Pleasure Chest

Archive for the ‘Feminism’ Category

Our NY Staff Discuss 50 Shades on Fox News

Tuesday, June 5th, 2012

The Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy is a full-on cultural phenomenon. It’s bringing kinky sex and bedroom bondage to the masses. And who better to lead the kink-curious safely into the wide world of bondage and discipline than us? Here’s a great local Fox News (!) segment on how our New York store is meeting the demand,with a series of free classes for the masses. Featured in this clip are store manager Brandon and Sex Specialist Hana, who will teach the next Fifty Shades of Pleasure workshop on Wednesday, June 11th.

Posted in BDSM, Feminism, Fetishes, Leather, New York, Pleasure Chest News, Pop Culture, Sex in the News, Sexy Safer Sex, TV, Workshops | No Comments »

Sex Over 40, the G-Spot & A Visit from Midori
May in Chicago

Monday, April 30th, 2012

What do you want to try next in the bedroom? Learn about the arts of oral sex and female dominance from Midori. Explore the joy of sex after 40 and learn how to fulfill your Fifty Shades fantasies with Sarah Sloane. Discover your G-Spot and female ejaculation with Antoinette. All this and more awaits you at one of our free workshops in May. Read on for a complete schedule!

40 & Over Sex Secrets with Sarah Sloane
Wednesday, May 2^nd @ 8-10pm FREE!

If you’re like us—over 40 and still sexy—then this class is for you! Learn about the pleasure which only comes through experience. Spend an evening with our sex specialists as they demystify sex after 40, talk about the reality of our changing bodies, and how to leverage our skills & make the most out of the second half of our sex lives.

Fifty Shades of Pleasure with Sarah Sloane

Wednesday, May 9th @ 8-10pm

Inspired by E.L. James’s Fifty Shades books which have become a kinky cultural phenomenon, our special workshop on bedroom bondage will introduce you to the joys of erotic surrender. We’ll revisit the hottest activities from the books and give you ideas on how to incorporate them into your bedroom adventures. We’ll discuss bondage, roleplay, toys, negotiations, contracts and much, much more. This class is open to couples and singles of all experience levels.

G-Spot & Female Ejaculation with Antoinette
Wednesday, May 23^rd @ 8-10pm FREE!

Looking for an all-over orgasm? Seeking the ever-elusive female ejaculation? This class will provide you with tips and techniques to expand your orgasm, both with your partner and on your own. For years the existence of the G-spot has been rejected while some have hailed it as the ultimate pleasure center; come find out what the buzz is about!

Joystick Secrets: How to Thrill Your Man with Midori
Tuesday, May 29^th @ 8-10pm FREE!

Learn how to make him moan and writhe in unbelievable pleasure. Join internationally-acclaimed sex educator Midori for this in-depth training on orally pleasuring your guy. Using delicious practice props (think fruit!) you’ll learn all about the sucks, licks, swirls, strokes and touch secrets that will blow his mind. She’ll even cover tips on how to reduce discomforts or gag reflexes. What better gift is there than to show him your new techniques that very night?

The Art of Feminine Dominance with Midori (Open to all genders. Partners welcome!)
Wednesday, May 30^th @ 8-10pm FREE!

Elegance. Power. Confidence. Learn an effective style of dominance that is authentic to you. Using her own special technique, Midori will help to unleash your power femme, allowing you to pursue erotic fulfillment and sensual play. She will discuss psychology, politics, practical exercises, techniques, fashion and more. Open to all genders and orientations and to all experience levels. Partners are welcome to attend.

Coming up…

Queering Your Sex with Sarah Sloane
Wednesday, June 6^th @ 8-10pm

The Prostate & Male Pleasure with Sarah Sloane
Wednesday, June 13^th @ 8-10pm FREE!

The Ultimate O with Antoinette
Wednesday, June 20^th @ 8-10pm FREE!

Suck It, Lick It, Love It with Sarah Sloane
Wednesday, June 27^th @ 8-10pm FREE!

