What is your opinion of adult bookstores?

Question

What is your overall opinion of adult bookstores? They seem to be popular places for gay men looking for sex.

Do you see adult bookstores as just outlets for sexual hookups? Or do you consider them seedy places?

Castle, I'm referring to porn shops.

Answer 1

I believe that adult bookstores should be allowed to exist in peace, and that if they became outlawed or heavily regulated, it would simply drive the market underground and make criminals out of adults who simply want the right to explore their own sexuality. As for being popular places for gay men seeking sex, I suspect it would have to do with what kind of adult bookstore it was. I can't really see that being the primary function of an adult bookstore that mainly caters to the sexual interests of straight men, but it could be the case for those that cater to a broader mix of sexualities. Some adult bookstores can be seedy, but others are quite nice. It depends on the store, how it's run and where it's located.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

I like nice, clean, well-lit adult bookstores with friendly, helpful staff . . . the rare ones, that is to say. I don't frequent the ones that are probably used as outlets for sexual hookups, and I try to avoid ones that are 'seedy'. When push comes to shove, I'd much rather go to a nice, reputable online store to avoid some of the undesirable traits of physical porn shops.

But my overall opinion of them is that they are good places. They fill a need in society and I've heard many people, men and women both (particularly women, though) talk about having sexual revelations by going into adult bookstores- people starting to get positive instead of negative feelings about sex, people saving and rescuing marriages by bringing sex back into the relationship, etc., etc..

I'm all for adult bookstores . . . I just wish sometimes they lived up more to the ideal.

Answer 4

I so wish the fairytale you described was true. I was abused by my ex-husband for a number of years before I could finally afford to leave him. He then stalked me & made my life, and that of our children, a living hell. Yes, I got the house, but I also got the lions share of the debt. He makes twice as much as I do, but since he hides over 50% of his income by being paid under the table, the child support order is quite low. Even then, he only pays enough to keep me from taking him to court. I have to work 2 jobs to support my children, while he lives with his father & stepmother in a mansion with an indoor swimming pool, has no car payment or rent, and sees the children when it's convenient for him. I would say that I am not so laid back. That being said - there are bad people of both sexes. I have worked as a paralegal in the child support/family court system and have seen things go both ways. I have also read studies that have shown that after a divorce, a man's life gets better, while the woman's quality of life decreases. Please do not make such gerneralizations that are based purely on your own bitter experiences rather than facts.

Answer 5

From what I hear, they're also hookup spots for straight people that want to sleep around too (usually married men sleeping with prostitutes). I don't think it's a gay thing. It's a slutty guy thing.

I think the average person that shops in one of these stores isn't looking for sex though. They are looking to buy movies or magazines that turn them on, or maybe adult toys. Maybe I'm naive, but I think most people are opposed to anonymous sexual hookups (at least on a regular basis).

Answer 6

I personally wish that bookstores would be solely for buying or renting books & movies and selling adult 'toys" but without any private screening rooms. That's what brings in the questionable element. Since that won't happen, we can only discourage the activity at each location. I do not like my gay brothers in a situation that promotes promiscuity, irresponsible unsafe sexual practices, and brings the gay bashing freaks in for the kill.

Answer 7

Not all adult gay bookstores fit into your category...but I think I know what you mean...I guess that they are okay...I think that they are mostly frequented by straight men looking for quick gay sex. There's always a cover there if they need it.."I was looking at the straight porn". I see them as somewhat seedy..but I don't want to sound judgemental.

Answer 8

A business that provides as service to people who want to buy sexually related materials. Like any business you have good and bad adult book stores. Freedom of expression no is forced to do business with the bookstore.

Answer 9

I've never been in one...b/c most of the ones in my area do look like really seedy places.
My best friend keeps wanting to take me for the first time...he says that it's some rite of passage that should have happened for me a long time ago. (?) I beg to differ. As long as I get my way, I don't think I'd ever go.

Answer 10

They're a legitimate retailer like any other that serves a clientele with goods.

Since there are all kinds of sexual appetites and preferences, they sort of have to cater to as many as they practically can.

My wife and I have frequented our favorite shop for years and purchased a number of things, from toys to videos to wearing apparel. We have a well balanced sex life and find it fun to add a little spice to it now and then.

I don't think adult stores cater to any particular sexual group; male, female, hetero, bi or gay.

They're an "equal opportunity" retailer.