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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

Sex Tips for Travelers

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

Q&A: Practicing Safer Sex

Real Talk About Period Sex

What to Do When Sex Is Painful

Communicating About Lubricating

BDSM AND KINK

Intro to Impact Toys

Got Wood? Meet Creamed and Sugared!

The Basics of Bondage Toys

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.