The Heart of Jacks: A History of Jack Off Clubs by Paul Rosenberg
 | Edward M. |
| Posted on: | September 23, 2020 |
| Categorized: | Featured Articles |
We’re excited to announce this book in progress and the soon to be podcast launching alongside of it.
Let us introduce long time Bateworld member and Author Paul Rosenberg
He is the founder and manager of Rain City Jacks, Seattle’s jack-off club, operating since 2005 and also the group on Bateworld with over 2.5k members. He is a writer, production designer, singer and community organizer. Paul is writing The Heart of Jacks, a history of jack-off clubs (J/O clubs) in America from 1980 to the present, a phenomenon of the sexual revolution that also maps the influence of LGBTQ+ culture and identity, HIV/AIDS and our evolving understanding of sexual orientation and gender while challenging our assumptions about maleness and our very definitions of what sex is. Based on research of surviving documentation, as well as interviews with both originators of the phenomenon and the organizers and members who fill the clubs today, The Heart of Jacks celebrates this little-known and little-understood thread running through the fabric of Western culture almost completely unseen.
Paul is launching his new podcast, The Heart of Jacks Podcast, in October. Based on his own experience of starting and building a successful jack-off club and researching his history of JO clubs.
About The Heart of Jacks
The Heart of Jacks is a non-fiction work of history and culture that dives into the unique and little-known world of jack-off clubs.
Okay. Maybe you just had a reaction. Something like, “What?” or “Is that a thing?” or “Cool!” or “That sounds gay.” or “Ooh Spicy!”
So, look: The Jacks did emerge from a gay bar in Manhattan at the dawn of 1980, but it grew, fast and globally, and has always included straight guys. Also, it is a thing and it was a thing before HIV was a thing. So, while at some level, it is exactly what you might think it is, it is also so much more.
And while I guess some people might find it mildly spicy, like 2-stars spicy, I am aiming this book squarely at your brain and your heart, not your loins. I want men and women of all orientations to know about the Jacks because I think it’s a window into all of us, our fundamental desire to connect, to experience innate pleasure, to be authentic and to find community where we didn’t expect it.
The Heart of Jacks will tell the story of the origin and evolution of jack-off clubs from 1980 to the present day, largely in the words of those who built it from the beginning and those who discovered and built upon that tradition over decades.
You can become a supporter of The Heart of Jacks project for just $5 a month. Higher tiers get bigger perks like ad-free access to the podcast (Yes, Virginia, there is a podcast), printed credit in the final work or a signed copy of the final book upon publication and free, VIP admission to book tour engagements. Yeah, I don’t plan to just publish a PDF and call it a day after more than ten years of work… I am serious about this thing.
I invite you to join me in this project, to pull back the curtain on a mysterious world, look inside and discover something that you never knew existed and never would have dreamt might have something to teach you about your fellow humans, and perhaps yourself.
The Heart of Jacks Project is supported by people like you, patrons through Patreon. Click here to find out more and to add your support.
Paul can be found on Bateworld as raincityjack, or follow him on Twitter @theheartofjacks
We’re excited to announce this book in progress and the soon to be podcast launching alongside of it.
Let us introduce long time Bateworld member and Author Paul Rosenberg
He is the founder and manager of Rain City Jacks, Seattle’s jack-off club, operating since 2005 and also the group on Bateworld with over 2.5k members. He is a writer, production designer, singer and community organizer. Paul is writing The Heart of Jacks, a history of jack-off clubs (J/O clubs) in America from 1980 to the present, a phenomenon of the sexual revolution that also maps the influence of LGBTQ+ culture and identity, HIV/AIDS and our evolving understanding of sexual orientation and gender while challenging our assumptions about maleness and our very definitions of what sex is. Based on research of surviving documentation, as well as interviews with both originators of the phenomenon and the organizers and members who fill the clubs today, The Heart of Jacks celebrates this little-known and little-understood thread running through the fabric of Western culture almost completely unseen.
Paul is launching his new podcast, The Heart of Jacks Podcast, in October. Based on his own experience of starting and building a successful jack-off club and researching his history of JO clubs.
About The Heart of Jacks
The Heart of Jacks is a non-fiction work of history and culture that dives into the unique and little-known world of jack-off clubs.
Okay. Maybe you just had a reaction. Something like, “What?” or “Is that a thing?” or “Cool!” or “That sounds gay.” or “Ooh Spicy!”
So, look: The Jacks did emerge from a gay bar in Manhattan at the dawn of 1980, but it grew, fast and globally, and has always included straight guys. Also, it is a thing and it was a thing before HIV was a thing. So, while at some level, it is exactly what you might think it is, it is also so much more.
And while I guess some people might find it mildly spicy, like 2-stars spicy, I am aiming this book squarely at your brain and your heart, not your loins. I want men and women of all orientations to know about the Jacks because I think it’s a window into all of us, our fundamental desire to connect, to experience innate pleasure, to be authentic and to find community where we didn’t expect it.