Posted in BDSM, blow-jobs, Chicago, Feminism, Fetishes, g-spot, Leather, Oral Action, Pleasure Chest News, Sex Specialist Tips, Workshops | No Comments »

Moms, Erotica & The Pleasure Chest on Nightline

Saturday, April 21st, 2012

In case you missed it, here’s the Nightline segment that aired Friday, featuring footage shot at The Pleasure Chest, and an interview with our own Kristen Tribby. Learn more about our upcoming Fifty Shades of Pleasure workshops here.

Posted in BDSM, Books, Feminism, Fetishes, Los Angeles, Pleasure Chest News, Pop Culture, Porn, Sex in the News, TV | 2 Comments »

Time Capsule Videos for LGBTQ Youth

Friday, April 20th, 2012

This is cool! You’ve probably seen plenty of It Gets Better videos and many versions of the Shit People Say meme. But today, we came across two viral videos on the web that make a great double bill of inspiration for LGBTQ youth.

First up, young members of the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance record video messages for their 40 year-old selves. Then, watch members of the Canadian group Get Real send messages to their 7th grade selves.

(h/t Queerty & Buzzfeed)

Posted in Feminism, Gay, Lesbian, Politics, Queer, Sex in the News, Trans | No Comments »

The Pleasure Chest on Nightline Tonight

Friday, April 20th, 2012

Want to know what this Fifty Shades of Grey craze is all about? Curious about the “mommyporn revolution?” Check out tonight’s episode of Nightline, featuring us! The segment airs at 11:35pm tonight. You can check out a teaser here.

If these books have piqued your curiosity about bondage and submission, don’t forget that we now offer Fifty Shades of Pleasure, a unique workshop inspired by scenes from the novel. If you’d like us to show you the ropes, join us in our Los Angeles store on May 8th, in Chicago on May 9th or in New York on May 15th. The workshop is free of charge, and open to couples or singles of all experience levels, genders and orientations.

Posted in BDSM, Books, Chicago, Feminism, Fetishes, Los Angeles, New York, Pleasure Chest News, Pop Culture, Porn, Sex in the News, Straight, TV, Workshops | No Comments »

Fifty Shades of Pleasure

Tuesday, April 17th, 2012

Have you heard about Fifty Shades of Grey? If not, welcome back from vacation! E.L. James’s amazingly popular erotic e-book has launched two sequels and announced the arrival of a new literary genre dubbed “mommyporn” due to its popularity with suburban mothers. The Fifty Shades trilogy follows a young woman named Anastasia as she’s inducted into the kinky world of bondage and domination by dreamy millionaire Christian Grey (hence the title). The books have captured the top three slots on the New York Times bestseller list and nabbed a movie deal, and they’re only just now coming out in print.

The LA Times devotes a lengthy article today to the Fifty Shades phenomenon, and we are prominently featured. The piece begins:

The staff of the Pleasure Chest, a high-end West Hollywood sex shop, were first tipped to the “Fifty Shades of Grey” phenomenon by their accountant, who noticed a curious spike in sales a few weeks ago. New customers had been drawn to the store after reading the erotic novel about a young woman’s submissive sexual relationship with a wealthy businessman, and wanted some products described in the book.

It’s true! Fifty Shades fever has led to increased demand for bondage rope, blindfolds, kegel balls and riding crops– all items featured in the books‘ steamier passages.

“We’ve had all these women coming in saying, ‘Where do you keep your mommy porn?’” said Kristen Tribby, director of creative development and strategy at The Pleasure Chest. “Or a man will come in and say, ‘My wife’s reading this book. She attacked me three times last week. I’ve been married for 20 years and we rarely have sex three times in one week….’ It is kind of opening up their sex life.”

So, why Fifty Shades and why right now? There are a lot of opinions on the mommyporn phenomenon. Newsweek’s cover story links the apparent rise in fantasies of sexual submission to women’s increasing economic power, while The Nation argues there’s nothing new about the popularity of sadomasochism.

