Melanie Novak, Assistant Manager and Lindsay Bell, Sex Educator (Photo by Angell Lynn)
Adult theatres, sex shops, erotic stores, adult bookstores, and pleasure boutiques. These have all been names for those somewhat “seedy” establishments that are often in the same vicinity as the other sex-focused businesses, such as strip clubs and “massage parlors”. Typically these establishments attract an array of characters; from the creepy guy pursuing porn on a late night field trip to bachelorettes looking for an exciting pre-wedding adventure to couples trying to spice up their sex life. They often feel like a comic book store for grown-ups, but with lube-o-plenty.
Rarely have these places been a haven of education and sex positivity. And almost never are they an affirming experience for us lezzies and queer folks. Until now, with stores in Alexandria, VA and Adams Morgan in Washington, D.C., Lotus Blooms is an education focused adult toy store and a mecca for those seeking a more enlightening and aesthetically pleasing experience for their sex education.
Lotus Blooms in Alexandria, VA (Photo by Angell Lynn)
The staff at Lotus Blooms is far from your run-of-the-mill retail cashier who makes sure your batteries are working before you leave. They are dedicated professionals whose life passion is to help you learn how to enjoy your body and find your own unique brand of sexy. They provide an individualized buying experience and educational workshops focused on body safe products and sex positivity.
“Body safe should be the number one priority of every sex toy or product on the market, but sadly, that’s not the case. We are committed to only carrying products when we know what they’re made of and can verify that they meet our standards for safety,” explains Rebecca Vassy, Marketing Director for Lotus Blooms. “Our sex educators do the work for our customers so that anyone who buys from us never has to wonder whether their purchase is safe.”
Lotus Blooms believes that sexual pleasure and sexual expression are natural, healthy, and important. It was important for them to create a space where everyone can embrace their unique sexuality without shame or judgment. “Our motto is ‘Pleasure for Every Body’ and it’s inclusive of all sexual identities,” says Vassy.
Not only does Lotus Blooms boast as the leader in adult sex education in the D.C. metropolitan area, it is also a super safe space for every possible representation within the queer community. Much of the staff is well-known members of the LGBTQ and kink community.
“The queer community has always been at the forefront of promoting awareness of so many sex-related issues, whether it’s sex education or safer sex or gender identity and expression or sexual freedom,” says Vassy.
If you are looking to expand your own collection of sexy knowledge and toys or you’re an erotic writer or blogger with a sex positive message, Lotus Blooms wants to meet you. This is your space. This is where you can let your flag fly and be encouraged to do so.
