Show your colors- Hanky code specials at Sexploratorium this month!

In celebration of pride month, Sexploratorium is providing souvenirs with purchases all month long through June 30. In addition to our free rainbow flag special, we are celebrating leather community traditions by encouraging you to wave a more personal flag- “show your colors” this month by flagging your intentions using the hanky code.

According to Wikipedia, “flagging”  has it roots in western culture where railway workers would signal availability using colored bandanas during square dances. The “hanky code” was widely used during the 1970s in gay leather subculture, but is now widely used by bisexual, queer, pansexual and just about any other category of BDSM practitioner.

Show your colors this month- when you buy from a certain category of product, get a FREE hanky that corresponds. Then, choose which side to raise your "flag"

The practice of “flagging” involves wearing color coded bandanas or fabrics on the left (dominant or active) or right (submissive or passive) side of the body, most frequently hanging from the rear pockets or belt loops of pants.Various colors of bandana are used to indicate specific activities sought by the wearer*:

* The color/interpretations of the code vary from region to region.

Earn a free hanky for each category purchase you make through June 30.
Here’s what your Philly Sexplorers have come up with for you:

• Light Blue = Oral Sex – Buy any oral sex how-to book or video ($15-40) – only have one hanky
• Black = heavy S&M – Buy any impact toy over $25, or buy Screw the Roses or SM 101
• Grey (light) = Bondage – Spend over $25 on bondage equipment or how-to books
• Purple = Piercing– Buy a box of needles
• Light Yellow= Spit– Buy any ballgag over $25
• Yellow = Watersports – Buy a funnel gag or a pStyle (and case)
• Orange = Up For Anything – Spend $20 or more on lube
• Red = Fisting – Buy any box of gloves or book on fisting
• Fuschia = Spanking – Buy any impact toy over $25, or buy Screw the Roses or SM 101
• Pink, light = Dildos – Buy any dildo $25 or more
• Green, hunter = Daddy/boy – Buy any collar $25 or more or any book about D/s over $20

Pop musician and performance artists Peaches, even has a song that pays homage to the code and names colors (see below).

Celebrate Pride Month- Show your colors!

It’s LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Transgendered, Intersex) Pride Month, and Sexploratorium is celebrating! We believe that every person is entitled to a healthy, sexual “life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.”

According to Wikipedia, President Bill Clinton proclaimed June to be Gay and Lesbian Pride Month in the United State in 2000, we’re guessing because pride month and the ensuing parade of colors have traditionally taken place in June since the 1980s.  On June 1, 2009, President Barack Obama officially seconded the motion on behalf of the US government. The “queer” community at large has extended the concept of Pride to specifically include lesbians, bisexuals, transgendered and intersex persons who are often excluded, shamed, ridiculed and harassed by mainstream society.

Fly your pride: FREE Rainbow American Flag with $50 purchase

Fly your pride for free this month with a free US Rainbow Flag with purchase while supplies last

The rainbow flag is a symbol with many international and cultural traditions usually as a sign of diversity and inclusiveness, of hope and of yearning. According to Wikipedia, “there are several independent rainbow flags in use today. The most widely known is perhaps the pride flag representing gay pride.

The “pride flag” was developed as a gay symbol by San Francisco artist Gilbert Baker in 1978. the design has undergone revisions, currently appearing as six stripes: red (life), orange (healing), yellow (sunlight), green (nature), blue (peace/harmony) , and violet. (spirit) The original flag also included two additional stripes: hot pink (sexuality) and turquoise (magic and art).

Our celebration is happening throughout the store, on our website, and out on the festival trail, with the introduction of revolutionary  new products for folks with extra-ordinary desires and identities already starting at New Jersey Pride and Philadelphia’s Trans Health Conference and continuing through this weekend’s upcoming Philadelphia events, the Philly Dyke March and Philly Pride. Offer ends June 30 or while supplies last.

Sexploratorium Talks with Buck Angel!

Porn Pioneer Buck Angel is teaching two classes at the Sexploratorium this weekend, and although both are sold out, we know that you all wanted to hear from the man himself! Sexploratorium staffer Brooklyn sat down with Buck to talk about sex, porn (fluffers!), and MORE! Didn’t manage to get your ticket to the class? Tune in to Temple Student Radio’s LGBTQ show, Spin My Head, on Friday 5-7pm to hear an interview with Buck, recorded on site at the Sexploratorium! All you have to do is click on the “LISTEN” link at the top left!

How long have you been working in the adult industry, and how did it come about?

Well I have been working in the industry for more than 10 years. I started behind the scenes doing camera work and editing. I was partners with a Pro Domme and we had a studio in downtown Los Angeles. We would shoot her scenes and make fetish videos. I also worked with a Transsexual woman adult star, That is how I got the idea to start my own films and website, There was no one making FTM (transsexual female to male) porn for the mainstream adult industry.