What we do know is that women are more curious than ever about trying some bedroom bondage of their own. So, we’ve created Fifty Shades of Pleasure, a new workshop to help Fifty Shades fans and bondage beginners make their fantasies come true. If you’d like us to show you the ropes, join us in our Los Angeles store on May 8th, in Chicago on May 9th or in New York on May 15th. The workshop is free of charge, and open to couples or singles of all experience levels, genders and orientations. We’re also offering Fifty Shades of Pleasure to private parties and groups. Contact mike@thepleasurechest.com

Posted in BDSM, Books, Chicago, Feminism, Fetishes, Los Angeles, Pleasure Chest News, Workshops | 6 Comments »

Seeking Sex-Positive Mothers

Thursday, April 12th, 2012

Are you a mom between the ages of 25 & 45?
Do you like to read erotica and/or pornography?
Have you been inspired by Fifty Shades of Grey?
Would you like to appear on TV and help to bring a sex-positive message to a wider audience?

The Pleasure Chest is seeking sex-positive moms to participate in a segment for a national news program on the popularity and importance of erotica in women’s lives.

Ideally, we are looking for heterosexual mothers between the ages of 25 and 45 who read and consume erotica, and who consider themselves to be open about sexuality. We are especially interested in finding women who are enthusiastic about supporting a movement for sexual empowerment.

We hope to assemble a diverse group, so even if you do not fit this exact demographic, we still want to to talk to you.

The segment is shooting next Monday, April 16th from noon to 3pm, so we need to talk to you soon!

If you are interested in participating, please send an email to
kristen@thepleasurechest.com letting us know why you want to be involved and the best way to contact you.

Posted in Books, Feminism, Los Angeles, Pleasure Chest News, Porn, Sex in the News | No Comments »

Spring in Los Angeles
Upcoming Free Workshops & Events!

Friday, March 30th, 2012

Whether you’re interested in sexy storytelling or an oral tutorial, we’ve got something special for you in spring. Check out our complete lineup of free workshops and events!

Blowjobs & Beyond with Mary
Wednesday, April 4^th @ 8-10pm FREE!

Want to have him squirming in his seat? Our Sex Specialists will show you how to use your mouth, hands, and more to give mind-blowing blowjobs. We’ll cover male anatomy, tips and tricks, the truths and myths of “deep throat” plus other sexy secrets that are sure to have him begging for more.

Performance Anxiety Presents The Morning After… Storytelling Show

Tuesday, April 10th @ 8-10pm FREE!

The Morning After…Podcast features humorous, insightful conversations about pornography between comedians and performers in the adult industry. Performance Anxiety co-producer & host Eli Olsberg brings his podcast, along with co-host Jake Weisman, to The Pleasure Chest for a night of storytelling from past guests, including comedians and porn stars. Come see the funny side of sex with Kayden Kross, Guy Branum, TJ Miller, Juelz Ventura, April Flores, Kumail Nanjiani and Tyler Knight. Since it’s Performance Anxiety’s one-year anniversary this show is free! You’ll also get free beer and 15% off any purchases on the night of the show!

Intermediate BDSM with Alicia
Wednesday, April 11^th @ 8-10pm FREE!

Join our Sex Specialists as we delve even deeper into the world of BDSM. Learn about the physiological, psychological and emotional effects of a really good scene. Take your novice skills up a notch as we explore the intricacies of heavier beatings, electro-play and more!

Dyke Day LA Party & Fundraiser
Tuesday, April 17^th @ 7-10pm FREE!

Shop for a cause! Join us for a fun evening of games, cocktails, and a special interactive tour of The Pleasure Chest. 15% of sales will be donated to this non-profit community based organization which hosts a day in Barnsdall Art Park for dykes and their allies. Check out http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dyke-Day-LA/45716075786 / for more.

Suck It, Lick It, Love It with Sex Nerd Sandra
Wednesday, April 18^th @ 8-10pm FREE!

Our Sex Specialists share tips and tricks to get you in the spirit of giving and receiving amazing oral sex. We’ll cover anatomy basics, giving mind-blowing blowjobs, eating pussy like a pro, lending your mouth a hand (literally) to please your partner, and the best toys to accessorize your licks, sucks, and squeezes

Bend Over Buddy: Anal Pleasure for Him
Monday, April 23^rd @ 8-10pm FREE!

