Once-halted Trojan vibrator giveaway coming back to Boston (UPDATED)
If you’re hoping to score a free Trojan vibrator on Monday, now that the giveaway promotion is on, be prepared to bring your identification and sign some paperwork.
Organizers of Trojan’s controversial promotion that was put on hold after city officials urged them to not set up shop on City Hall Plaza are pushing forward with the event now that they have found their sweet spot. But there are going to be some restrictions.
The promotion will take place inside the Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts in the South End. Veronique LeMelle, president of the Boston Center for the Arts, said that the organization agreed to rent out their indoor space because organizations are adhering to “strict” rental policies including crowd control, having people sign disclaimers and checking IDs for the 18+ event.
“They have met all of our rental requirements including coming up with very rigorous screening process,” said LeMelle.
A similar promotion took place in New York City in August. City officials there also moved to put the event on hold, but it eventually went forward and took place outdoors.
LeMelle said organizers looked to rent the BCA’s plaza space, but everyone agreed to hold the event inside instead after concerns about crowd control and other issues were raised.
Dot Joyce, a spokeswoman for Mayor Thomas Menino, said the city’s concern about the event has been young people.
“Our biggest concern has always been about young people receiving these marketing materials and parents having to explain subject matter that their children may not be ready for – it could be very embarrassing to families and uncomfortable for those who do not appreciate the product. We have enormous respect for the BCA – they are a private entity on private property - hopefully this promotion will go smoothly and without incident.”
By the numbers
45
During the giveaway in New York City in August, some people waited in line for 45 minutes to receive their free vibrator.
Orgasmic offerings
Organizers expect to give away thousands of vibrators while supplies last.
The promotion includes free Trojan Tri Phoria Vibrators that retail for $39.99 and Trojan Pulse vibrators that cost $29.99.
People who want to get their hands on the freebie can stop by the Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts on Monday between noon and 4 p.m. where the vibrators will be handed out from special pushcarts dubbed “pleasure carts.”
