Do you wonder what goes on at our workshops, or feel nervous about checking them out?  Before images of dungeon play spaces or swinger parties start swirling in your head, get a glimpse at what you should expect from the events we host at Lotus Blooms! We have workshops  (also referred to as classes) just about every Sunday evening between 7:00pm-9:00pm at our store in Old Town Alexandria.

The topic varies from week to week, but they’re always about some aspect of sexuality.  To us, sexuality is a much broader umbrella term that encompasses so many aspects of who we are. It includes things like our identities and orientations, what stimulates us and how our individual bodies respond to stimuli and touch- since everyone is different!  Our body image and confidence directly impact ability to communicate our wants and our don’t-wants, so we include ways to make the conversation easier and more fun. And, it includes the different types of intercourse and the many ways to keep our bodies sexual no matter how they change.

During our workshops, our educators debunk common myths and set straight the inaccuracies of many of the messages we receive about sex. In particular, we talk about how this kind of misinformation affects our expectations and therefore the quality of our sexual experiences.  Spoiler alert- articles from Men’s Health and Cosmopolitan aren’t comprehensive enough to be accurate! They don’t do a good job of illustrating the wide “range of normal” that exists, and as a result aren’t all that empowering or realistic. **side eye**

Let’s cover some common questions you might have about our workshops…

What happens at the workshop?

Our workshops are set up to be educational events that are also fun and entertaining, with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.  We usually have a good amount of educator lecture (full of bad puns and great examples), some visuals (either slideshows or demonstrations), practice time, and a Q&A session.  

We are not a play space, but we do try to be as interactive and tactile as possible to give you a fuller experience than you could get just by watching a video or reading a book.  So, say we wanted to give the audience a chance to practice tongue techniques at an oral sex workshop, for example. We’d pass out Oreo cookies- double stuffed, of course!- and use the frosting to practice.  At all workshops, all educators and participants stay fully clothed. No one is ever required to do anything that they are uninterested in or uncomfortable with, even with cookies!

How are the workshops facilitated?

We have a few universal rules during all our events.

1. Don’t laugh at each other’s questions. It takes guts to ask questions about vulnerable topics in public, so instead let’s celebrate each other’s willingness to learn!
2. What’s said here stays here, but what’s learned here leaves here. We encourage everyone to take home their lessons and information and put it to good use. On the flip side, we don’t want people going out and talking about other people’s anecdotes and personal stories that were shared in our space with trust.
3. Questions are welcomed and encouraged! Even if you’re not sure if you’re asking it the “right” way. Since these conversations tend to be rare in our culture, it’s very likely that you might find it hard to find the exact words what you’re trying to say. That’s 100% common and ok, ask anyway!

Who goes to the workshops?

Everyone!  Really, we mean it, though.  Our workshops are attended by people between the ages of 18 and 90 and there’s usually a decent mix at every event.  Some people come by themselves, others come with their partner as a date night event, and some bring their friends. If a workshop requires a partner for practice- as with our rope workshops- the description will let you know.  Our capacity maxes out around 25 people, so it’s a decent size group without being too overwhelming for most. Our workshops are open to everyone- all identities, orientations, and expressions. And, even if the topic is “Women’s Orgasm” we encourage men and any other genders who want to learn about women’s orgasm to attend too!  

Where are they held?

Our events are held in the store itself, at 1017 King Street in Old Town Alexandria’s Boutique District, which is a well-lit, popular area that’s great for strolling and dining out.  We move our displays around, set up chairs, put out snacks, and most importantly close the doors so that onlookers and window-shoppers aren’t walking in on the workshops.  You are also welcome to bring your favorite adult beverage!

There’s paid street parking as well as nearby parking lots, and we’re accessible by Metro and bus as well. There are several wonderful places within a block of our store to get drinks or dinner before workshops and even some that are open afterward, and lots of lovely boutiques for browsing. It’s a great location for a date night out, or for a “treat yourself” day of leisure and pleasure.

The store itself is stylish and upscale (if we do say so ourselves!) with comfortable furniture and beautiful displays arranged by our creative staff. If your image of a sex store is intimidating or icky, let us assure you that Lotus Blooms is called an adult boutique for a reason– we strive to create a lovely, warm, and inviting environment where everyone will feel comfortable and welcome.

Who teaches them?

Our staff are trained educators, so we facilitate the majority of the events.  If it’s not one of our in-house staff, it’s one of our vetted colleagues who has expertise in their topic.  All our educators are held to the same high standards as our staff when it comes to creating a comfortable, inclusive, empowering environment.

What our workshops are not

There are events and places where people can go that do more hands-on demonstrations, munches that are hosted by the local kink organizations, or swinger and/or meet-up events for mingling with others.  But that’s not what our workshops are. We’re happy to give you resources and the inside scoop on these events if that’s what you’re looking for! Our workshops also are not social events or meet and greets. While people do sometimes chat among themselves, the events aren’t set up to have people working in groups or talking to strangers.

Now that you have a better idea of what you’d be walking into, check our full line-up on our events page, and mark your calendar! Tickets are sold individually- so make sure you get one for each person who plans to join- and events often sell out, so buy yours early.  We’ll see you soon for some learning and fun!