What is your favorite part about your work as  an award-winning porn star?

I would say meeting so many great people and changing the way the world views sexuality and gender. I think my work has really opened peoples minds around what it means to be a man or woman and what it means to be gay, straight or bi. That labels are not necessary if you are happy with who you are. This has been such a rewarding part of my work.

You’ve appeared on shows like ‘Howard Stern’ and ‘Tyra Banks’, as well as answering questions from your fans online. Is it ever problematic to have your sex life and your sexuality be public knowledge?

No not at all. I knew what I was getting into when I decided to go “public” way back when. I actually enjoy being open and honest about myself. For so many years I was in hiding with this and it feels very freeing to be able to not care what people think of you. It is very powerful. If you watched my interview with Tyra Banks you can see how I made her uncomfortable when I asked her “Don’t you love your Vagina?” It was very strange how she reacted so negatively like she should not love her Vagina.

(We were unable to find the video on YouTube, but we did find it on a Queer blog and news site, Queerty. Check out Tyra’s reaction when asked how she feels about her vagina.)

Are there ever any questions or statements from the media that make you mad or uncomfortable?

Not really, I always expect the worst so I go prepared. I realized that what I am doing is teaching the world about something they have no idea about so I must expect that they will ask me questions that seem dumb or inappropriate.

What about from the public?

The thing is that I make people uncomfortable because my message is saying that we have all been taught something wrong. That sexuality and gender is not that simple. People do not like that. They want everything to fit in a box and it really doesn’t. So because of that they lash out at me in anger which makes them say mean things to me. A good example is my YouTube channel. Go check out the comments on my videos. It will shock you how crazy people get and the things they say. Just from me making some videos that open peoples minds.

Is there anything that happens on a porn set that most people wouldn’t expect, or that you didn’t expect when you first started out? In other words, how is filming a movie different from what people think? For example: “fluffers”…is that something that actually happens?

Hahaa! Totally. The filming process is so different then what people think, First the work that goes into casting and setting up location, camera all of that is pretty crazy. Then the actual shoot day can be pretty chaotic. Sometimes talent can get a bit nervous and not be able to perform. Which can cause the filming process to take much longer than expected. But besides all of that it can also be very fun and a great time, It really just depends on that day so really you never know. I have never used a “fluffer” though they do exist.

(From Wikipedia: A fluffer is a hired member of the crew of a pornographic movie whose role on the set is to sexually arouse the male participants prior to the filming of scenes that require erections. Fluffers do not necessarily touch the actors. Commonly, they keep adult film stars “cleaned up” in between takes so that the actors do not have to move from their positions. These duties are considered part of the makeup department. After setting up the desired angle, the director asks the actors to hold position and calls for the fluffer to “fluff” the actors for the shot.)

How is working as a porn star in general different from what people expect? How does it change the way your friends, family, or the public perceives you?

I have been very lucky in that all of my friends and family have been totally accepting of my career choice. Mostly I think because they see it as more than just “porn” but something that is helping to shape the way people look at different forms of sexuality and gender, That is is also a teaching tool and that my films have influenced so many people in a positive way. Also that I have crossed over from my porn work into education has really helped me to gain a different kind of respect.

Do you think that working in porn and sex education has changed your views on sex and relationships? If so, how? Is your sex life different now than it was before?

Possibly a little. But I think I have always had pretty good views about sex, That is why I started working in that industry. The educational part has really helped me to feel a need to spread a message of empowerment that I don’t think only my porn work has the capabilities of doing. There are people who will not take me serious if I am just a porn star. So educating has also made me look at my own self a bit more. Yes my sex life is way different than it was 10 years ago. That is because I have accepted my vagina. That was a huge part of sexual growth for me. It was like I became a whole new person. It opened up so many more sexual possibilities I never thought possible.

Your “Public Cervix Announcements” encourage trans folks to maintain their “plumbing”, but is there anything different that you do for your sexual health now that you didn’t do before you started porn, specifically? Is it true that there are mandated STI tests, and how does that work?

I have always been very good about my health around my transition. I felt it extremely necessary in order to make it work. When i started the transition it was 20 years ago and there was no information, So my doctors were all starting from scratch. They were amazing in the sense that they taught me about maintaining my health around the use of testosterone. Like blood tests and going to the gyno (which was very hard for me because I was so detached from my vagina at the time). The reason I made that specific PSA is because I know many trans men have the same problem of not feeling comfortable and also many of them do not have good health practices around the use of the testosterone. That is very bad and I think my voice can help to change that.

