Hello! My name is Mariel Wheeler. I am a Richmond resident and have lived here my whole life. I am an animal activist as well, primarily focusing on the farming and sale of fur. Fur farming is a hugely cruel and unnecessary way of stroking the human ego through fashion. The pain and suffering minks, foxes, rabbits, chinchillas, lynxes, raccoon dogs, and more go through so a human can have an item they think is soft and pretty is immeasurable. They are kept in cages and meet an untimely death by anal electrocution or gassing to preserve their pelts. Each year, around one hundred million animals die for fashion.

About a year ago I was taken to the store Taboo in Richmond. If you are not aware, Taboo is an adult entertainment and health store. I believe sexual liberation and health are very important. However, I left that store disturbed and in tears. I couldn’t believe that a store with a very open, liberal mindset that brought many good things to the community could sell something so replaceable and cruel- real fur. They sold real rabbit fur cuffs and fox tails. I inquired about it and they said I was the first person to have any issue with it, which I would find hard to believe. Taboo is associated with many Richmond establishments, especially sex-positive or LGBT frequents such as Babe’s of Carytown and Fallout. It is also standalone one of the largest and highly accredited sex stores in the state. I want to support both of these businesses for what they provide for the LGBT community in Richmond, but it seems impossible because of their sponsorship of Taboo. I would also like to see a sex shop in Richmond that would be suitable for vegetarians. In California the sale of fur is banned, and many department stores have banned it as well. Many shoppers including myself have boycotted Taboo. If Taboo wants to keep their liberal buyer base and continue to make money they need to cut out fur.