The closet drew many men to bathhouses where they could cruise freely before returning home to their wives. Yes, AIDS was a devastating hit, one that made us fear the sexual spaces we used to roam. Today, New York is filled with cruising grounds, but its number of bathhouses has noticeably dwindled. Everard was open for almost 100 years and was visited by such gay luminaries as Gore Vidal and Truman Capote. The Everard Baths in New York City was the most written-about bathhouse in history until it closed in 1986 at the height of the AIDS epidemic. Big cities like Los Angeles and New York have bathhouses that, depending on the night, may have better crowds than the national chains - North Hollywood Spa, Tampa Men’s Club, Denver Swim Club. If these are not options in your city, plan a trip. If you are a kink pig looking for slings over saunas, find your nearest Slammer. Go to Steamworks in Chicago or Berkeley, Club Dallas, or any of the Flex spas across the country. Happy hunting!īefore anyone tries to convince you that bathhouses are no fun - that they are filled with creepy onlookers and tweaked-out drug addicts - go to one.
Wherever you choose, you are engaging in an art that gay and bi men have been perfecting for decades.Ĭheck out these 24 classic cruising zones, some of which yielded better results in years past and many that are still used today. The following hookup may happen in your apartment, in a public restroom, or in the alley out back. Now all you have to do is work up the courage to talk to him, give him your number, or nod to the exit. If you make eye contact with him and discover (wordlessly and without complete certainty) that you are both interested, then voila! You’ve cruised. In our minds, we lift his shirt the rest of the way and tug on the brim of his trousers with our teeth. We do it on the subway and in the office and anywhere a handsome gentleman might lift his shirt to wipe sweat off his forehead. This is a fair definition, but some guys would define cruising more loosely: a basic sex hunt, not something you specifically set out to do but rather something you are always doing. Atlanta’s top Drag superstars put on a colorful show hosted by PHOENIX from Ru Paul’s Drag Race, while the massive space transforms into the nightclub scene featuring different International DJ’s.Wikipedia defines “cruising” as “walking or driving about a locality in search of a sex partner, usually of the anonymous, casual, one-time variety.”
My Sister’s Room – Atlanta’s only lesbian bar, My Sister’s Room is located in thriving East Atlanta Village.The Heretic Atlanta – Throughout the labyrinth layout of this nightlife spot you’ll find a diverse crowd jamming to the heavy beats of renowned DJs who bring tunes your dancing feet can’t resist.Bulldogs – Located in the heart of Midtown, Bulldogs is recognized for hot DJs who spin house and hip-hop while bartenders assure you’re treated right and get your money’s worth.Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium – Church, as it’s commonly called, is a quirky non-smoking spot loaded with tongue-in-cheek (sac)religious art, killer organ karaoke every Wednesday and super-gay patio parties.Mary’s – Proudly referred to as East Atlanta’s gay dive bar, Mary’s was named by Logo Channel and Out Magazine as one of the best gay bars in the world.It’s a perfect place to catch up and relax. Friends – For those seeking an easy-going, off-the-beaten path watering hole, Friends is a no-attitude bar with inexpensive drinks and pool tables.Blake’s on the Park – Conveniently located in the middle of the Midtown “gayborhood,” this institution boasts a neighborhood vibe and attracts a mix of Atlanta bachelors, as well as some of the city’s most legendary drag queens.From chic lounges to sizzling clubs, Atlanta’s diverse after-hours scene doesn’t disappoint. Bring the action at energy-pumping themed parties throughout the week or catch an impromptu drag performance in a no-frills atmosphere where the drinks are always flowing. Atlanta’s LGBTQ nightlife offers something for everyone. LGBTQ Bars & Nightlife Discover Atlanta’s LGBTQ bars and clubsĭance the night away to the beats of superstar DJs or mix and mingle over specialty concoctions on a nearby patio.