Bathhouses and bookstores

Tags: hiv condom gay
In the early eighties gay sex venues were almost universally condemned as a breeding place of the HIV / AIDS virus. However as more was discovered about the virus and ways to practice safer sex, the venue once again melted back into the shadowy world of the gay scene and has flourished ever since.

Who goes there?

In reality a lot of men go to the gay sex venues, whether they are single, taken, married, bisexual or just curious. All sorts of men go, there is no one generic type and or any night or day of the week you can be assured that a wide cross section of the community may be enjoying themselves in one of these venues.

Is there a code of conduct?

There is no written code of conduct for these venues, although each one will have a slightly different unwritten code of behavior and cruising. Men mainly cruise each other in hallways, steam rooms pools, saunas and Jacuzzi. Men do not go there as a "social" occasion instead they generally keep to themselves, except when they are cruising for a trick. Sex is conducted in public, private or in a variety of group or other situations. Each venue will have a slightly different theme, from Roman Baths, to S&M dungeons.

How do I find them?

You can usually find them listed in the gay newspapers and magazines and in many places listed in the telephone directory as well.

Bathhouses

Bathhouses are probably the best known of the gay sex venues. These places are usually quite large and have been around for a while. In these venues upon entry you are given a towel and a locker key. You undress in the locker area and then cruise through the venue. The venue may have, a sauna, steam room, private cubicles, a dark room or maze, video rooms showing non- stop gay porn and sometimes a gym.

Men openly cruise each other as they wander through these places. When they see a person they like eye contact or a light brush of the hand is used to indicate interest. Then they may follow each other to a private cubicle or even just go for it in the corridor if that takes their fancy. Be aware that sitting in the Jacuzzi you may find yourself approached by someone using the cover of the water to make their move. If you are the object of unwanted attention be polite but firm and gently shake your head or gently remove their hand. Most if not all bathhouses will provide a steady supply of condoms and lubricant throughout the venue.

Adult theatres

Adult theatres are incredible popular and are also available for the straight male community. They usually have a number of small theatres showing non-stop gay and straight porn. Many of these venues also have dark rooms where men can go as well. Men sit and watch the movies while other men cruise through the back of the theatres. If you see someone you are interested in, you may sit next to them (or they may sit next to you). Gentle groping can lead to full on sex in seats, or may end up in a more private setting. Not all-adult theatres have a ready supply of condoms and lube. Many provide them on entry and you will need to make sure that you have a supply before you enter. Adult theatres do not generally have showers so you cannot fully clean up after an encounter.

Video arcades

Video arcades are usually found at the back of adult shops and provide a small booth with a selection of videos that can be played for a small amount of money, either coin or token operated. In most cases before you enter you have to buy a certain number of tokens. The booths sometimes have a "gloryhole" between them. While some are large enough for two people to fit in at a squeeze. Video arcades are very popular with closeted and married guys, as they are located in straight adult shops as well, so the men have an excuse for being in the store.

Other places

There are an assortment of other types of sex venues such as mazes, dungeons and simple cubicles at the back of sex stores. They operate on the same principle as Video arcades except many may also have private booths and rooms for encounters.