Is your bedroom buddy just begging for a pegging? In this workshop, we’ll teach you how to get your guy on-board for some ass loving. If you don’t know how to approach the subject (or their sphincter), we’ll give you tips on communication, the pleasures of perineum and prostate play, strap-on sex, anal sex safety, and the best toys and tricks to arouse him anally. This class will focus on bending over your boyfriend, but all genders and orientations are welcome.

Pleasure Her Perfect
Tuesday, April 24^th @ 8-10pm FREE!

Our Sex Specialists have the lady-loving tips and tricks to make you more pleasure proficient. Discover techniques for expanding a woman’s orgasm, out-of-this-world oral sex, G-spot stimulation, and much more! Whether solo or with a partner, this class is perfect for anyone interested in being a connoisseur of female sexuality.

Coming up…

Tuesday, May 1st- Performance Anxiety- Comedy Night at The Pleasure Chest

Wednesday, May 2^nd-Pre-Orgasmic Ultimate O with Kristen & Sarah

Wednesday, May 9^th-Multi-Orgasmic Ultimate O with Kristen and Sarah

Tuesday, May 15th - Performance Anxiety- Comedy Night at The Pleasure Chest

Wednesday, May 16^th-Blowjobs & Beyond with Mary

Wednesday, May 23rd- Erotic Massage with Jaiya

Tuesday, May 29th- Performance Anxiety- Comedy Night at The Pleasure Chest

Wednesday, May 30^th-Butt Sex Basics with Sex Nerd Sandra

Wednesday, June 6^th-Strap-On, Get Off: An “Edutainment” Workshop

Wednesday, June 13^th-Gay Sex for Men with Mike

Wednesday, June 20^th-Extreme Sex with Damon Holzum

Wednesday, June 27^th- Suck It, Lick It, Love It with Alicia Cybulski

Posted in blow-jobs, Butt Sex, Celebrities, Comedy, cunnilingus, Feminism, Fetishes, Gay, Leather, Lesbian, Los Angeles, Men, Oral Action, Pleasure Chest News, Porn, Porn Stars, Queer, Sex Specialist Tips, Toys, Workshops | No Comments »

Sexy LA, Sweaty Balls
& Real Live Lesbian Bloggers

Friday, June 17th, 2011

Here are our favorite stories and links from last week’s Twitter feed.

Up, up and away! We began the week by enjoying this clip of a Seattle man taking a hot air balloon ride while suspended from flesh hooks. Has Werner Herzog seen this? (h/t Boing Boing)

After not one but two high profile lesbian bloggers were revealed to be men, The Awl published this delightful post from a real live lesbian blogger. We know she’s telling the truth because of all the “vagina licking” that goes on.

Violet Blue tipped us to this funny confessional from a woman who once worked as a fact checker for Cosmopolitan and their sometimes silly sex advice articles.

There was lots of coverage of the World Naked Bike Ride, but we found this BBC News clip about the controversy caused by the event in the city of Portsmouth very charming.

Make love, not riots?

The riots in Vancouver produced this now iconic photo of two lovers who appear to be kissing, oblivious to the chaos around them. The true story behind the picture isn’t quite so sexy. The young man says he was trying to comfort his girlfriend after they were trampled by riot police.

Trojan (of condom fame) released the US Sex Census, a nationwide survey of 1,000 adults. They concluded that Los Angeles has more sex than any city in the country. The average Angeleno does “it” 135 times a year. Unfortunately, it’s not the best sex. That honor goes to Philadelphia, whose citizens reported the highest levels of satisfaction. Los Angeles was also number one in vibrator use at 48%. We don’t know how scientific this survey was. 1,000 people isn’t very many. (Sorry, but we’re sample size queens!)

Scientific American took a look at the state of male birth control methods, and concluded that nothing is likely to replace the condom in the near future.

