Gay saunas and bathhouses were very popular in the days before the hookup apps. Who are their visitors today?
Let’s talk about gay sauna & spa culture
A gay sauna or bathhouse is often a topic avoided by the gay community. Gay saunas and bathhouses were very popular in the days before the appearance of hookup apps. Are they still popular among those looking for quick sex? Who are their visitors today?
Have you ever wondered what happens in a gay bathhouse or a gay sauna? Have you ever been curious to see what it’s all about? How does a gay sauna or a bathhouse compare to meeting guys on Grindr? How often do people who meet on Grindr arrange to get to know each other in a gay sauna or bathhouse? It is convenient if you don’t want to invite a stranger to your house and are uncomfortable going to a stranger’s house.
A gay sauna or bathhouse provides a safe environment for quick sex. This article is intended for newbies. I hope those with more experience will not be annoyed by going through some basic explanations. So, get your clothes off and let’s go!
Sex on Premise
A sex-on-premises venue can range from the fairly basic – some sort of a space where guys can have sex – to the full spa and steam-room experience inspired by the Ancient Greeks.
You might think that gay bathhouses are part of our queer history. They are useful for guys to connect with each other before the internet was invented. However, redundant now that we have hook-up apps. Are you sure?
While hook-up apps and online dating platforms such as Gaydar.net have definitely made it easier to connect with local guys looking for some fun. However, bathhouses are still very much a vibrant part of the sex lives of many guys who are looking for a bit of man-on-man action.
For example, if you’ve been chatting with a guy on your app and are ready to sort out the logistics of getting together, meeting him at your local bathhouse is a great option. It might be more convenient for you both. It avoids any safety concerns about visiting his place or inviting him to yours. Bathhouses are equipped for sex.
Homosocial and Sexual
Lots of guys also enjoy the whole bathhouse experience. It’s a homosocial space, a sexual environment. It is providing a different type of hook-up experience.
A sex-on-premises venue such as a bathhouse avoids all of the back-and-forth chat of online dating. Everyone there is ready to go – a bit of eye contact, and it’s game on.
If you’ve never been to a gay bathhouse or sauna before, you might have a preconception that it’s only older guys that go there or guys that you wouldn’t find attractive. The reality is that bathhouses are really diverse places. Obviously, it depends a bit on where you are and the time of day, but our experience of bathhouses is that there are generally guys of all ages and all body types and plenty of guys we want to have sex with. What they’ve all got in common is that they’re looking for sex, for an encounter, for intimacy.
Don’t be shy – Go to a local gay sauna and check it out!
The other thing that often surprises bathhouse newbies is that you might go to a sauna and not have sex. No one will force you to do anything – if you’re not getting the vibe from anyone, you might kick back and relax, observe what’s happening around you, and then call it a night. There’s no pressure.
Bathhouses can be social places. There’s generally a lounge area where you can get a drink or a snack, watch some TV, or chat with other guys. Equally, if you don’t feel like talking, you can easily navigate a bathhouse without saying a word. Body language is a really effective way to communicate.
You might decide that you’re going to stick to the hook-up apps and let the technology do the work, but if you haven’t ever visited a bathhouse then you don’t know what you’re missing out on.
Numerous gay porn videos have been made in saunas. It is just a great place to enjoy sex with a stranger that you probably will never see again. Unless you are both regular visitors to the same sauna. Then you might even get a new friend. Don’t be shy! Go and check it out.
