Even though we, as a nation, are going through some very trying times, the winners in these categories, voted for by Bay Area Reporter readers, should inspire you to get your freak on once social distancing becomes a thing of the past. Here are the events and places to get up-close and very personal with plenty of people, or someone special, at some point in our future.
Best Place To Buy Sex Toys: Good Vibrations
It's no surprise that Good Vibrations has numerous locations in San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland, Palo Alto and Santa Cruz, California and Brookline and Cambridge, Massachusetts, not to mention a serious online presence. Their product range is extremely modern, well-designed, hypoallergenic, very user-friendly, passionately researched and tested to work above and beyond the call of duty. Fear, shame, inhibition and self-imposed stigma do not exist within the walls of this gleaming, well-appointed emporium. Tell a friend, and order your stay-at-home erotic products online.
www.goodvibes.com
Runner-Up: Mr. S. Leather
The luxury brand for fun sex toys not only extends and explores your limits and boundaries, but, also to explodes them in various pleasure centers. Get lost in the aura of true sexuality, and take advantage of Mr. S' online selections. Their homepage alone will put you in the mood to order from one of the world's largest selections of "toys": bondage, leather, latex, tit wear, dildos, extenders, plugs and the latest in erotic wear and pup gear. It's truly for people who live the BDSM lifestyle and/or have the hot, rocking body and attitude, but newbies are always welcome. Mr. S. promises to be gentle...the first time.
www.mr-s-leather.com
Best Sex Venue: Steamworks Baths Berkeley
Some of the most memorable experiences to ever be had in a building geared to gay male sexuality is the venue voted number one by B.A.R. readers. There's just about everything that you can do there; work out in their beautiful gym, swim in their pool area, relax in their sauna, manipulate your body's temperature in their steam room, listen to some great music, executed by some of the Bay Area's best DJs and have amazing sex with beautiful men from all over the Bay Area and planet Earth. Reality is truly suspended, with their special events and reasonable prices for memberships, lockers and spacious rooms. Although now closed, we look forward to exploring what may be the new version of safe sex.
www.steamworksbaths.com/berkeley
Runner-Up: Catalyst
This community-run educational and social space is located in the South of Market neighborhood, and operated by the San Francisco Bay Area Leather Alliance, in coordination with other kink and sexuality groups. Featuring more than 3,000 square feet of space for groups and individuals to play and socialize, this venue is well-stocked with all types of furnishings for your particular kink needs. Locker and shower rooms are also available.
www.sfcatalyst.org
Cruisiest Nightlife Event: Junk at The Powerhouse
This sexy event never goes out of style, showcasing the real studs, with the goods that you want to tip, touch and taste in the bar that represents what SoMa does best. With the music, the heat and camaraderie, Junk breaks down the meaning, "It's what up front that counts." Host Dulce de Leche and mrPam bring out the exhibitionist in patrons who compete in the wet underwear contest, with cash prizes. We eagerly anticipate this event's return.
www.powerhousebar.com
Runner-Up: Underwear Night at 440 Castro
This uber-modern bar rewards you with the event that enhances you casting down the carbs and magnifies your laser-like focus in your workouts. Do you want to show off your vintage UnderGear catalog black see-through polyester briefs? Do you want to serve rugby star realness in Armani Exchange boxer briefs, or are you willing to go beyond good taste, in a Nasty Pig branded jock strap? Socialize, show your style and shopping skills, dance, drink and be unconcerned about sexual conventions or having to iron an outfit. Save your fave skivvies for this popular night's return.
www.the440.com
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