Shopping Cart

We Get Weird, But We Don't Get Weird!

Womyns'Ware is pleased to announce our participation in the Won't Get Weird Network . Like (yet not alike) the old Sesame Street song, we feel that "one of these things is not like the others, one of these things just doesn't belong." We think it's great when we're not like the others but everyone DOES belong! That is why we're honoured to be part of the "WontGetWeird" network.

Won't Get Weird is a program initiated by Options for Sexual Health This program consists of a web site, a Facts of Life phone line, and a phone and e-mail service that is staffed by nurses and other volunteers offering comprehensive sexual health information. British Columbians will be able to access a list of professionals (as well as the services provided by them) in their areas who will be supportive, unbiased and informed regarding health matters pertaining to sexuality. This program will be promoted through the Options for Sexual Health Provincial office, their boards, clinics, educators and network members who will be provided with posters, business cards and stickers as well as on all BC Translink buses.

All participants have been invited by OPT and have entered into a Protocol Agreement governing sex-positive definitions, empathy and support towards values and beliefs of others, and respectful understanding.

What this means for us at Womyns'Ware is that we are part of this information stream. We will have the cards, stickers and a poster to promote the program. We will be contacted either via the phone, website or in person by people who have accessed the program and are looking for Won't Get Weird service providers. Our focus on contact is as sexual health pro-activists within our area of expertise as retail product providers and consumer advocates!

When asked sexual health related questions  we will answer honestly and to the best of our ability ... If we do not know, we will say that we do not and we will brainstorm alternative sources for the information. We can point out books that might address the issues. We can also refer people to other service providers within the network and we can listen and offer our input based on what we do know. Most importantly, we commit to Not Gettin Weird !!!

(We may say that we are not equipped to answer that question but in so doing, we will do our utmost to not get weird about it ;)

We are very interested in participating in this program because of how it relates to our daily experiences at Womyns'Ware. Allow us a moment to explain and perhaps pontificate on this relationship ... Sexuality is a subject that, for some reason, often gets a lot of attention from those who want to pass judgment. Academics can talk about feminist theory, heterosexist norms and how power structures work to express themselves at the most intimate level of our lives. But all this theory and 'book learnin' doesn't help when we want to talk to someone and they treat us like a freak.
Every human being deserves respect and the more open and honest they are the more respect that they deserve. The truth is we are all born different and many of us only become more different as we grow up. This is a good thing.
Everyone in the world is a little bit strange! One of our founding principles is that these differences should not just be tolerated but celebrated.

Empowerment is about making space for people to talk about their experiences, thoughts and desires so that they can exchange good information about how to explore their sexuality. We all come with different bodies, minds and hearts and there are an almost infinite number of combinations of people who can choose to explore their sexuality in this world. Throw a nice selection of toys into the mix and, well, infinity times all the toys available is a lot!

With all these different combinations, why should one specific combination be judged the 'correct' way? We think that this is not only a silly idea but a deeply disrespectful idea.

We ARE weird enough to think that however you choose to define yourself, whoever you choose to have sex with (if anyone) and whatever toys you use to explore your sexuality, you are worthy of respect. Open communication, good information and honesty are the best tools to ensure that nobody gets hurt or feels shame for celebrating their own sexuality in their own way.

Along with other organizations and people who support the Won't Get Weird Network, we fully support the right of individuals to have the information, education, skills, support and services they need to make responsible decisions about their sexuality consistent with their own values. These include the right to bodily integrity, voluntary sexual relationships, and a full range of accessible sexual and reproductive health services. (And, yes, even a right-wing, homophobic, misogynist preacher deserves good information to protect himself and the male prostitute who helps him explore his more 'difficult' passions ;-)


One simple way of prodding Womyns'Ware to assist you with your queries is to write us a question. It may turn out to be a topic which we've addressed in length on our BuyerbeWomyns'ware feature or answered in part or in full at Womyn Aware Advice or touch on elsewhere in our site such as in Philosophy or Sex Toys in the Media (in which case we'll point you in the right direction) or it may be something new that we'll put our collective minds to answer to the best of our ability a fresh or we may have a seminar that'll answer it in more depth or we might send you off with some thoughts and a list of other potential contacts  ... which ever way it goes, it won't get weird!