Stoli Russian Vodka Boycott in LGTB Community

Stoli Russian vodka boycott in Vancouver

Dear readers, as Vancouver’s Pride Parade is about to go on this week, the hype around the Russian vodka boycott is getting heated in our city.  I would like to present you with a response from Lena who lives in Belarus as an example of a fresh perspective on the topic.

 

by Lena, Belarus

Putin, Russian Vodka and Gays

Putin, Russian vodka and gays, what is the connection? If you ask this question nowadays, people may think that you are completely ignorant or you live on an uninhabited island. Russia issued anti-gay laws, that caused protests in America and activists suggested to boycott Russian vodka. Sounds ridiculous, but this is the truth.

Here we do not talk about sexual minorities. Maybe because there are not so many of them. By the way, just to specify “Here” means not in Russia. I am from Belarus. And here we really do not pay special attention to sexual minorities. People like millions of others, they work, eat, drink, relax… usual activities. We do not see any reason to speak about them too much or to forbid them to live. Politicians organize parades and shows to honor themselves. Why not gays then? I don’t think they are worse. But if you think so, you can give me reasons why.

I also do not understand what this anti-gay law is for. Why then not anti-criminals law? Criminals who took people`s lives are not forbidden, they stay in prison, eat and drink for money that we pay as taxes.

Well, Putin knows better, maybe gays are more dangerous that criminals. Here we have the same culture as Russia, I wouldn’t say that we are more democratic or more developed. We have the same religion, the same traditions. But we judge people according to their personality, their attitude to us, not by their nation or race or whether they belong to sexual minority or not.

Now about vodka. How is vodka connected with gays and Russian legislation? Completely different thing is Olympic Games in Sochi. This for sure would have influence. But I do not think that such kind of boycott can be supported by majority of people. Russia have always been and still is a great country with strong traditions and unique culture, and visiting Olympic Games can be a good reason for many foreigners to discover Russia. America can boycott the Olympic Games, but since it’s Europe here, and Europeans will gladly use such an opportunity.

But right, if Olympic Games are boycotted, this will be a good reason for Russia to think about gays once more. Though again gays will be accused, as nobody would accuse for this the Russian government. If any kind of boycotting will make the Russian government change their mind? I do not think, so, they for sure were ready for protests. At least they could forecast that there will be unsatisfied people.

Ah, by the way, again to vodka. I don’t think that boycotting of Russian vodka Stolichnaya will support the Russian gays or will make the Russian government think. It would be more logical to boycott Russian products rather than Latvian, as Stolichnaya is neither produced nor bottled in Russia any more. Anyway, the Russian government will be grateful for such protests as they wanted to get that brand back. That is why before running to streets and yelling about protests maybe better to ask yourself a question: who will have the main profit from it? In this case this is Russia who will take the main advantage.

Davie street rainbow pavement for Vancouver Pride Week 2013

Rainbow pavement on the intersection of Bute and Davie in Vancouver in the spirit of Pride Week.

 

Fetish and Dating advice from Juicy Life

I had a pleasure to talk about dating with a sexual health educator, Jane Langton, from a Juicy Life.  She is a friendly person with a modern outlook on sexuality.  I decided to ask her about common questions that I get through this blog.

Since this blog is about hosiery, we get a lot of male visitors who have a fetish for pantyhose or stockings and are sometimes afraid to admit to it when they start dating.

Due to the nature of the garment, most of hosiery fetishists are male, but advice given in this article is applicable to any gender.

 

When is it best to tell the partner about your sexual preferences and fetishes, right away or when there is already a deep emotional attachment?  Sometimes I get people telling me that their wife does not want to share their sexual preferences and that causes a lot of tension in the family.

 Jane’s Answer:

It is more challenging to introduce something that is considered by some as kinky later on in the relationship.  We don’t always have the courage to tell our partner who we really are, so we open up later. 

Don’t be upset if the partner is not comfortable with this new addition to your repertoire, because you didn’t tell them upfront about your preference.  Be mindful of their thoughts and put yourself in their shoes. 

Being honest is important.  If your partner is committed to being with you, you can take it slowly and introduce things, create a way to express your fetish in a way that appeals to both of you.Checking in along the way. Explore together.

