Vagina Quotient, or ‘The VQ,’ will bring together some of the country’s best female-led independent sexual health businesses and organisations to Birmingham’s city centre, providing a fun, safe and sex-positive space for women of all ages and backgrounds, to learn and talk about their sexual health and wellbeing needs.
A UK first, academics at Birmingham City University are opening a pop-up sex and health shop as part of IWD. The project is co-led by Dr Annalise Weckesser, a medical anthropologist whose research explores issues of gender and health, and Dr Keeley Abbott, a critical social psychologist who specialises in sexuality, gender and sex education.
Many products available at the VQ are only available online; the pop-up shop offers visitors an exclusive chance to see these products in-person and to learn more about them from the experts:
- Sh! Women's Erotic Emporium, the UK’s longest running, multi-award winning female-focused sex boutique from London will be around to talk sex and sex toys, and we'll round off the day with one of our popular erotic classes.
- WUKA, luxury period underwear - see and purchase these special period pants before their launch date.
- OMGYES - trial (or even purchase!) this research-based app (championed by actress Emma Watson) that teaches different techniques women use to find pleasure.
- Precious Stars - check out these eco-friendly reusable sanitary products - a social enterprise started by Bryony Farmer who runs a popular YouTube channel on menstrual health for young people.
- A unique opportunity to take part in an original art piece with Kaye Winwood Projects: make a cast of your hands in the positions you use to masturbate. Anonymised casts will be used to make a display representing the diversity of women’s pleasure techniques (we love this!).
- Birmingham LGBT’s Well Woman's Sexual Health Clinic - sexual health information, free STI screenings, and giveaways.
Come to a Sex Class!
For one night only, Team Sh! will spread their message of sexual empowerment and pleasure to the women of Brum!
Enjoy a guided tour of pleasurable peaks and orgasmic delights. Learn how to locate and stimulate the G-spot, and how to tell the time on your clit-clock. Learn about anatomy, hot spots and female ejaculation.
We'll finish with Q&A session so you can ask any questions you have about increasing your orgasmic ratio.
Full of practical advice and sexpert tips, this class is playful whilst still providing insight and information. You’ll leave feeling inspired and empowered, ready to take charge of your next orgasm.
Book your ticket to our one-night-only sex class in Birmingham here.
Win Prizes!
A raffle will also be taking place on the day which includes prizes such as limited edition Eros candles, gift vouchers, Spa vouchers and a voucher for two macaroons and a glass prosecco for two people at Miss Macaroon’s patisserie in Great Western Arcade.
Donate Sanitary Products!
Donations of sanitary products will be collected on the day for The Bloody Good Period and Homeless Period.
Here's What the Organisers Have To Say
Dr Annalise Weckesser, Senior Research Fellow at Birmingham City University, said:
“We have communication taboos around menstruation, sex and menopause in Britain. Time and again, research shows that this silence and stigma leads to negative consequences and health risks for girls and women."
“With this initiative, our hope is to create a space for open conversation where we can help begin to break down these taboos.”
Visitors to ‘VQ: A women’s health, sex and pleasure shop’ can speak with sexual health and women’s health experts while they discover and purchase unique sex and health products. Such products include the latest sex apps and toys, alternative sanitary products (period pants, mooncups and more) and aids for menopause.
Dr Keeley Abbott, Lecturer, Birmingham City University, added:
“We rarely talk about the sex and relationship education needs of adults.”
“We need to start discussing the needs of women, and in a way that acknowledges desire and pleasure. We want to hear about women’s sexual, menstrual and reproductive health needs.”
James Roberts, centre manager at Great Western Arcade, said: “We are always eager to partner with unique events and refreshing projects, and this is no exception. VQ is a fantastic initiative and serves as a great way to push the boundaries surrounding women’s sexual needs. We are really looking forward to welcoming VQ and its visitors to the arcade.”
