User:Ssolowiej25/Gay bathhouse

In the 1900s gay bathhouses satisfied the need for a communal space for gay men. Patrons could engage in sexual activities, build friendships, sleep, or watch television. A bathhouse was a safe place for gay or bisexual men seeking affirmation or community. The architecture of bathhouses had several chambers ranging from public to private where men could pursue sex. The rooms used for orgies and sexual behavior had a small dim light as to protect the identity of those having intercourse. The dimly lit atmosphere lent itself to illicit substances and drug use within bathhouses. In a 1979 survey, the top three motives for going to a bathhouse included: sexual contact, a chance at a sexual encounter, and having a meaningful conversation after intercourse.

Bathhouses were seen as a place where male fantasies would come to life. The main form of sexual intercourse was called impersonal sex. Impersonal sex was the opposite of dating and romantic culture; the main purpose was pleasure instead of a growing intimacy. The intercourse features no individual commitment from either man, allowing men to freely pursue sex.

Bathhouses allowed gay and bisexual men to search for multiple partners for sexual intercourse and build a community. During the HIV crisis, it is unclear if the facilities had testing available for men. Though testing was may have not been available managers of bathhouses had posted signs urging individuals to get themselves tested. In San Francisco, a survey of bathhouse patrons occurred. Eighty-five percent did not discuss their AIDS/HIV status. Bathhouses often used community outreach programs as a way encouraging testing for STIs. Some bathhouses would try to limit the number of private spaces to discourage risky sexual behavior on the premises.

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