"Gooning" - A Once-Niche Queer Slang Term Redefines Solo Pleasure

Within contemporary queer slang, few terms have sparked as much curiosity—and confusion—among older LGBTQ+ individuals as "gooning." At its core, gooning refers to a form of masturbation that’s less about reaching climax and more about prolonging pleasure to the point of entering a trance-like state. The practice, while newly named, draws from long-standing traditions of edging and mindful eroticism, but with a distinctly modern twist rooted in digital culture and community.

Gooning most often involves watching hours of erotic material and masturbating for prolonged periods without allowing oneself to orgasm. The goal isn’t just delayed gratification—it’s to enter a “goon state,” a kind of erotic trance where time, inhibition, and external stressors melt away, replaced by a singular focus on sensation and pleasure.

Unlike typical masturbation, where climax is the finish line, gooning is about drawing out arousal for as long as possible. Many who practice gooning do so in a private, dedicated space—often referred to as a "goon cave"—with screens, toys, and sometimes even online chatrooms with fellow gooners.

A typical gooning session can last hours, sometimes even stretching over an entire day. Practitioners edge themselves repeatedly, keeping their bodies on the brink of orgasm but never quite crossing over. This sustained arousal can lead to a deep, meditative state—described by some as similar to a runner’s high or a form of sexual mindfulness. The "goon state" is said to activate both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, heightening physical pleasure and mental euphoria.

While gooning is practiced by people of various genders, it is especially prevalent among cisgender gay and bisexual men, possibly due to established links between ejaculation and the refractory period (the time it takes to become aroused again after orgasm). By delaying climax, gooners are able to sustain high levels of arousal and explore new dimensions of pleasure.

Recent years have seen the rise of online communities centered around gooning, with social media platforms and dedicated forums creating spaces for people to share tips, experiences, and even coordinate group gooning sessions online. Within these circles, gooning is sometimes linked with kink and BDSM cultures, where it overlaps with practices like orgasm denial, power exchange, and mutual edging.

Couples may also incorporate gooning into their sex lives as a way to deepen intimacy and trust, using extended sessions to explore erotic boundaries and communication.

As with any sexual practice, it’s important to approach gooning with self-awareness and care. Experts and sex educators recommend setting boundaries and using lubrication to prevent physical discomfort or injury from extended sessions. It’s also crucial to listen to your body and take breaks as needed to avoid fatigue or soreness.

For those new to gooning, starting with shorter sessions and building up gradually can help prevent overstimulation and allow for a more enjoyable experience. Communication is key if practicing with a partner—mutual consent and aftercare are essential, especially when integrating power dynamics or kink elements.

While gooning is generally a safe and consensual activity, it’s worth noting that, like any intense experience, moderation and mindfulness are important. If you find that gooning begins to interfere with daily life, relationships, or personal well-being, it may be helpful to consult a queer-affirming sexual health professional for support.

The popularity of terms like "gooning" reflects broader shifts in queer sexual culture—toward openness, exploration, and the celebration of pleasure in all its forms. For older LGBTQ+ individuals, it may be surprising to see younger generations embrace such explicit, communal language around sex, but this trend also underscores the community’s resilience and creativity when it comes to naming and celebrating queer experiences.

As with any evolving slang, the meaning of "gooning" may continue to shift. But at its heart, gooning is about honoring the body’s capacity for pleasure and the mind’s ability to enter altered states. Whether practiced alone, with a partner, or in an online community, gooning is a reminder that queer sexuality remains as diverse, inventive, and boundary-pushing as ever.