Take small steps.  It also helps to do research together. It can be fear preventing  your partner from saying “yes” to something out of their comfort zone.  They don’t know what it means if their male partner is wearing stockings.

In fact, it doesn’t mean anything.  It is exploration, role-playing, and it’s normal.  It doesn’t imply their sexuality or gender at all.  For example, look at the Kinsey scale that was created by Albert Kinsey in 1948 to represent sexuality, 0 being heterosexual and 6 being homosexual.  According to Kinsey many of us are between 1 and 5 and not are not 0 or 6!  Also, within our lifetime, we will change. Our preferences will change.  So do your best to be honest with your partner early on in your relationship and most importantly have fun!

 

Please visit Jane’s website for more information about her.  She has a free newsletter and an online store full of fun products for your bedroom.  Even though she is Vancouver based, she offers virtual sessions over skype or phone to people from other areas.

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I asked for an opinion from men who have a fetish and it looked like all of them (those who answered me, of course) agreed with Jane about honesty being the best policy.  Here is what they said.

What do you think?  Do you tell your partner about your sexual preferences upfront?  Can our peers offer some dating advice?

Gentleman A

To me it just seems like common sense. If you’re trying to be in a stable relationship, 100% honesty is key. If you’re just in it for the sex… well, it’s only logical to admit to a fetish.  Either way it’s not only a good idea to be up front, it’s quite important to.

I told my wife about my fetishes (I have foot fetish as well as a pantyhose fetish) early on when we were dating.  She wasn’t put off at all; she was rather intrigued by it.  She asked me questions and I was open and honest. Our sex life was better off for it, as was our emotional attachment to each other.

Gentleman B

Your relationship with a particular woman needs to be honest and sincere. Your true feelings for her – (sexually and non sexually) need and should come first!  Early on your dating/courtship, it should surface. Don’t be forceful, rude, or anything like that. From her point of view, a pantyhose fetish can be welcomed, as long as it’s not extreme.  Good luck.

 Gentleman C

I have always expressed it within the first couple of dates.  Never had anyone freak out or leave me because of it.  Most are really accepting.

 Gentleman D

You’d be surprised of the number of ladies I’ve dated and shared my fetish and love of pantyhose on women. I’d usually tell them about it, right after the first sexual encounter.
I learned early:  first satisfy a women in bed and she’ll be most willing to satisfy your every wish.  Within reason, of course.  When sharing my fetish, many were aroused by the thought and some had some kinky wishes, too.  I’ve never had any bad experiences in sharing this with women I’ve dated.  All in all, it’s been a lot of fun and I’d do it all again.

 Gentleman E

As long as you trust her, have genuine feelings for her and truly want be with her and she feels the same way about you, by all means tell her about your fetish before it’s too late. Not when proposing or after marriage. Common sense prevails.

 Gentleman F

I’m upfront with the women I date, and they all are fine with it. Best to be honest with them about it, and if they like you, then they would be more than happy to wear pantyhose for you.

 

*Friends, the only funding for this blog is from the shop section.  Please indulge your pantyhose obsession and show some support for my work!  Your purchases make this blog possible.*

Pierre Molinier – artist with a hosiery fetish

Some call it Fetish, some call it Art.  Recently I went to visit Vancouver Art Gallery with my friend to see surreal art exhibit and one photograph left an impression on me, it was by Pierre Molinier.

Pierre Molinier and Stockings

Pierre Molinier has many photographs featuring black stockings.

I came across two photos of a man and a woman, both wearing black fishnet stockings – that caught my eye right away.  I went to that spot twice to write down the name and look at the picture one more time.

The artist, Pierre Molinier (1900 – 1976), was obsessed with black stockings and shapely legs – both male and female.  He admitted that there is nothing more sexual for him then a shapely leg covered in black nylon.

I advise you not to check his work too much if you are sensitive to sexual content.  I am myself quite sensitive to violence and explicit nudity in art galleries.  However, I figure I’ll let you know that there was an artist who was seriously into hosiery and even our local art gallery finds him worth displaying!

*Friends, the only funding for this blog is the stockings shop section. We invite you to have a look at what we have to offer.*