Hysterical about Hysteria

Hysteria, Denver's only feminist, LGBTQ-friendly, sex-positive toy, video, and book boutique (and purveyor of fantastic, educational workshops) will be shuttering soon due to financial difficulties. According to an email sent out this morning, owners Elizabeth Hauptman and Pete Yribia have been unable to secure small business loans in this tough economic climate. Hysteria's closure is a huge loss to the Denver community and beyond. As the only local sex shop that sold medical grade silicone toys and feminist porn, the outlet was committed to safety, security, experimentation, and consensus in sex.

When I first visited Hysteria a year ago, I felt a surge of relief. Here, at last, was a sex shop void of the grubby, exploitative, secretive vibe at mainstream sex stores in Denver. Hysteria was brightly lit and colorful. Sample sex toys were displayed, unpackaged, along the wall so that customers could get a good feel for the vibration, size, and texture of the items. (Sex toy shopping is largely intuitive, Elizabeth once told me. Clients know the toy they want when they hold it.) In addition to glass and silicone toys, Hysteria sold vegan and organic lube, harnesses, calendars, porn, books, condoms, non-erect "dildos" for packing, and even little plastic wedges to help women pee while standing up. The store was committed to making sex better for people of all stripes and persuasions. One thing I loved about Hysteria was Elizabeth's open and unassuming nature. She held no sacred cows about sex and was democratic and sensitive in her advice.

With the store's closing date on the horizon, Hysteria is holding a massive going-out-of-business sale in the brick-and-mortar store. (You can check out the full-priced merch online.) While you're perusing the site, you might want to send Elizabeth and Pete an email to thank them for five years of serving the Denver community. Reach them at customerservice (AT) hysteriashop (DOT) com. -Naomi