The Heart of Jacks will tell the story of the origin and evolution of jack-off clubs from 1980 to the present day, largely in the words of those who built it from the beginning and those who discovered and built upon that tradition over decades.
You can become a supporter of The Heart of Jacks project for just $5 a month. Higher tiers get bigger perks like ad-free access to the podcast (Yes, Virginia, there is a podcast), printed credit in the final work or a signed copy of the final book upon publication and free, VIP admission to book tour engagements. Yeah, I don’t plan to just publish a PDF and call it a day after more than ten years of work… I am serious about this thing.
I invite you to join me in this project, to pull back the curtain on a mysterious world, look inside and discover something that you never knew existed and never would have dreamt might have something to teach you about your fellow humans, and perhaps yourself.
The Heart of Jacks Project is supported by people like you, patrons through Patreon. Click here to find out more and to add your support.
Paul can be found on Bateworld as raincityjack, or follow him on Twitter @theheartofjacks
14 Responses to “The Heart of Jacks: A History of Jack Off Clubs by Paul Rosenberg”
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I’ve always been curious about jo clubs and I did visit one local clubs website. But nothing more. I’ve never done anything for reals with guys but curious about the club format. Where bators of different interests share their bates. I could see myself joining and going and then changing my mind once I get there. Or would/could I be comfy enough to drop trousers and do a bate for anyone to watch. I might even be one of those cum & go guys. Feeling weird afterwards and then making a quick dash for the door to leave.
The way you start your comment with, “I’ve always been curious about jo clubs” tells me a few things and the rest of your message tells me a few more, namely that you have all the normal concerns that anyone has before showing up for their first Jacks event. Jack-off clubs are a unique animal, very different from solosex but also totally different from a bathhouse or sex club. In practice, they feel more like a Lyon’s Club or Elk’s Lodge, a very fraternal, egalitarian space where penis is everywhere and celebrated openly.
Two things I can tell you:
1) JO clubs don’t compel their attendees to return. They want guys who love it to return and in general, they want every newcomer to have a good chance of finding out if they like it. Literally, the worst thing that would happen when you can finally try one out is that you find it’s just not your thing, Ian which case you simply leave and no harm done.
2) It’s precisely the guys who have “always been curious” who tend to show up, quickly shed their fears and find their groove. However you imagine it to be, the reality is different and, very often, in a good way.
I would like to start a jack club in Milwaukee Wisconsin! I have dreamed of something like this for a long time! Dang covid!
It only took one visit to NY Jacks a few years ago to see how much fun it is to bate with other guys. It was also affirming to see many different ages and body types get over their hang-ups, strip down and bate.
Going to NY Jacks inspired me to organize smaller hotel & motel groups which have been great.
I look forward to your book and podcast.
i grew up in NYC (though a different time reference) and I remember J’s Hangout – which was a bomb place to meet guys who wanted to take matters into their hands….sometimes while they were waiting in line to get in….ah, memories of well spent under the technical legal limit years…
Looking forward to this book. Recently, I went to a local jo group event, have never been to one before. Was nervous and ask a lot of questions to the organizer before hand. I really enjoyed myself and kind of followed everyone’s led. Afterwards, for whatever reason the organizer blocked me from his profile and the groups profile. Was not very affirming to you. Curious to see if other jo clubs are as judgmental as the one I went to.
hey Paul did you ever hear of the fraternity J/O Club? here in LA
Jack off clubs are kind of like “if you build it, they will come” or cum. Create one and get a few guys to join you by starting in a motel room or private residence, if you dare. I joined the Motor City Jacks a few years back. It is a lot of fun. The only problem is working it into your schedule, as far as I’m concerned. The guys are always nice. Every body type and age are welcome. Most that show up regularly are older guys, but once the group really gets going, the word gets out and the group grows on its own. Once you can find a regular location for hosting, the group can really take off. So leave your cares behind and your clothes at the door and enter proud to be a bator. Everyone there is for the same reason. Take a deep breath and enjoy.
Wow I’ve never even heard of a jacks or bate club I wish I wasn’t so shy when I was younger cause I had a few opportunities to jo with a few different buddies but I always chickened out because I was so embarrassed 😩 of my dick (I was born with hypospadias not a pretty site I was like Frankenstein dick and i knew they would of laughed or worse tell ppl at our school …but I’m 25 now and have had a second surgery that really made me feel better about it…I wish Delaware had a jacks i def wouldn’t chicken out this time some girls and few guys have even told me I was a good size and my hypo turned them on and I would have never guessed I’d ever be told that (if they weren’t just sayin it to be nice that Is)
Who knows but I’d be down to bare it all .ya only live once
Interesting. Signed up to hear the Podcasts. Look forward to the book.
Listened to all 4 PODCASTS. Interesting. Thank you.
Boston area guy
Ah just found podcasts… https://player.fm/series/2795524
Now I’m hooked on various podcasts… such a great way to share info, experiences and more about our fav sport – masturbation.
Would love to join any bators. In Phoenix Arizona