Welcome To
THE PLEASURE CHEST
Since 1971, The Pleasure Chest has helped pioneer a sex positive culture, with an emphasis on education, enjoyment and inclusivity. For 40 years, we've been a resource for the best products and the most accurate information to make your life sexier. Along the way, we've appeared on Sex & The City and Entourage and even shown up in the lyrics of a Queen song. With stores in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, we offer every customer a specialized experience in a judgment-free environment, a huge variety of toys and a regular series of free workshops to promote healthy, pleasurable and fulfilling sex for everyone.
NEWSLETTER
Discounts, Event News,
Sex Advice and More!
Did you come to Love Machine, our 40th Anniversary party at Stonewall Inn a couple weeks back? Next Magazine did a great little write-up on it, and Jovan just sent us a whole bunch of pictures from the night. Here are a few of our favorites. If you have any photos you want to share, please email them to mattc@thepleasurechest.com or tweet ‘em at us! Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate.
Heads up, LA. Here’s the party you’ve been waiting for. We’ve teamed up with party diva Lenora Claire to present a night of decadent fun at our flagship store in WeHo. Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 29th from 7pm til 11pm for Gloryhole: The Pleasure Chest Uncut. This is the final party in our 40th Anniversary celebration.
Gloryhole is a peek behind the red curtain, giving guests a chance to mix and mingle with the sexual glitterati. Equal parts tease and sleaze, Gloryhole will let the curious see what goes on after hours at one of Los Angeles’ most storied locations, on the very same floor where Joan Jett once shopped for leather gear and 70s gay porn movies were made. Attendance is free, but given the nature of the entertainment, the party is invitation only. To RSVP, please send an email to gloryhole at thepleasurechest.com.
Featuring appearances by…
The night will include:
Free Cocktails Provided by Cougar Juice!
Photo by Brad Elterman
In an interview posted today at The Morton Report, Joan Jett confirms a rumor we’ve heard for years:
I think it was '78. All the Runaways were staying on a houseboat. On that same trip, I was also hanging out with Sid [Vicious] and Nancy [Spungen]. That was right before they came to America. And you know, that hoop belt that Sid would always wear, it was a black leather belt with rings on it. I gave that to him in England. I bought that at the Pleasure Chest in LA, and I used to wear it all the time, you can see a lot of Runaways pictures with me wearing that belt. And I gave it to him just as a gesture, because I was a fan. And he started wearing it, and in all their pictures of them in America when they did their tour. I just think that's funny.
While we’re on the subject of the 70s, check out Dressing for Pleasure, a 1977 documentary on fetish fashion, which helped influence the UK punk scene.
40 years ago this month, Duane Colglazier and Bill Rifkin opened a waterbed store at the busy corner of 7th Avenue South and 10th Street in the West Village. The main flo0r of the shop was only 47″ wide and 12′ long. One customer described it as a split-level closet. They quickly added items like mood lighting, cockrings and handcuffs, before deciding to become a full fledged sex shop. The Pleasure Chest was born!
The original location is now a sushi restaurant, but our current New York store is just next door. We don’t carry waterbeds anymore, but we have expanded to offer products to meet nearly everyone’s needs and a roster of free educational workshops to support a diverse population. So, this month we’re celebrating “The Big 4-Oh” in style. Check out our complete lineup of free events and workshops through September!
September 10th @ 9pm-midnight FREE!
It’s our 40th birthday! We may be (gasp) middle-aged, but we’re still sleazy. Come celebrate our birthday and get some goodies while you’re here. Spin our “Get Lucky” wheel and win a prize, steal a smooch at the Employee Safer Sex Kissing Booth, and hunt for hidden coupons redeemable for toys and prizes. We’ll even have an open bar from 9 to midnight!
Pleasure Her Perfect
September 13th @ 8pm 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.
Sex Specialist: Laura
Sleazy Saturday
September 17th @ 9pm-midnight FREE!
It’s our 40th birthday! We may be (gasp) middle-aged, but we’re still sleazy. Come celebrate our birthday and get some goodies while you’re here. Spin our “Get Lucky” wheel and win a prize, steal a smooch at the Employee Safer Sex Kissing Booth, and hunt for hidden coupons redeemable for toys and prizes. We’ll even have an open bar from 9 to midnight!
Love Machine: Pleasure Chest 40th Anniversary Party @ Stonewall Inn
September 18th @ 10pm-4am FREE!
The Pleasure Chest is turning 40 and we’re teaming up with Harder Candy to throw the sexiest, psychedelic NAKED cabaret hosted by “boy-next-whore” Go-Go Harder. Dress your sexy 70s best: Leather, sequins, Boogie Nights, roller girl whores, disco slaves, and all things that unzip easily!
