Vibrator Maker Visits Dallas, Challenging Legislators' War on Sex Toys

Giant images of purple vibrators and the words "She's Coming," plastered on the sides of trucks, have been traveling around streets in New York, Miami and Dallas. They're part of a campaign that's both marketing for sex toys and, particularly in Texas, a political statement on behalf of sexual health in a state where legislators seem oddly worried over how people get off.

Launched last month, the Com wand trucks are intended “to challenge outdated policies and push for open access to sexual wellness products for women,” according to a news release from Dame, a sexual wellness company also known for adult pleasure toys such as Eva, a wearable, hands-free clitoral vibrator; the Arc, a G-spot vibrator; and Aer, a suction toy.

Dame's website describes the Com wand as "Our take on the classic wand shape, upgraded for comfort and easy handling. With our most powerful motor, Com delivers strong, rumbly external vibrations."

Dame launched the "She's Coming" campaign in response to Texas House Bill 1549, which seeks to prevent sex toys from being sold anywhere other than at sexually oriented businesses, banning them from convenience stores or general retailers like Walmart and Target. (Zucchinis and cucumbers could still be purchased at those and other grocers if the bill becomes law, so those who like to keep things old school, prefer not to enter SOBs or have never heard of online shopping could still make do.)

If it lands on Gov. Greg Abbott's desk for signing, the bill doubtless would bite into the bottom line of companies like Dame.

The bill allows county or district attorneys to seek injunctions against businesses in violation, civil penalties up to $5,000 for each violation and reimbursement of investigation and prosecution costs. It's pending before the House's Committee on Trade, Workforce and Economic Development, whose remit includes oversight of international trade, workforce training and homeowner associations, among a long list of subjects that don't mention sex toys. Of course, as any keen observer of the Texas Legislature knows, onanism of some sort or the other touches on so, so much of what it does, metaphorically, at least.

It is just one of several bills that seek to limit people's access to vibrators.

Dame CEO Alexandra Fine, also the company's co-founder, called the bill an attack on women's sexual health.
Dame points out that it is ironic that Texas stores are allowed to sell both guns and groceries, but its leaders aim to restrict access to vibrators and other products used for sexual pleasure.

According to the news release, Dame's campaign seeks to spark “a national conversation about stigma, bodily autonomy and consumer rights. "

Dame launched a branded truck “covered in vibrators” in Dallas’ high-traffic areas. A few weeks ago, it appeared on SMU’s campus and at a fundraiser/cocktail party for Planned Parenthood, where 40 Com wand vibrators were given away.

Dame has partnered with Planned Parenthood to provide free condoms for a year. It is also expanding sexual awareness through a partnership with the shopping app Rosie and advocating for sex health education and open access to products that improve wellbeing.

Fine said she doesn’t consider the company politically active. It’s just that politics have intersected with her business. “I didn’t put that bill up,” she said.

Rep. Hillary Hickland, a Republican from Central Texas, filed the bill. Several legislators sponsor it, including Rep. Christian Manuel, D-Nederland; Rep. Claudia Ordaz Perez, D-El Paso; Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Allen; and Rep. Terri Leo-Wilson, R-Galveston.

In December, Hickland told the Dallas Observer, “Children have the right to grow up free from premature exposure to explicit materials, and as lawmakers, it’s our responsibility to uphold that right.”

It’s unclear why Hickland — or other parents — would expose children to the adult section at retail outlets.

“You look at the science [behind vibrators]. It is healthy, safe and good,” Fine said. “The research shows that people use them to coordinate for a more positive sex life and better satisfaction in their relationships.”

This isn’t the first time the DAME has made a statement about Republican legislators trying to control women’s sexual health. In 2022, DAME offered a limited edition vibrator with Sen. Mitch McConnell's face on the tip, which might strike some as being as practical as a glass hammer, but à chacun ses goûts.

“100% of sales go to abortion rights funds,” DAME pointed out on its website.
Like McConnell's face on the end of a vibrator, Dame's truck is also easy to spot. It has the Com wand vibrator pictured on the side with the words “She’s Coming” and “Honk if you want her to Com” in bold lettering.

Fine said Target and Walmart have been selling vibrators for 15 years without issue. DAME has been providing sexual wellness services for about 10 years and has been in stores in Texas for at least eight years.

The vibrators are sold in the adult section, where customers can also find condoms, rings and straight vibrators.

Fine has spoken with people who do policy work and said Hickland’s bill lacks traction.

“But it is scary that it is being suggested,” Fine said. “Just feels like it is only harmful to society when there are more important things to work on.

Fine pointed out that states have strange rules and regulations regarding sexual paraphernalia. For example, Section 43.23 of the Texas penal code prevents people from owning more than six sex toys, known as “obscene devices,” in the penal code.

By introducing this bill, Hickland is tapping into what Fine called “moral fear” to stop the sale of vibrators instead of simply avoiding the aisle where they can be found when her children are with her at the store.

“I wanted to take the opportunity to make sure that people understand how silly it is,” Fine said. “These products add value.”