Last summer, after my last relationship ended, a friend encouraged me to revel in my newfound freedom by going to sex parties. Yup, those are what they sound like — parties for sex. 

But for me, they were much more than that. They were places for me to meet sex-positive people, overcome shame, and get to know my sexuality. 

Over the course of the past year or so, I’ve attended upwards of a dozen sex parties, which put me on an emotional journey that ultimately increased my confidence, openness, and willingness to take risks. 

Here are a few lessons I’ve learned along the way that have helped me progress in my sex life and my life overall.

Sex, and what is sexy, lies on a massive spectrum that is highly personalized to each individual person. So you can bet that when it comes to choosing the right sex club, you're going to want to find a group that aligns with what you think is sexy. So if you’re wondering where to begin when delving into the wide world of sex clubs, here are a few places to start.

Sex clubs may seem taboo or risque, but as Grace learned, sex clubs are about finding what is erotic for you, as the individual, and creating a safe space to explore it. Still, it’s natural to feel nervous about attending. If you want to push the boundaries of your comfort zone, but are not sure what to expect, here are three important things to know before visiting your first sex club or sex party.