PHS Named 'LGBT Company of the Year' in StorErotica Awards

BURBANK — PHS International was named 2016 LGBT Company of the Year in StorErotica Magazine’s 2016 StorErotica Awards, which were held on Mon., Jul. 18 in Burbank, Calif. during the ANME Founders Show. PHS International has been in business for more than 20 years.

“We had no idea at the time that we were making history,” said Chuck Harnish, CEO and co-founder of PHS International. “Jim and I simply knew that we wanted PHS to be the company that fulfilled the need for LGBTQ representation within the industry. We’ve worked so hard to maintain our strong standing within the adult market, and it’s an honor to have been recognized by StorErotica and our peers. The PHS team and I would like to thank everyone who voted for us, and we look forward to another 20-plus years of precedent-setting success.”

A PHS representative, describing the company’s history, said, “PHS’s first pride product line was created two decades ago and was comprised of simple rainbow jewelry with barely enough SKUs to fill the pages of a three-fold brochure. But the response was tremendous, and retailers looked to PHS co-founders Harnish and Jim Horne to equip their shelves with the accessories, decorations, apparel and more that revelers require for their pride parties.”

PHS said, “Ten years later, Harnish and Horne decided to create a full line of products marketed specifically to gay men with packaging and a brand name, now known as M2M, that accurately reflected their target audience. The adult industry was in dire need of gay representation at the time, and PHS’ M2M line became the very first adult product line to feature two men on the front of its packaging. Today, M2M remains a mainstay in adult stores around the world.”

Michael Merrill, general manager for PHS International, said, “I started my career in the adult industry with PHS International, and it has been such a pleasure to help build a brand dedicated to serving the gay community. Some of my fondest memories come from working with Jim and Chuck to create concepts that truly had never been seen before, especially within the LGBTQ category. And it’s an honor to have our accomplishments recognized with this important award.”

For more information on PHS International, visit their official website or follow them on Twitter.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Honey Play Box Debuts 'Tressa' Vibrator

Honey Play Box introduced its new Tressa multi-stimulation, app-enabled vibrator.

Blush Debuts 2 New Glass Plugs From 'Oh My Gem' Collection

Blush has introduced two new glass plugs, Lustre and Prestige, from its Oh My Gem collection.

EP Products Founder Don Wilson Passes Away

Don Wilson, the founder of EP Products and a notable figure in Canada's adult retail community, has passed away.

Orion Debuts 'Your Strap-On' Collection From 'You2Toys' Line

Orion Wholesale has introduced the Your Strap-On collection from its You2Toys line.

Stephen Colbert Takes Aim at Texas' Crackdown on Sex Toys

Stephen Colbert is cracking up over Texas lawmakers’ crackdown on sex toys in the state.

XR Brands 'Silicone Body Forms' Highlighted at Paris Fashion Week

XR Brands’ Ripped Silicone Male Chest and Perky Pair Silicone Breasts were highlighted at 2025 Paris Fashion Week.

Eye of Love Introduces 'Matchmaker Collection' Planogram

Eye of Love has debuted a new display planogram for its Matchmaker Collection of pheromone-infused scents.

Fleshlight Debuts Taylor Vixxen Stroker

Fleshlight has introduced its new Pro stroker, molded on the anatomy of Taylor Vixxen.

Orion Expands 'LateX' Collection With 2 New Outfits

Orion Wholesale has added two new outfits to its LateX collection of fetish apparel.

Blush Debuts 'Unicorn Dreams' Vibrator

Blush has introduced the new Unicorn Dreams vibrator from its Play With Me collection.

Show More