‘Makin’ It Rain!’ – Why Women Are Visiting Strip Clubs

If you follow gossip mags and entertainment programs, it’s no surprise that many of our favorite female celebs enjoy visiting a “gentleman’s club” now and again. From singer Katy Perry, who spent time at Sapphire in Las Vegas last year, to Harry Potter actress Emma Watson who celebrated the final premiere of the film series with a trip to a New York club in 2011. Spice Girl Mel B has been seen at the Fantasy Bar in Manchester and, astonishingly, Princess Eugenie was spotted at Sophisticats in London. Then there’s provocative singer Rihanna, who’s visited the famous Stringfellows gentleman’s club in London, as have Kelly Osborne and Trudie Styler (who attended with Sting).

Rihanna & Katy Perry–both love to frequent strip clubs.

And they’re not the only ones.
This might bristle some of the feminists out there, but here are the facts: there’s been a significant rise in the number of women visiting “gentleman’s clubs” in recent years — over 30%, in fact. That’s the word from Dr. Teela Sanders, a sociology professor from Leeds University who specializes in the UK sex industry. She just finished the biggest-ever research project on lap dancing in the UK and found that couples were using strip clubs to spice up their relationships, while other attendees were there to prove they are liberal, or to fulfill a personal fantasy.
Gender Studies Professor, Hugo Schwyzer, at Pasadena City College, attributed the female club crowds to “authenticity,” saying, “You simply can’t identify your lust with the ridiculous flamboyance of male strippers.” One young woman at a club said, “A woman’s body is so much sexier than a man’s,” while another, middle-aged, woman said “it’s a turn-on” to go with her boyfriend. (Originally published on Newsbusters.com)
Hollywood is catching on. Look at the recently released film, Afternoon Delight, a dramatic comedy starring Kathryn Hahn and Juno Temple, and directed by Jill Soloway.
Hahn, best known for her supporting roles on TV shows like Crossing Jordan, Girls and Parks and Recreation, takes center screen in Afternoon Delight, and gives a bravura performance as a woman looking for fulfillment in all aspects of life–the first place she starts is with a visit to a strip club. Hahn’s character gets a lap dance that ends up being a life-changer for her.
Does this mean everyone loves a little boobie, a hint of va-ja-jay, and a whole lotta’ stripper pole?
The reality is that in fact, while it’s not easy for us to admit it ourselves, it was kind of exciting for us to research the secret man-world of strip clubs.
With my heart pounding, I entered one such feeling like an outsider. I was one of them (the strippers–who like to be called dancers I learned), but I was not of this scene.
I sat back observing. Wondering about the ladies performing in front of me, but too shy to ask them about themselves. And in the end, I declined the offered lap dance.
But I must say, women’s bodies are stunning, and these ladies moved in ways I could only imagine being able to.  The men were stoic, but their excitement was tangible–a woman’s visit to a strip club is an act more voyeuristic than active–at least from the women I observed.
So, why are more and more women attracted to seeing other women dance and grind around a pole or on someone’s lap for money?
Perhaps women feel as if we’re equals in the home. We earn in the workforce (though still a lot less than men), and now we want the freedom to simply “make it rain” whenever we please.
I was there out of both curiosity and to investigate the seedy versus the sexy–I went away believing these three things:
1.This is a trend not dissipating quickly.
2.Women seem to come to keep an eye on their man, learn a new move or two, and see for themselves what all the fuss is about.
3. Strip clubs historically didn’t allow women. And, since that’s changed, business is better than ever.