Featuring performances by:
PLUS!
The Fine Art of Dirty Talk with Amy Jo Goddard
September 20th @ 8pm FREE!
Feeling shy about talking dirty? Wish you could open the door to dirty words without shame? This workshop will be a fun exploration of dirty talk, why we like it, what we want from it and how to incorporate it with partners. We’ll explore and practice what feels good for you, how to find common ground with your partners, and building a bigger dirty vocabulary. Attendees can decide how much to participate, but it will be guaranteed fun! C’mon and say it like you mean it!
Sleazy Saturday
September 24th @ 9pm-midnight FREE!
It’s our 40th birthday! We may be (gasp) middle-aged, but we’re still sleazy. Come celebrate our birthday and get some goodies while you’re here. Spin our “Get Lucky” wheel and win a prize, steal a smooch at the Employee Safer Sex Kissing Booth, and hunt for hidden coupons redeemable for toys and prizes. We’ll even have an open bar from 9 to midnight!
40 Sexy Things You Can Try Tonight with Jamye Waxman
September 26th @ 8pm FREE!
Get ready to rock your sex life! Come celebrate our 40th anniversary with special guest Jamye Waxman presenting 40 sexy things you can try tonight. During this workshop, we’ll unlock a treasure trove of quick tips to improve the sex life of any couple. Jamye will give you creative ideas and moves to keep your lover begging for more.
Sex, Play & Intimacy Over 50
September 27th @ 8pm FREE!
Our lust and desire may change over time but that doesn’t mean that our needs for sex and intimacy go away. Getting older only means getting better. This workshop will discuss some “age- and stage-related” changes but will also concentrate on the positive impact of your maturity on hot sex and play. Come share your experiences and learn how to keep getting it on into the golden years. Whether you’re married, single, divorced or widowed, this workshop pertains to you. We’ll cover anatomy and overcoming various social stereotypes, taboos around intimacy, sex and desire.
Sex Specialist: Ignacio
40/40 Party
September 30th @ 9pm-midnight FREE!
We’re celebrating two birthdays tonight! Not only is it the 40th anniversary of our humble smut shop, it’s also the big four O, for our very own Ignacio Rivera! Join us for an open bar, in-store DJ and cupcakes for the first 40 guests.
Yes, we’re turning 40 this month! It’s OK if you didn’t get us a gift. But, please do come to our party. Or, parties rather! Here’s a complete lineup of free workshops and fun festivities throughout September.
40 Tips, Tricks & Techniques to The Ultimate O
Wednesday, September 7th @ 8pm FREE!
We’ve got 40 years of experience in helping people achieve explosive orgasms. Whether you’re a first timer or an orgasm overachiever, this class has something new for you. We’ll teach you all about anatomy, techniques for coming with a partner or solo, how masturbation can help you expand your orgasm, G-spot orgasms, anal orgasms, and our favorite tips and toys.
Sex Specialist: Jamila Dawson
Craft Night
Thursday, September 8th @ 8pm FREE!
Break out the crayons and start sniffing the glue, cause it’s a very special Pleasure Chest 40th Anniversary craft night! We’ll be making “Anyway You Want It” provocative paper dolls from our brand new sexy Activity Book! Feeling experimental? Pick and choose the parts and pieces to build a paper doll with all the tasty bits you desire. Make your doll tasty, nasty, sassy or sweet! Keep if for yourself, or give it to someone special. We’ll also have free drinks, live music and giveaways. Get crafty!
Saturday, September 10th @ 6pm- close FREE!
It’s our 40th birthday! We may be (gasp) middle-aged, but we’re still sleazy. Join us on Saturday night for complimentary booze and live DJs, while you stock up on your sex supplies. Spin our “Get Lucky” wheel and win a prize.
Performance Anxiety
Tuesday, September 13th @ 8pm FREE!
Get your laughs and lube in the same spot. Join us for a night of free comedy and free drinks, presented by Eli Olsberg and TJ Miller. You’ll see performances by Steve Agee, Kyle Kinane, Tommy Johnagin, Nikki Glaser, Sean O’ Connor, Renee Gauthier, Josh Adam Meyers and Cornell Reid.
We’ll also be giving some stuff away, including TJ’s new rap album, The Extended Play E.P., which drops that day!
40 Ways to Make Life Sexier
Wednesday, September 14th @ 8pm FREE!
In 40 years, we’ve learned a lot about sex. Let us share our 40 favorite pleasure principles for making your sex life sizzle. Together we’ll explore the wide world of sex toys, tips and tricks for solo and partner play, safe sex essentials, and ways to enhance your orgasm.
Sex Specialist: Mary & Mike
Sex Scandal Bike Ride
Saturday, September 17th @ 4pm-6pm FREE!
