Mention the topic of bathhouses in the queer community and prepare for a host of mixed reactions. Many times even those who frequent them are conflicted by their participation. [1] Why? What is it about bathhouses that create such ambivalence? This month’s Queer Quest focuses on the bathhouse.

Once considered a “dirty secret,” bathhouses have played a prominent role in gay history and gay culture. Despite the popularity of the Internet for establishing sexual connections, gay bathhouses remain the most popular and convenient way for men to meet other men for regular or casual sex. [2] Interestingly, bathhouses were popular before gay nightclubs entered the American gay scene in the 1930s. [3] Gay bathhouses frequently threw parties for Pride Day and were usually open on public holidays, including Christmas, as a service for those who were rejected by their family and had nowhere to go. [4]

Although references to public baths dates back to the 6th century BC, it wasn’t until the late 19th and early 20th century that gay men began meeting for sex in bathhouses in the United States. [5] One author described the evolution of bathhouses into homosexual institutions (derived from records beginning in the 1890s) as involving four stages: (a) ordinary bathhouses where same-sex behaviour was uncommon, (b) bathhouses that became popular as “favourite spots” for men looking for sex, (c) early gay bathhouses in the 1920s and 1930s where sex was permitted in closed cubicles, and (d) the modern gay bathhouses that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s. [6] Note that homosexual behaviour was illegal in the US at that time and consequently, the patrons and bathhouse owners were subject to periodic raids by vice squads. [7] The first recorded raid in the US occurred in New York City on February 21, 1903. [8]

Although homosexual behaviour occurring in private between consenting adults became legal in Canada in 1969, the definition of what constitutes private space has resulted in police raids occurring since then. In 1981, several bathhouses were raided by police in Toronto. They again raided a “woman’s night” at an otherwise men’s bathhouse in 2000, leaving many women deeply angered and traumatized. The bathhouse in Calgary was raided by police in December 2002 and in August 2004, a bathhouse in Hamilton was “inspected” by police, the fire department, and other officials. Two patrons were charged with committing indecent acts. [9]

Although bathhouses are almost exclusively marketed to and frequented by men, a bathhouse in Toronto (since 1998) and another in Halifax (since 2004) has offered nights dedicated to women only. My reference suggests these women’s nights occur about once every two months. [10] While nonverbal communication is the norm in men’s bathhouses (some talking between patrons does occur and it is certainly allowed), the women’s nights have been characterized by verbal communication and a social atmosphere. The focus, however, is still primarily sexual. [11]

Why do men frequent bathhouses? The most recurrent reason is sexual release, but other reasons include having (a) a place to recuperate from alcohol and drug use, (b) an inexpensive place to stay overnight, (c) an opportunity to socialize with other men who enjoy sex with other men, [12] (d) a place to workout and use the health club facilities, and (e) a place to meet friends. [13] Furthermore, they are considered safe places where one can enjoy the company of other men without fear of retribution. [14]

The majority of men who frequent bathhouses identity as “exclusively homosexual” or report only having male sexual partners. However, somewhere between 4 percent and 15 percent report being currently or previously married heterosexually. [15]

In earlier years, some bathhouses had dance floors and live entertainment. It is well known, for example, that Bette Midler began her singing career in a New York bathhouse. [16] Most bathhouses today have a wet sauna (steam room), dry sauna, and one or more jacuzzi tubs. Some have exercise equipment, a swimming pool, and/or a sundeck. At nearly all bathhouses, patrons can rent either a small private room for several hours or a locker. Once checked in, the most common attire is wearing nothing other than a white towel (provided) around the waist. Prostitution is not permitted in most bathhouses and known hustlers are denied entry.

Gay bathhouses received much negative publicity in the mid-1980s when an association between spread of HIV and bathhouse behaviour was being made. These were speculations, however, and were not substantiated. Some have argued that riskier behaviour occurs in public venues (restrooms, parks) and in private dwellings.

