LAB46 in Vanity Fair: Intimacy begins with your mind
Lifestyle 8 Oct 2025
LAB46 stands for science, openness, and self-determination—topics that are also finding their place in more and more local pharmacies.
The Johann Strauss Pharmacy in Vienna has been a LAB46 partner pharmacy since 2024 and is considered a pioneer when it comes to queer visibility and sensitive counseling in the healthcare sector.
We spoke with Manuel Wendl, M.Sc. (Pharm.), about intimate health, sex education, and the tension between taboo and openness.
LAB46: Dear Manuel, as a queer-friendly pharmacy in the heart of Vienna, you demonstrate with expertise, empathy, and attitude what modern healthcare for queer people can look like.
They stand for an open, respectful, and contemporary approach to the body, identity, and health. What does that really mean in everyday life—and how does a queer-friendly pharmacy differ from a classic, traditional pharmacy?
Manuel Wendl: I wouldn't describe us as a purely queer-friendly pharmacy, but rather as an inclusive pharmacy. Our society is colorful and diverse, and I see the queer community as part of that. This inclusive and, above all, non-judgmental way of treating each other is what makes the difference for us. No matter who stands in front of us, no matter what their concern is—we are happy to be there, even if sometimes "only" a smile is the thanks we get.
LAB46: Body, desire, and intimacy are central themes in the queer community—but when it comes to intimate health, people often fall silent. Why is it so difficult for us to talk about protection, prevention, and care as openly as we talk about sexuality itself?
Manuel Wendl: People are communicating more openly about sexuality, but they don't talk about uncertainties, shortcomings, or simply a lack of education on certain topics. It makes us uncomfortable because we're afraid of being judged. We want to talk openly about the less glamorous lifestyle topics. And as a gay pharmacist, you know the challenges of spontaneity, pressure to perform, infections, and the desire to feel beautiful and light. In addition, in a world full of information overload, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find quality and personalized information. I am talking specifically about the younger generation and their perception of health.
LAB46: The Johann-Strauß-Apotheke was the first pharmacy to include LAB46 products in its range. What convinced you to take this step as a "first mover" at the time—and how did your customers react?
Manuel Wendl: The topic of "sexual health" is by far our biggest focus in counseling and is becoming increasingly important. Your products have closed a fundamental gap for us between counseling and application. Of course, I can recommend a lot, but I know from my own experience that for something to work in the long term, it has to be simple and practical. And here, too, the closer you are to the community, the better you can respond to its needs.
LAB46: Many people visit pharmacies not only to purchase products, but also to seek trust and understanding for questions about their individual lifestyles. How do you manage to build this rapport, especially when it comes to topics that are not usually discussed so openly?
Manuel Wendl: Everyone deals with these issues differently, so we have created different settings and spaces where everyone can decide for themselves how they want to interact with us. Whether at the counter (sales desk), in our intimate consultation corner (shielded from view and away from the flow of customers), via WhatsApp, or social media. You can always reach us. Ultimately, everyone wants to be seen and understood. We do not judge the person or the problem. If it is important to the other person, it is also important to us.
LAB46: Many queer people know surprisingly little about topics such as STI prevention, hormonal health, or drug interactions. Where would you like to see more awareness and education—and what consequences can there be if these topics remain hidden?
Manuel Wendl: I would like to see more active and high-quality discussion about sexual health and prevention in schools, but also in doctors' offices and on various platforms. Young people often have no awareness of disease. We often hear them say, "I'm young, nothing can happen to me." But that's not the case. It can happen to anyone. And especially when it comes to first sexual encounters, it must be clear that I am not only responsible for my own health, but also for that of others.
LAB46: Finally, when you look to the future, what do you think a pharmacy that naturally integrates intimate health into its consultations and takes a holistic approach to queer health will look like?
Manuel Wendl: I hope that we will be able to offer more services in the future. We have so many opportunities to support people in a wide variety of life situations and at all stages of life. I am concerned with optimizing resources, saving time, and reducing healthcare costs, which we could save a lot on. At the same time, we already offer low-threshold access to the available resources. Whether it's self-tests, dietary supplements, advice, etc., you can find it here. My wish would be for the population to be more aware that modern pharmacies are not just a place for illness, but rather multifunctional health centers that are there for people with generous opening hours – at any time and without an appointment.
LAB46: Thank you very much, Manuel, for talking to us—and for showing how education, empathy, and expertise go hand in hand. Your commitment makes it clear that intimate health is not a niche topic for queer people, but part of a self-confident, modern, and inclusive health culture.
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