Babeland challenges 'puritanical' sexual ideals

Amid a myriad of sex toys ranging from dildos to handcuffs, Audrey McManus, education coordinator at Seattle's Babeland sex shop, is adamant that fear has no place in sexual education.

Babeland's mission is simple—to create an atmosphere where sexuality is made comfortable and accessible. Its flagship store, located on East Pike Street, was created in 1993 after Claire Cavanah and Rachel Venning noticed a lack of women-friendly sex shops in the region.

While the store has grown and expanded its target audience and has multiplied to stores in New York and Seattle, the focus remains the same—to educate and create a positive environment for sexual discovery and exploration.

"We live in a society based on puritanical values," McManus says. "Americans have this reputation of being so sexual, but we really are oppressed."

In relation to other sex shops on Capitol Hill including The Crypt and Castle, Babeland offers a distinctly different atmosphere. The first noticeable difference is the bright lighting and colorful walls, which are intended to create a more inviting space. The displays are also presented in a less discrete way. Customers are encouraged to ask questions, turn the equipment on, feel vibrations and get comfortable with the devices before purchasing them.

Babeland clientele breaks down to roughly 65 percent women and 35 percent men. According to McManus, most people who visit the store are heterosexual, but the store's selection is not limited to any one sexual identification.

"Gay men just don't think this store is for them," says McManus, who indicates that gay men make up the smallest percentage of customers. "Our gay porn selection is kind of bad. This is not the mecca for gay porn."

Along with selling sex toys ranging in price from $15 to more than $100, Babeland provides extensive sexual education classes and workshops focused on increasing sexual pleasure and releasing stigma. When it comes to teaching about sex, Babeland focuses on three key elements—lubrication, communication and relaxation.

On Nov. 8, Babeland hosted "The Art of Oral Pleasure: Clit Trick," an event focused on educating people and their partners on oral stimulation. In an effort not to be gender exclusive, they will also be hosting a workshop Dec. 13 titled "The Art of the Blow Job."

"The goal is for anyone to go shopping for sex toys without feeling judged," McManus says. "There really needed to be a place where women felt comfortable shopping."

Babeland tries to make their products easy and accessible for customers.

"Sex is something everybody does," McManus says. "Everyone in here is here for the same reason. It is a very comfortable place to shop."

McManus, who has been working in the sex toy industry for years, also suggests that people who are nervous and intimidated also check out Babeland's extensive online shopping collection.