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One of our blog’s main functions is to offer a wealth of practical knowledge, product lowdowns, and sex ed that’s entertaining as well as useful. Check it out to explore on your own, or skim through our topics here to see which posts answer your burning questions. (Got a topic you’d love to see us cover? Drop us a line!)
SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, AND LIFESTYLE
Q&A: Real Talk about Bisexuality and Visibility: We answer common questions about bisexual vs. pansexual, queer identity, and more in honor of Bisexual Visibility Day and Bisexual Awareness Week.
Q&A: Queer Pride Edition: We answer our audience’s questions about exploring your queerness, parenting a queer child or teen, first-time queer sex, and more.
The History of Queer Pride: In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, we explore the circumstances that created Stonewall and the milestones in the Pride movement as it evolved.
Learning to Use Trans-Affirming Language: We offer resources for learning the most up-to-date terminology for trans inclusiveness, talk about how language can be harmful and othering to the trans community, and give a few simple tips for using pronouns, decoupling gender from genitals, and other ways to start using more affirming language.
Polyamory, Swinging, Relationship Anarchy—What Do They Mean?: What’s a polycule? Is there a difference between polyamory and swinging? What does “compersion” mean? We give you a primer on the major terms and concepts in ethical non-monogamy.
Becoming an Awesome Pride Ally this June: If you’re straight but want to support your queer community during Pride, we have some tips for attending parades, parties, and other celebrations that will allow you to be a great straight ally without taking space that isn’t yours.
SEX TOYS
What Does “Body-Safe” Mean at Lotus Blooms?: Body safety is one of our most important values at Lotus Blooms. We talk about materials like silicone, steel, borosilicate glass, leather, wood, and ABS plastic and how to clean and sanitize your toys, as well as what to look for in a body-safe sex toy.
An Intro to Anal Sex Toys: Anal sex is not just about penetration with a penis! Learn about anal beads, butt plugs, prostate massagers, lubricants, barriers, anal vibrators, dildos, and toys for spanking.
Your Intro Guide to Vibrators: There are so many kinds of vibrators, where do you start? We describe the difference between types like bullets, rabbits, “sucking” vibrators, penis vibrators, wands, couples vibrators, and app-controlled; as well as some terms like rumble, buzz, splashproof, and waterproof.
Straight Talk About Strap-On Sex: Intro to Toys and Play: We’re busting myths about strap-on play, giving you some how-to tips, and explaining gear like harnesses, dildos, O rings, briefs, and lube.
How to Talk to Your Partner About Sex Toys: Want to introduce toys like vibrators, dildos, strokers, butt plugs, or anal beads into your sex life, but worried about your partner’s reaction? We give you tips on how to communicate and how to talk about some of the fears that your partner might have.
Spotlight on Sex Toys: Rabbit Vibrators: We’re giving you a little history about this very popular vibrator style, what it is, why people love them, and what to look for in a quality rabbit.
Why Should I Spend $100 (or more!) on a Vibrator?: It’s tempting to look for the cheapest possible price on a vibrator, and we totally get the sticker shock from higher-end ones!
BOOK AND PRODUCT REVIEWS
Review: Sex Positions for Every Body
Rev Your Engines and “Come As You Are” to the New Lotus Blooms Book Club
ENTERTAINMENT AND SEX TRIVIA
Great Moments in Sex throughout History
The Wildest Facts about Spooky Sex & Sex Magic
In Defense of “Sexy” Halloween Costumes
CORSETRY & LINGERIE
How to Look for Quality in a Corset
The Care and Lacing of Your Corset
Your Guide to (Fun!) Lingerie Shopping
The Ultimate Corset Buying Guide: Body Types & Corset Styles
The Ultimate Corset Buying Guide: Corset Sizing
Lingerie Lowdown #1: What is a Corset?
HAVING A GREAT SEX LIFE
Better Living through Masturbation
Sex & Cannabis: Your Questions Answered
The 5 Senses of Sex: A Taste for Pleasure
The 5 Senses of Sex: Sounds of Seduction
The 5 Senses of Sex: A Touch of Lust
The 5 Senses of Sex: Scent of a Lover
The 5 Senses of Sex: Sight and Desire
What’s Your Relationship to Your Orgasm?
Interview with Holistic Sexuality Coach Nathaly Granja
Your Guide to Great Masturbation
In Full Bloom: The Love Language of Acts of Service
In Full Bloom: The Love Language of Affirmation
In Full Bloom: The Love Language of Quality Time
In Full Bloom: The Love Language of Touch
In Full Bloom: The Love Language of Gifts
Speak Easier: Women Share Our Truth
SEXUAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
What to Do When Sex Is Painful
Communicating About Lubricating
BDSM AND KINK
Got Wood? Meet Creamed and Sugared!
GIFT GUIDES AND HOLIDAY POSTS
Holiday Shopping for Sensual Self-Care
The Ultimate Sexy Gift Guide for Wedding Anniversaries
Educator Picks: Teal’s Holiday Gift Guide 2018
Educator Picks: Justyn’s Holiday Gift Guide 2018
Educator Picks: Diva’s Holiday Gift Guide 2018
Educator Picks: Alyssa’s Holiday Gift Guide 2017
Educator Picks: Mindi’s Holiday Gift Guide 2017
Educator Picks: Hancie’s Holiday Gift Guide 2017
Educator Picks: Lauren’s Holiday Gift Guide 2017
Holiday Gift Guide: How to Give Every Body Pleasure this Season!
SEXUAL ANATOMY
…But What Is the G-Spot, *Really*?
ABOUT LOTUS BLOOMS & THE DC SEX POSITIVE COMMUNITY
What an Adult Boutique Really Looks Like
The (Not So) Secret Lives of Our Sex Educators: Meet Alyssa!
The (Not So) Secret Lives of Our Sex Educators: Meet Lauren!
The (Not So) Secret Lives of Our Sex Educators: Meet Hancie!
What’s it Like to Take a Workshop at a Sex Store?
Connecting with Our Communities: A Peek at Our Sex-Positive Outreach
10 Reasons You Should Take a Sex Class
Your Perfect Bachelorette Party with Lotus Blooms
We Love Woodhull (and So Should You!)
Sex Toys for Queer Folks: Why It Matters to Us: Part of being a queer- and trans-inclusive store means that we need to look for products that meet the specific needs of the LGBTQIAA+ communities, as well as putting care and intention into our displays and language, and ensuring that our staff is educated about being welcoming, inclusive, affirming, and helpful to customers from those communities.
#SEXPOSITIVEDC
Looking for Fun? Sex Positivity as a Queer Man
My Thought on Sex Positivity: Rachel Kramer Bussel
Sex-positivity? A Video Blog by Ericka Hart