Bring your bicycle to The Pleasure Chest and take a magical, low key tour of the storied streets. Learn the raunchy rumors and lusty legends of Hollywoodlore! We’ll visit sites where people in the public (and not-so-public) eye have gotten themselves into a pickle or two. Our 90 minute plus ride includes exciting trivia and naughty prizes, ending at The Pleasure Chest with tasty eats and a host of sexy people to serve it up! If you don’t have a bike, simply join us at 6, for a champagne toast to 40 scandalous years of making life sexy.
Sleazy Saturday
Saturday, September 17th @ 6pm- close FREE!
It’s our 40th birthday! We may be (gasp) middle-aged, but we’re still sleazy. Join us on Saturday night for complimentary booze and live DJs, while you stock up on your sex supplies. Spin our “Get Lucky” wheel and win a prize.
Blowjobs & Beyond: 40 Succulent Skills to Satisfaction
Wednesday, September 21st @ 8pm FREE!
Want to have him squirming in his seat? In this special 40th anniversary edition of our most popular class, we’ll 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.
Sex Specialist: Jamila Dawson
Sleazy Saturday
Saturday, September 24th @ 6pm- close FREE!
It’s our 40th birthday!
We may be (gasp) middle-aged, but we’re still sleazy. Join us on Saturday night for complimentary booze and live DJs, while you stock up on your sex supplies. Spin our “Get Lucky” wheel and win a prize.
Performance Anxiety
Tuesday, September 27th @ 8pm FREE!
Get your laughs and lube in the same spot. Join us for a night of free comedy and free drinks, presented by Eli Olsberg and TJ Miller. You’ll see performances by Pete Holmes, Kumail Nanjiani, Angelo Bowers, Hampton Yount, Ahmed Bharoocha and a top Secret Special guest you don’t want to miss!
Kinky Sex: Our Best Tips From The Past 40 Years
Wednesday, September 28th @ 8pm FREE!
For over four decades, we’ve built our reputation on bringing kink to the masses. Whether you’re a nervous novice or a bondage badass, there’s always something new to learn about the art of kinky sex. If your fantasies include blindfolds, bondage, roleplay, handcuffs, or any other naughty fun, we’ve got a class for your ass.
Sex Specialist: Sex Nerd Sandra
Gloryhole: The Pleasure Chest Uncut
Our 40th Anniversary Celebration
Thursday, September 29th @ 8pm- 1am FREE!
A pervy party celebrating 40 years of making life sexy. Drinks, dancing, and a peek behind the red curtain. Details to come!
During all the fuss over Anal August, we’ve been neglecting our weekly link roundup. Here’s a curated recap of our feed from the past few weeks.
Just friends.
S-T-R-E-T-C-H
Balls in your court.
Trick or treat? Hips or lips?
Got a link we need to see? Tell us on Twitter. Follow our LA, NY and Chicago feeds!
Here are all of our favorite links from last week’s feed.
Beat the heat.
Dungeons & Dildos?
Sean Connery, art model.
Got a link we need to see? Tell us on Twitter. Follow our LA, NY and Chicago feeds!
Many people have described love as the experience of becoming one with another person. Few have tried to express this quite so literally as pioneering performance artists and soulmates Genesis Orridge and Lady Jaye. In the 1990s, the couple, already famous in underground art and music circles, embarked on a radical project to express their profound connection to one another.
Drawing inspiration from “cut ups,” an experimental art practice, popularized by William Burroughs, in which bits of text or audio are cut up and rearranged to create something new, they set out to explore the mutability of the body, gender and identity itself. Orridge and Lady Jaye invented a third being, which they called “The Pandrogyne” and began a series of surgeries and transformations to realize their vision. Neither male, nor female, the Pandrogyne is an expression of their utopian ideas of love, change and liberation from the body.
As Orridge said,
“My project is not about gender. Some feel like a man trapped in a woman’s body, others like a woman trapped in a man’s body. The pandrogyne says, I just feel trapped in a body. The body is simply the suitcase that carries us around. Pandrogyny is all about the mind, consciousness.”
When Lady Jaye passed away in 2007, Orridge continued the project, and a documentary about their lives was finally completed.
Is the Pandrogyne the unique expression of one couple’s love? Or a radical assault on gender norms and the limits of the body?
Our LA readers will get a chance to decide for themselves when The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye premieres at the 29th Annual Outfest on Saturday.
Here are all the links we liked last week!
Here comes the bride.
Yes, that’s the origin story for the Fleshlight, the world’s most popular male masturbation toy.
Got a link we need to see? Tell us on Twitter. Follow our LA, NY and Chicago feeds!