A well-designed study looking at risk for HIV infection in bathhouses was published in 2007. The researchers surveyed 400 men exiting a gay bathhouse. Most men reported few partners during their visit. Regarding their sexual activity, 91.5% had engaged in oral sex and 44.2% in anal sex. Most of the anal sex that occurred involved use of condoms. Group sex was the exception, and when it did occur, it usually involved groups of three. [17] Other researchers have cautioned, however, that many men continue to practice anal sex without condoms in bathhouses. [18, 19] Other common sexual behaviours in bathhouses include masturbation of oneself and others. [20]

There are many fascinating aspects of human behaviour that occur in a bathhouse with norms that address how to make a sexual advance and how to rebuke one in a manner that is respectful of the other. Some of the proper etiquette follows. If a customer rents a room and leaves the door open, it signals that he is available for sex. Simply walking in is considered rude and invasive, so some verbal communication from the door jam is appropriate, such as, “Would you like some company?” His position on his bed is often an indication of what he is looking for sexually. Lying face down on the bed with his buttocks uncovered is a sign welcoming anal penetration (“bottoms”), while lying on his back is more ambiguous but often means a preference to penetrate others (“tops”) or a desire for oral sex. In more public areas, interest is usually shown by establishing more than glancing eye contact and/or by touching the guy in an innocuous manner (touching knee, foot, arm) and waiting to see if either is reciprocated. To show disinterest, one simply avoids sustained eye contact or moves away from the touch (or moves the other guy’s hand away). A detailed and very interesting look at bathhouse behaviour can be found in Tewksbury (2002 – see reference list at end). The end result is that whatever transpires is mutually agreed to before it gets enacted.

Bathhouses are an established part of gay culture where the pursuit of casual sexual activity is the norm. There are few pretences between men clad only in towels, except for the fact that everyone differs in who they find attractive and in what they are looking for at any particular time. As in all sexual encounters, it is important to practice that which is safe, sane, and consensual. Practicing safer sex is a must when engaging in sexual experiences with people of unknown HIV status. Bathhouses always have condoms available at no charge. Ask for them if they are not readily available throughout the establishment.

Many famous individuals have frequented bathhouses, including Truman Capote, Michel Foucault, Rock Hudson, and Rudolf Nureyev. [21] The bathhouse experience is what you want it to be. It is both a playground and an established institution of gay culture.

Dr. Alderson is an associate professor of counselling psychology at the University of Calgary who specializes in gay and lesbian studies. He also maintains a private practice. He can be contacted by confidential email at alderson@ucalgary.ca, or by confidential voice mail at 605-5234.

References:

1) Haubrich, D. J., Myers, T., Calzavara, L., Ryder, K., & Medved, W. (2004). Gay and bisexual men’s experiences of bathhouse culture and sex: ‘Looking for love in all the wrong places’. Culture, Health & Sexuality, 6(1), 19-29.

2) Holmes, D., O’Byrne, P., & Gastaldo, D. (2007). Setting the space for sex: Architecture, desire and health issues in gay bathhouses. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 44(2), 273-284.

3) Tewksbury, R. (2002). Bathhouse intercourse: Structural and behavioral aspects of an erotic oasis. Deviant Behavior, 23(1), 75-112.

4) Gay bathhouse. (n.d.). Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved August 24, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay_bathhouse

5) Bérubé, A. (2003). The history of gay bathhouses. Journal of Homosexuality, 44(3/4), 33-53.

6) Ibid.

7) Ibid.

8) Gay bathhouse. (n.d.).

9) Ibid.

10) Hammers, C. (2008). Bodies that speak and the promises of queer: Looking to two lesbian/queer bathhouses for a third way. Journal of Gender Studies, 17(2), 147-164.

11) Ibid.

12) Haubrich, Myers, Calzavara, Ryder, & Medved (2004).

13) Tewksbury (2002).

14) Bérubé (2003).

15) Tewksbury (2002).

16) Bérubé (2003).

17) Woods, W. J., Binson, D., Blair, J., Han, L., Spielberg, F., & Pollack, L. M. (2007). Probability sample estimates of bathhouse sexual risk behavior. JAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 45(2), 231-238.

18) Haubrich, Myers, Calzavara, Ryder, & Medved (2004).

19) Tewksbury (2002).

20) Ibid.

21) Gay bathhouse. (n.d.).