Gay Men Going Deeper8 Joulu 2022

Bathhouses and Cruising

Long before the days of Grindr and the internet, the gay scene was largely underground. Gay and bi men had to find creative ways to connect in discreet, yet relatively safe spaces.

For many, the locals baths - or bathhouses- were a sanctuary where you could be yourself and meet other guys who were interested in both sexual and friendly connection.

Meanwhile, cruising spots were known public spaces where men met for casual encounters.

Yet for decades, the baths were routinely raided and became a battleground for the fight for queer rights and the gay liberation movement.

In today’s episode of #GayMenGoingDeeper, Michael is talking with long-time writer, activist, and educator Tim McCaskell about bathhouses and cruising. Together they’ll share personal stories while exploring topics such as:

What really goes on in a bathhouse?
Why are they important to our history and culture?
Are they still relevant today?
What are the risks?
Tips for making the most of your visit

Whether you enjoy the bathhouse scene or not, this episode will shed light on the sociological and historical significance of these queer spaces from the perspective of two men of two different generations.

Today's Guest

Tim McCaskell is a long-time writer, activist and educator. In addition to being a collective member of The Body Politic from 1974 to 1986, he was a leader in the fight back against police raids on the gay baths in the 80s. He was also a member of AIDS ACTION NOW! where he fought for funding for AIDS treatment and medication. He has published two books: "Queer Progress" and "Race to Equity".

Today's Host

Michael DiIorio is a certified life and wellness coach specializing in self-confidence, sexuality, and relationships. You can find Michael at www.wellismo.com and at in the Sexual Empowerment Group. You can also follow him on Instagram @wellismo_coach.

Read: 10 Tips for Making the Most of Your Bathhouse Experience

Today's episode is sponsored by The Silva Ultramind System

Take the Attachment Style Quiz!

Watch this ep on YouTube

- Connect with us -

Join the private Facebook community

Take our "Building Better Relationships" course

Tämä jakso on lisätty Podme-palveluun avoimen RSS-syötteen kautta eikä se ole Podmen omaa tuotantoa. Siksi jakso saattaa sisältää mainontaa.

Jaksot(295)

Why Gay Men Struggle with Intimacy

Intimacy sounds like something we all want, but being truly seen can feel terrifying. In this episode, we talk about why fantasy often feels safer than reality, why vulnerability can feel exposing,...

20 Elo 28min

From Validation-Seeking to Self-Trust

Seeking validation isn’t just about chasing likes. It’s the part of us that needs approval, wants to belong, and feel accepted. But does it come at a cost? In this episode, we unpack the subtle ways v...

6 Elo 48min

When Feeling Bad Is Good For You

Feeling bad is not a flaw in the human experience. It’s an essential life skill for anyone who wants a life of love, growth, satisfaction, and intimacy— all of it requires the capacity to feel discomf...

23 Heinä 36min

Liked by Everyone, Chosen by No One: The Nice Guy Trap

A lot of gay men pride themselves on being “nice”— easygoing, agreeable, low-drama. But what if that’s exactly why you’re not getting what you want? In this episode, we break down the difference be...

9 Heinä 49min

How to Elevate Your Hookups

Hookups get a bad rap as shallow, transactional, or disconnected. But what if they could actually become a space for growth, awareness, and real connection? In this episode, we’re advocating for sh...

25 Kesä 31min

The Daddy Issue: Our Relationships With Our Dads

For many gay men, our relationship with our dad is one of the most defining- and least talked about. In this episode, we explore the nuances of our relationships with our fathers through three core qu...

11 Kesä 52min

“I Don’t Need Anyone”: Why Gay Men Struggle to Let Someone In

A lot of gay men take pride in being independent, self-sufficient and in control. But is there a shadow side? When the time comes to let someone in, ask for support, or even rely on others—it feels un...

28 Touko 36min

Gay–Straight Bromance: Why We’re Drawn to Each Other

There’s something unique about friendships between gay and straight men. They often feel easy, natural, and unexpectedly intimate. In this episode, we explore the unique reasons why gay and straigh...

14 Touko 43min