13, 2024
2.5/5. Got it as part of a Bundle. Easy to read but very average. There are better books than that but if you have it, doesn’t hurt to read it 🤷♀️
November 15, 2024
some good information but I feel like it glosses over a lot
April 26, 2025
DNF at 38%
3/10
3/10
April 17, 2025
While a lot of what was in here was information I already knew, I can see this being a super helpful primer for preteens, teens, and even adults who may be exploring their sexuality with themselves for the first time. I’m so happy that books like this exist for today’s youth.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews