Denver Sex | Butt Toys

Our Story

Hysteria is the lovechild of Elizabeth Hauptman and Pete Yribia. The idea for Hysteria was born when they realized that lots of big cities had cool, sex-positive shops and Denver still had none. They pondered, “Why shouldn’t WE open one?” And – much like when Marie and Pierre Curie discovered the element radium – their discovery of this idea was accompanied by fits of uncontrollable laughter in a bar. But the laughter faded and they were left with the question, “WHY NOT?!” Elizabeth knows more about sexual health than Dr. Ruth (no she doesn’t), Pete knows a buttload about business (he orders tons of motivational CDs off of late-night infomercials), and they both like sex a whole lot. So they joined superpowers and went for it.

Elizabeth comes from a background in the holistic healing arts. She is trained in several healing modalities, but specialized in Mayan Uterine Massage – a technique that can aid in healing menstrual irregularities, sexual health issues and help women who considered themselves infertile to conceive. Dealing with women’s health issues on a daily basis, Elizabeth was horrified at many of her client’s complete lack of knowledge concerning their own body and sexuality. As a committed feminist, Elizabeth realized it was her duty to provide the women of Denver (and everyone else!) a safe space to explore their sexuality and speak freely about sexual issues.

Pete comes from a background of shitty jobs that he hated. His heart still weeps when he sees a customer being mean to a waiter. Shortly after graduating college, he realized he’d had enough and began a new career as an independent real estate investor. Through self-study, he learned a great deal about the business world and earned enough money to feel safe in ordering extra guacamole on his burritos. Pete soon realized his business skills were being wasted on something he wasn’t all that interested in and decided that opening a sex shop with Elizabeth would be a lot more fun – even though he’s now kept in the back of the shop like some kind of bookkeeping troll.

When Elizabeth and Pete first decided to open Hysteria, they began visiting female-friendly sex shops in other cities and gave themselves a crash course in retail business. They were fortunate to have a trail blazed by pioneering sex-positive shops around the country. Thanks and praise to those who have reclaimed the sex industry for ALL people! They waded knee-deep through so many cheesy sex toys and crappy merchandise before finding the cream-of-the-crop items you see on this website. And with the help of their family, friends and their fantabulous employees, they opened Hysteria on April 8th, 2005.

We would like to say thanks for visiting us! We know you’ll find what you’re looking for… to have more orgasms than you’re possibly prepared for. We love our jobs sooo much!