Fetishes and fantasies are not strange words to most people today. One way or the other, we all have that thing that excite us sexually, and as long as they’re between consenting adults, it’s nothing to be ashamed of.

However, for some sexual fantasies, actualizing them could prove more challenging than others, and one of such fetishes is exhibitionism.  For some people, the excitement that comes with being watched or being conscious of someone catching you in the act at any point in time adds an extra bit of thrill to sex.

But, doing this possess quite a number of threats as depending on where you live, having sex in public is considered illegal—especially in the US, where under the indecent exposure laws, sexual activity in public is prohibited. Also, if you escape the law, there’s equally the chance of a member of the public filming your outdoor debauchery and uploading it to social media, leading to a chain of consequences.

While public sex, also referred to as exhibitionism is not an uncommon fetish, it is one that is quite difficult to actualize in an ethical manner. The consequences are usually quite damaging as it would affect your career, life and criminal record negatively.

“Exhibitionism is often thought of as flashing, or sending unsolicited intimate pictures,” explains psychosexual and relationship therapist Dr. Aoife Drury in a report.

“As such, it has a bad reputation. But exhibitionism also falls into those who enjoy having sex in the open—not [necessarily] wanting to get caught but liking the risk—or sharing images with consenting adults or going to nude beaches. It’s quite a broad term.”

Nonetheless, exhibitionism isn’t illegal everywhere as in the Mexican city of Guadalajara, public sex has been legalized. Last year, the city council pushed through a reform which states:

“Having sexual relations or committing acts of exhibitionism of a sexual nature in public places, vacant lots, inside vehicles or in private locations in public view will be considered administrative offences, as long as a citizen requests police intervention.”

Having such fetishes are quite normal and it is necessary for people not to feel embarrassed or ashamed about their desire, that’s why platforms such as parkplatzsex provides a plethora of erotic content to match your fetish.

“There’s nothing inherently unethical about exhibitionism,” confirms psychologist Dr. Lori Beth Bisbey. “The only time it would be unethical if you were exhibiting yourself in a place where people haven’t consented, for example, in front of families, children, or the general public.”

However, for people having sex in an appropriate area—like a sex club, for instance—Dr Bisbey agrees entirely to that.

Practicing exhibitionism safely can be challenging but certainly not impossible.

“Although exhibitionism can be perceived as controversial,” notes Drury. “Like most fetishes, there are healthy and unhealthy ways of expressing it. It can be a healthy kink to integrate into your sex life under safe and consenting conditions.”

Drury emphasizes that it’s necessary to completely disassociate yourself from any lingering or residual feelings of shame about public nudity and sex in general, in order to fully enjoy exhibitionism.

“As children, we’re taught that showing off our flesh is wrong at an early age and most of us are encouraged to cover up,” she explains. “This, along with poor sex education and stigma, can cause shame for those with a fetish, especially one as misunderstood and broad as exhibitionism.”

Just like parkplatsex, visiting a sex club is the best way to safely practise exhibitionism without getting into trouble with the authorities.

“Check out the club carefully first,” notes Bisbey, advising that one gets a tour of the club beforehand to ensure that it’s reputable.

“Do you want to meet someone new and have sex there?” she inquires. “If so, be clear about safe sex and what you will do and won’t do.”

She also advised that for those visiting alone—without a trusted friend or lover—it is best to take it slowly.

“Watching others the first time you go to the club is a great way to become comfortable, or consider going on a weeknight, when it’s quieter.”

Additionally, she noted that for those are still not comfortable with the idea of sex clubs, it is important to at least ensure that you choose a safe location before having sex.

“Don’t have sex in public where you could be seen by children or a family, as this is a good way to get arrested,” Bisbey explains.

For those who plan on getting frisky in a bar or a restaurant, ensure that you have a contingency plan should something go wrong.

Also, sex in natural environments can be dangerous, so it is extremely necessary to be highly conscious of your surroundings.

“If you are in the woods, be careful of irritating or poisonous plants and hostile or poisonous animals and pay attention to the weather so you don’t get sunburn or frostbite,” Bisbeywarns.

Finally, she totally kicked against sex in the office, “unless you are prepared to lose your job.”