World of Wonder dug up this ad from a 1937 issue of some magazine called True Romance, reminding us that while beauty norms may change, the message never does.

In recent years, advertisers have increasingly targeted men’s insecurities too. Responding to a New York Times (!) article about intimate male hygiene, Jezebel investigated the wide world of products designed to combat “ball stink.”

Got prostatitis?

We don’t know about testicle deodorants, but we’d love to get our hands on a Dila-Therm! (h/t BoingBoing)

Also from Jezebel, we learned about the PBS documentary Two Spirits and its investigation of the four recognized genders in Navajo culture.

Earlier this month, census takers in Nepal began to recognize a “third gender” to account for its transgender population.

A study from the Netherlands concluded that as women gain social and economic parity, they cheat at the same rate as men. But, Anna Holmes wonders, do women cheat for the same reasons?

Finally, we’re not much for 80s nostalgia, but one of our Facebook friends sent us this amazing link to a vintage Frederick’s of Hollywood catalog.

Got a link we need to see? Tell us on Twitter. Follow our LA, NY and Chicago feeds!

Posted in Anal, BDSM, Butt Sex, cunnilingus, Facebook, Feminism, Gay, Lesbian, Los Angeles, Politics, Pop Culture, Queer, Sex in the News, Sexual Health, Toys, TV | No Comments »

Vintage Lesbians, Futuristic Hotel Sex
& Jon Stewart’s Silicone Weiner!

Monday, June 13th, 2011

Here’s a look back at our favorite viral videos and sex stories from last week.

The Daily Show – C#@k-Blocked Roundup – Yemen
Tags: Daily Show Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,The Daily Show on Facebook

Why yes, that was a Tantus Hank dildo purchased from our New York store on The Daily Show last week! And true to its fine reputation, the Tantus silicone withstood quite a beating on the “Cockblocked” news wheel.
Speaking of runaway penises, The Guardian chose last week to sound off on “the media myth that says men are the feckless passengers of their own insatiable sex drives.”

Looking sharp!

Congratulations to Staysha Randall who now holds the Guinness Record for the most body piercings in one sitting. 3200 of them, to be exact. Bravo!

Check out some vintage lesbian pulp paperback art (h/t zunguzungu) and then visit the absolutely wonderful Vintage Lesbian Tumblr!

No recess.

Giant penises on Google Maps really bring out the teenage boy in all of us!

As summer heats up, the Village Voice reminds us that women can legally go topless in the state of New York. Let’s hear it for a public nudity law without sexist double standards!

On the other hand, “occasionally the double standard works in women’s favor.” That’s Gawker reporting on the case of a New Zealand woman who keeps beating a flashing charge because there’s no proof she’s physically aroused. Say the cops: “If a man drops his trousers, it is easy to see he is excited, but with a woman that is not possible.” O RLY?
Why do women fake orgasm? It’s not just to protect your fragile ego. They might also be afraid of intimacy.

A study commissioned by Travelodge claims that by 2030, we’ll all be having amazing sex in cheap hotels. “Futurologist” and engineer Ian Pearson predicts:

“Video, audio, smells and tactile experiences produced using our bed or bed linen will play a key role in helping to make our dreams feel real,” said the report.

“We will be able to replay our favourite dream from a menu just like choosing a movie. Also, we will be able to link into dreams with our partner or family and friends and enjoy a shared dream experience.”

Remote virtual love making would allow individuals to “connect with their partner” while away from home, although lenses could be worn to adjust how their partner looks.

“This will enable people to change the image of their partner on a regular basis, and only they will be aware as their lover will not be able to tell what they are looking at,” the report added.

In the meantime, sez Science, we can have better sex by being more empathetic.

Finally, in honor of Pride month, here’s a lovely message from the International Gay Rodeo Association. Buck up, gay cowboys and cowgirls. It gets better for you too.

Posted in BDSM, Celebrities, Comedy, Dildos, Feminism, Fun, Gay, High-tech, Lesbian, New York, Politics, Pop Culture, Queer, Sex in the News, Toys, TV | No Comments »