Never Such Devoted Sisters
Ladies, I ask you: who among us hasn't gone to her mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, female friend or lover, for some empathetic girl advice? We have all sought the counsel of a fellow female on some topic, from relationships, to sex, to pregnancy, to self-esteem, to menopause, to just dealing with menstrual cramps,. A strong, compassionate network of female friends and family members is essential to a woman's mental, emotional, and physical well-being. At Red Tent Sisters, a pair of lovely siblings have taken female-to-female advice, support, and education to a whole new level.
As far as I am concerned, sisters Amy and Kim Sedgwick have done something magical down on Danforth. As I walked into Red Tent Sisters, the tall windows, clean white walls, and pine-coloured hardwood floor made the small business bright, warm, and inviting. The wide wheelchair-accessible entrance; the displays of books, organic health and menstruation products, non-toxic sex toys, and erotic films; and the large, blue, home birthing pool in the window (of which they are the only supplier in Toronto) made me feel like here, I could ask these sisters anything.
As the owners of a business completely focused on the reproductive and sexual health of women in every phase of life, they have done their job exceptionally well. They carry products from inexpensive pregnancy tests, and over-the-counter lubrication and latex condoms, to rare forms of contraception for those with allergies. There are books on sexuality after motherhood, self-pleasure, trauma, midwifery, alternative child-rearing, menopause, adolescence, fertility, and queer issues. Textually, Red Tent Sisters packs an impressive educational punch- but it doesn't end there.
In the space behind the store, the sisters facilitate monthly book clubs and film screenings, and they also run many types of workshops for which you can register online (see below). For example, coming up soon is Intro to Tantra for Queer Women (Sunday, August 10th , from 1-5pm); Intro to Tantra for Couples; World at your Fingertips: Self Pleasuring for Women; and Intro to Orgasm, as well as new fall dates for Rock His World!: A Workshop for Women on Pleasuring Men (to be announced). They have also introduced Eco-Sex Parties, an event that is presented at your home, proving they are not only unabashed and educated, but green, too!
A major distinguishing feature of their business is its focus on natural fertility, a welcome alternative to difficult and sometimes hazardous traditional approaches. Fertility Yoga is a permanent fixture, as are the Birth Preparation classes. Through these experiences, women can get to know more about their cycles and bodies to help them achieve a gentler and, if you'll forgive me, a conceivably less traumatic time trying to get pregnant.
The objective of Ret Tent Sisters in this area is to support women through the entire course of their pregnancy in a safe, inclusive, and holistic manner. As an Occupational Therapist and Professional Practitioner of the Arvigo Technique of Maya Abdominal Massage™, Amy Sedgwick facilitates Conceive Naturally: The Justisse Method for Fertility Management classes, and she also takes individual appointments for abdominal massage and fertility issues. On the subjects of reproductive health and infertility, life changes, and female sexuality and well-being, it can be difficult to find a place that provides practical information, education, and support all at once. Amy and Kim have created such a space, and for women trying to stay healthy and deal with life as it happens, Red Tent Sisters is a haven.
What: Red Tent Sisters
Where: 810 Danforth Ave.
Phone: 416-463-TENT (8368)
TTC: Take subway to Pape and walk north on Danforth, between Pape and Jones Ave.
Parking: Street parking is available 10-4 daily. Public parking lot around the corner off Woodycrest.
Why: Non-toxic, safe beauty and sex products; wide selection of books on female reproductive health and sexuality; great workshops, book groups, film screenings, and services!
Website: www.redtentsisters.com
