Before anything else, I need to explain that I’m not a seasoned sauna veteran. I’m writing about my first and, more than likely only visit to a gay sauna.
It was to explore a side of my sexuality which, for many years now, I’d been curious about. When I was 18 (now quite a bit older) I joined the jeers when two male schoolmates drunkenly snogged each other on a night out.
Inside, part of me I wished I was one of them. Years of mulling things over, the occasional mild dalliance and, on the night, six pints, climaxed in me visiting a gay sauna.
My lack of previous experience was evident when at the entrance I blushed to the receptionist: “I’ve not brought any trunks with me..is that OK?”
His manicured eyebrow rose sharply and said it all. He then sighed and said: “You don’t need trunks. This is a gay club, you know?”
I nodded over enthusiastically, handed over £14, and was given two towels before disappearing down the stairs. (You might think £14 is a lot but another local spa, not gay, charges £20 for the same facilities where sex is a no-no).
Once inside the communal changing area was much like a swimming pool – benches in the middle of the room and your own, numbered locker. You then strip and put a towel round your waist. The facilities were impressive: a sauna, warm room, swimming pool, dark room and, upstairs, individual rooms with either a wipeable mattress on the floor or a bench with a mattress on it.
I’d read about ‘cruising’ before, and read about bars being ‘cruisey’ but never experienced it. Simply put, if at any point catch somebody’s eye and the gaze is held then it’s generally on. No codified rehearsal of buying drinks and dating a few times – you just get it on.
The thing that’s really interesting from a straight guy’s point of view is that in this environment you’re seen as an object of desire instead of the pursuer. I’m not the kind of guy who gets admiring glances from women in general, so to be looked at like that was a pleasant surprise.
It was also interesting because it gives you an idea how women feel when men look at them. And it makes you instantly picky. There were a lot of quite old, overweight and unattractive men there. I found myself becoming pretty choosy within minutes, which was a surprise.
For rooms that are occupied there seems to be a code (I’m happy to be corrected here). If there’s somebody in there lying in their front, and exposing their bottom … well I think you can guess.
If they’re sitting up they seem to want a bit more of a mixture. If the door is open and something’s going on it’s a possible invitation to watch or join in. If you pop your head in when this is going on, as I did, you either get a shake of the head, as I did, or you’re welcomed in.
Men also position themselves on the edge of some doors groping themselves which is much the same as cruising but they’ve already claimed their room. It was rather busy so I thought this rather inconsiderate.
The dark room (it’s very dark) was a bit much for me but this was primarily because I didn’t know how to conduct myself. The pervasive groans and dim silhouettes of multiple bodies left little the imagination, but I didn’t feel ready to gift my bottom to just anybody.
Whilst wandering around I visited the steam room, sauna and the TV room which came complete with water fountain and drinks vending machines. People were hanging out there watching TV and having a chat.
Speaking to other sauna-goers, I got the impression there were many regulars who would go there and meet other regulars. Some people asked for my name, others didn’t. It didn’t appear to matter either way: the atmosphere was relaxed, mature and respectful. Any unwanted advances were quickly recognised as such and met with a polite retreat.
After an hour-and-a-half of, metaphorically, fumbling around, I met a guy. Within five minutes we’d gone off to one of the private rooms. I will spare you the details, but suffice to say it was safe and enjoyable.
Would I go back? Probably not. Am I glad I went? Yes. Odd as it may sound I now feel more secure in my (hetero)sexuality than before. It’s not going to stop me reading features about women’s fashion or being a bit fey. But it does means I’m more than likely going to be asking myself one less question in my next relationship – with a girl.
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