Whoever thought consensual sex and masturbation would be ever be against the law obviously never read certain sections of the Texas Penal Code (pun intended). Directors Laura Barton's and Judy Wilder's wonderfully explicit documentary, suitably named Dildo Diaries, explores one the certainly outdated and intrusive laws that exist in Texas.
The documentary delves with great detail into the sections of the Texas Penal Code that makes crimes out of "any contact between the genitals of one person and the mouth or anus of another person" (Sec. 43.01) and "a person who possesses six or more obscene devices ... is presumed to possess them with intent to promote the same" (Sec. 43.23). It also shows the great "educational models" (dildos), "personal massagers" (vibrators) and butt plugs that you can find at various stores around the state and how they are made, including a scene where you get to see one of the "educational models" getting molded.
Barton and Wilder do their best to get both sides to the sex laws, talking to "educational toy" shop owners, Texas state representatives (such as Rep. Senfronia Thompson), the curator of the Museum of Questionable Medical Devices, porn stars, columnist Molly Ivins, and vagina enthusiast Annie Sprinkle. It also includes some great footage from the 1993 legislative hearing where then-State Rep. Debra Danburg and Rep. Warren Chisum have a humorous discussion about "deviate" sexual intercourse, including mentions of "slips" (when relating to intercourse; use your imagination).
Dildo Diaries also shows the dangers that "educational toy" shop owners and employees go through, from undercover cops trying to arrest them to raids on the stores. You know, because masturbating is just as bad as selling drugs to underage children. Well, at least in Texas it is.
The film takes a light-hearted yet serious approach to the subject, which can be seen through Annie Sprinkle's interpretation of the song "B-I-N-G-O," although she changes the letters, accordingly. And it's almost surprising how easily and frequently the word dildo rolls off of Molly Ivins' tongue.
The documentary, which started as an eight-minute short at the 2001 Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival, progressed into a 23-minute short for South By Southwest. Now, as a full-length film (which debuted at AGLIFF 2002), it shows just how much needs to be said and done about these outdated and rather silly laws that the state has trying to govern over its citizens' sex lives.
Tonight is the last showing of Dildo Diaries at Drafthouse South Lamar. For more information, visit the film's website or IA Films.
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