One of the great things about the adult industry is the testing. You are supposed to show up on set with a test, Some companies don’t enforce this of course but many do. I ONLY do safe sex in my films but I still like to see the test.  You basically have to get tested for any STDs. It is a great practice to have especially if you are not using condoms.

Do you think that being a trans porn star is different from being a cis gendered porn star?

Yes in the sense that I have a totally different fan base and the way people view my work. But I don’t think the job is any different.

Do you think that being a trans man in porn is different from being a trans woman?

Again totally different markets and the trans woman market is so big, There really is not a market for what I do, I don’t even think that it is a niche just yet.

The Sexploratorium carries a lot of products for trans men: binders, packers, and STP devices. What kinds of experiences have you had using any of these products? Are there some that you prefer to others, or tips you have for folks that want to use them but aren’t sure where to start?

I used to pack many years ago with a sock!! That’s before the packers came out. But then I accepted myself and never had the need for those things again. Not to say that they are great for guys who need that. Also when I needed to bind I used duct tape and a undershirt. I don’t use any of these products so I cannot recommend. I even taught myself how to stand and pee. I think the best bet for them is to go to forums and ask guys who do use them. Maybe you should start a forum on your site just for those products.

What other kinds of toys do you like? Any particular style of strap-on that you love? Any dildo or vibe companies that you can’t get enough of? Any lube that you have to have?

I am actually in the process of producing my own toy line as I have not been truly satisfied with what I have used. I have used the realistic cock by Doc Johnson for many years and it was fine , But it was missing something, So I finally found a great company to work with that will be producing my very own “Buck Angel Cock” specially designed for trans men and women. I am also producing an amazing line of glass toys that I showed at the last AVN show in vegas and everyone loved them. I really like Liquid Silk as a lube.

(Liquid Silk is probably our best-selling and most requested lube! Sexploratorium staffers and customers alike love this viscous and long-lasting water-based lubricant, as well as its organic equivalent Sliquid Organics Silk!)

What about kink? You’re a very sex-positive guy, and many of your photos have Leather imagery, so are you into BDSM? If so, are there any kinky toys or activities that you think are especially sexy?

Yes I am into the leather scene though it is not my only sexual outlet. I enjoy all kinds of sex play but I have always been drawn to the mens leather scene from early on. I love leather,cigars,boots. Very masculine areas of play. I also really love rough play.

Have you had a chance to check out Philly’s Queer or Leather scenes? How do you think the scenes here compare to other cities you’ve been to, like L.A. or NYC?

Actually sadly to say no I have not. It has been pretty busy while here doing business stuff and not a lot of time for play. But maybe before I leave I will get a chance to check the scene out. Though I did take a walk around the city and it is very beautiful.

Sexploratorium would like to thank Buck for coming to spread his sex-positive message to Philly! He’s been absolutely wonderful to work with, and we really look forward to his classes this weekend! Buck will also be bringing a nice selection of his videos with him, available for sale at the store!

“It’s not what’s between your legs that defines you!” – Buck Angel

Buck’s Website – Shop Sexploratorium online!

Find Buck on Facebook! – Find the Sexploratorium on Facebook!

Follow him on Twitter! – Follow the Sexploratorium on Twitter!

Interested in booking Buck to speak at your event? Contact PhinLi Bookings! PhinLi Bookings, LLC was founded by Seraphin and Lisa to bring sex-positive, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex and allied (LGBTQIA) artists, activists, theorists, authors, speakers, musicians, performers, sex educators, dancers, filmmakers, comedians and more to academic venues, pride celebrations, queer conferences and ultimately into the mainstream.

Trans Tools!

There aren’t a lot stores out there that sell specialized toys and health products for trans folks, even in a city as diverse as Philadelphia. Well, fortunately, we’re not like a lot of other stores. The Sexploratorium is proud to support the trans community of Philadelphia, by sponsoring events, putting on classes (like this weekend’s classes with Buck Angel), and carrying the products you need!

In our most recent PASSIONAL Blog entry, we discussed specialized attire for our trans customers. But there are even more products in our inventory at The Sexploratorium.

 

When customers come into our store, they often notice our selection of packers. They’ll usually ask, “Why do you have flaccid fake penises?” Once we tell them, it makes perfect sense to them, but it’s understandably confusing for first time visitors. Packers are molded after flaccid male anatomy, designed to be worn by transmasculine people to create a bulge in their underwear or pants so that they present as more male-bodied. One of our favorites is from VixSkin. They already make amazingly lifelike silicone strap-ons, and their packer really is “Mr. Right“. Silicone means that you can disinfect the packer whenever you need to, and it’s totally clean!

