Oh the HUMANITY!
If Hillcrest had a gift shop, a dirty sense of humor and absolutely no shame, it might look a lot like HUMANITY! Since opening in 2019, the proudly queer lifestyle boutique has become a neighborhood go-to for everything from jockstraps and booty shorts to local brands, last-minute gifts and, apparently, the occasional naked shopping night. But behind the cheeky merchandise and “horny and happy” energy is something more meaningful: a space built to keep queer retail visible, local and unapologetically loud. GaymPlan sat down with owner Sean to talk about HUMANITY!, what makes something worthy of its shelves, and why independent queer businesses still matter to the heart of Hillcrest.
GAYMPLAN: How long has HUMANITY! been around and what was the impetus for opening the store? What was missing from Hillcrest when you opened HUMANITY!?
HUMANITY: HUMANITY! opened in October of 2019! Just a few months before that, the last major LGBTQ focused retail spot had permanently closed. I had a desire to use my retail background to keep queer retail alive in Hillcrest
GAYMPLAN: The name “HUMANITY!” feels bigger than just a store name. What did you want people to feel when they walked through the door?
HUMANITY: We want people to know that all are welcome! Our name is specifically “HUMANITY!” spelled out in all caps and with an exclamation point because we believe that Pride should be loud!
GAYMPLAN: How would you describe HUMANITY! to someone who has somehow wandered into Hillcrest without knowing where they are?
HUMANITY: “Queer lifestyle boutique.”
GAYMPLAN: What are some of your hottest sellers?
HUMANITY: A 3” jockstrap and some booty shorts! Slay.
GAYMPLAN: What’s the item people come in embarrassed to ask about, but leave thrilled they bought?
HUMANITY: A douche.
GAYMPLAN: If HUMANITY! had a personality, would it be more flirty, funny, fashionable, chaotic good, or all of the above?
HUMANITY: Horny and happy. Chaotic good.
GAYMPLAN: What makes something “HUMANITY!-worthy” enough to put on the shelves?
HUMANITY: We mostly showcase queer-owned brands, minority-owned brands, and local brands.
GAYMPLAN: What’s your personal test for whether a gift is funny, sexy, stylish, or just too much?
HUMANITY: “Can I get away with this?”
GAYMPLAN: Where do you source your apparel from?
HUMANITY: See my previous answer.
GAYMPLAN: What’s the most “only in Hillcrest” thing that has ever happened inside the store?
HUMANITY: Idk if this answer is cheating, but we do a “Naked Shopping” night a few times a year.
GAYMPLAN: What is one of your favorite things to see happen at the store?
HUMANITY: First timers when they feel they can let their guard down. It makes me feel warm inside every time.
GAYMPLAN: What challenges do you face running a store in the age of e-tail and fast delivery?
HUMANITY: We have so many items that are available “only at HUMANITY!” and we do our best to keep our prices competitive.
GAYMPLAN: What role do small queer-owned or queer-centered businesses play in keeping Hillcrest feeling like Hillcrest?
HUMANITY: I think it, in part, is what gives Hillcrest its personality and charm. Locals know what happens where and when.
GAYMPLAN: What kind of outreach/philanthropy does HUMANITY! do if any?
HUMANITY: We sponsor non-profits through donations. We donate to monthly and annual events and have in-store fundraisers a few times a year.
GAYMPLAN: Best last-minute gift for someone you don’t know that well?
HUMANITY: A dildo! Jk - a gift card or a shirt or hat and a gift receipt
GAYMPLAN: What’s the most Hillcrest emergency purchase: underwear, sunglasses, birthday card, or something sparkly?
HUMANITY: Lube.
GAYMPLAN: Love it. Thanks for your time Sean.
HUMANITY: Of course!
HUMANITY! QUICK FACTS
📍 Location: 1435 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
🏳️🌈 What It Is: San Diego LGBTQIA+ lifestyle boutique specializing in underwear, apparel, gifts, accessories and adult products, with an emphasis on queer, minority-owned and local brands.
🕚 Monday–Thursday: 11 AM–9 PM
🕙 Friday–Saturday: 10 AM–10 PM
🕙 Sunday: 10 AM–8 PM
☎️ Phone: (619) 677-2080
🛍️ Opened: October 2019
😈 Vibe: In their own words: “Horny and happy. Chaotic good.”
🍑 Known For: Jockstraps, booty shorts, queer gifts, lube, and things you probably don't want your mother finding in your shopping bag.
👀 Only-in-Hillcrest Bonus: HUMANITY! hosts occasional Naked Shopping nights: clothing-optional, body-positive after-hours shopping events. Yes, really.
❤️ Community Cred: HUMANITY! says it donates to, promotes and sponsors community events, organizations, charities and artists