 

Mr. Right Packer by VixSkin

 

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One of the easiest ways to comfortably wear a packer without feeling it slide or shift around is by using a harness, but not every harness is created equal. Though leather harnesses are beautiful (and we do love leather!), using a Spare Parts JOQUE harness can be easier, more comfortable under clothing, and considerably easier to care for!

 

Spare Parts JOQUE Harness

 

The original JOQUE harness is quite simply the most innovative product of its kind available anywhere. Designed to be the ultimate in comfort and versatility, the Joque is crafted in your choice of multi-layered Nylon or Poly-Spandex and lined with soft, sensual mesh to provide breathability for blissful all-day wear. Created with flexibility in mind, our patented design easily adapts to your unique size and shape, becoming a virtual “second skin” to provide maximum pleasure for both the wearer and the receiver. Best of all, the unique, stretchable elastic o-ring fits a wide variety of toys, including doubles, providing a full range of erotic options for you and your partner. Enjoying packing? The Joque is the best harness available for packing enthusiasts! Want to play in the water? No problem! The Joque is ideal for the shower, bathtub, spa, or wherever your imagination takes you.

When you’re done playing, the Joque can be hand or machine washed and is both sanitary and fully hygienic for greater health. Ethically created by hand in the U.S., the Joque harness is also Vegan friendly! Comes complete with an attractive satin pouch and an unbeatable quality guarantee from SpareParts HardWear. The original Joque Harness…there’s nothing else like it!

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And last, but certainly not least, we are one of the only stores in Philadelphia to carry stand-to-pee (STP) devices, namely the pStyle. The pStyle is a plastic device that allows you to pee standing up without undressing. It is a simple design that works exceptionally well. The pStyle is easy to position properly and the rounded edges are very comfortable. Because it is made of rigid plastic, the pStyle is easily maneuvered into the clothes you are wearing. The rounded back edge can be used to wipe with so there are no drips! It is easy to clean by shaking vigorously or rinsing. We even have special carrying cases available for pStyle! Just use, rinse, slip it in the pouch, and you’re on your way! If you want to stand up to pee like any other guy, the pStyle makes it easy!

 

 

The pStyle in all six colors!

 

 

PASSIONAL and the Sexploratorium are here to do whatever we can to make your life better, happier, and sexier!

MAVERICK Silicone VIXSKIN Dildo: Review

There’s really no other way to put this: the Maverick fills you up like no other.  With the Maverick your “cup” runneth over, and according to my girlfriend who chuckled at my choice of gargantuan cock when I pulled it out of my bag for the first time, the look in my eyes as she rammed it to the hilt, was in and of itself eye-gasmic and on its own worth it.

The Maverick is available in three lifelike colors: Creme Soda (above), Caramel and Chocolate. It also comes with a lifetime guarantee (providing you don't use silicone lube)

When I first saw this gigantic fleshy cock on the shelf at Sexploratorium it stood out among the others, but I wondered if I’d even be able to get the thing inside me.  The feature which caught my eye was its large head and well-defined ridge along the glans making this unique piece both alluring for the cock-hungry and daunting to those of us not looking for a quasi-fisting in our strap-on play  However, much to my delight when I squeezed the Charmin, so-to-speak, I was pleased that in addition to the trademark Vixskin realistic texture, it  had a lot of squish/give in volume around its harder less forgiving blood-engorged-simulating-core, much like a bio-cock.  There were even moments while being fucked by the Maverick that I could have sworn it was a flesh and blood penis– the only distinguishing factor was the slight friction increase that came with time as lube decreased (which a bio-cock would naturally re-supply ) With a condom, no difference detectable.

Several of these details, like the realistically articulated contouring and  the feel make the Maverick an illustrative anatomy model which has come in handy for a couple of my workshops like Genitorture and Cocksucking & Deepthroating.

For the wearer, the base is flat and wide and is therefore not as good for delivering focused clitoral stimulation for the wearer, but the slight convex shape would lend itself well to the addition of a bonus toy such as the Lelo Lily for clit  the Jollie Rider for gspot vibration  or even the Natural Contour Ultime or the Rock Chick for clit-gspot power combo!

The convex base also means this cock will suction nicely onto things such as the bathtub or kitchen counter, so if the strap-er gets tired of humping your cock-hungry self they can have the receiver mount it, freeing them up for some well-earned reciprocation!  Yay for dynamic fun!

Anyone who has ever stayed with a guy because their dick was just *too perfect* should take home the Maverick and keep the best part of him without all the bullshit. Move on to greener pastures and better sex—I know I did!

****Best used with harnesses that have reinforcing straps and made of material with little to no stretch because of its weight and size. A large opening or adjustable O-ring model will be needed to accommodate girth.