How to Master Late Night Gay Park Cruising

Cruising is a term used to describe when people, most commonly gay men, use public spaces to make a sexual connection. If you've heard of it, you might be under the impression that cruising is a thing of the past -- now that we have hook-up and dating apps, why would anyone need to go cruising?

Cruising was undoubtedly once one of the most effective ways to find a bit of man-on-man action in the pre-internet era. It also undeniably emerged out of necessity during a period wherein homosexuality was persecuted -- cruising was a way to discreetly access gay sex.

However, cruising traditions continue to thrive, which is a testament to the fact that the practice still plays a vital role in many gay men's sexual identities. It's also why you may be asking yourself, “Where can I gay cruise near me?"

Just about anywhere has the potential for you to put your cruising techniques into action, but going for an after-dark walk in a local park is the go-to option for many cruising enthusiasts. However, there are some cruising tips gay men can use to play it safe as they prowl for hot guys when the dance clubs close.

Here's what you need to know to master late-night gay park cruising:

What is Gay Park Cruising?

Gay park cruising is a term that describes seeking sexual encounters in public parks, most commonly after dark when there are fewer people around and less chance of someone being offended by what they might stumble upon.

READ: Summer Lovin': 3 Reasons Why We Love Outdoor Sex.

After-dark cruising in a park might be an excellent option to look for sex. Still, it’s essential to know the local laws so that you’re aware of any potential risks.

Much like gay bathhouses are havens for anonymous sex without taking your hook-up home, cruising in parks under cover of the night is particularly popular among down-low guys who need to separate their sexual needs from their day-to-day identities.

There’s also an exhibitionist thrill to getting it on in a park -- you’re out in public, getting aroused and naked, hooking up with anonymous guys. It’s peak slut behaviour, and that appeals to many.

Depending on where you are and the local laws that apply, park cruising is generally relatively safe and anonymous. But if it’s something you haven’t tried before, the idea can be a bit intimidating.

Is It Unsafe to Gay Cruise After Dark?

In part, this depends on where you are. For example, if local laws criminalize sex between men, you’re at a much higher risk of harassment, assault or arrest than somewhere more accepting of gay sex.

READ: Florida's New 'Don't Say Gay' Bill.

And even if you’re somewhere where it’s not illegal to have sex with another guy, there may be local laws around having sex in a public place. Knowing the local laws may not be a total cock-block -- at the very least, it will help you learn the risks you’re navigating in your search to get your rocks off.

Wherever you are, though, nighttime cruising in a park does bring some risks. Even in the most progressive and liberal places, known cruising spots are frequently targeted for theft and random acts of homophobic violence.

For some, the risks of gay park cruising add to its allure. But keep in mind that the sense of danger is more intoxicating than actual danger. Safe sex is about more than using protection; and it’s critical to understand and safeguard against the risks of gay park cruising before you head out into the wild.

How to Safely Cruise Parks After Dark

1. Go With a Friend

Finding yourself a buddy who is also into late-night cruising is fantastic.

Hitting the park with a fuck buddy at your side gives you a head-start if you’re looking for a group sex event. Plus, there’s safety in numbers.

But a cruising buddy doesn’t necessarily have to be at your side at all times. Much like in car park cruising, when you should let a friend know if you’re getting into a stranger’s car, it’s an excellent idea to text a friend or drop a pin to someone you trust before you head out on a cruising expedition -- so they know where you are if something goes wrong.

READ: Everything You Need to Know About a Safe Call.

2. Get the Scoop at a Gay Hangout Near You

If you’re an LGBTQ traveler or thinking about hitting a local park for the first time, tap into the knowledge of the guys in the area.

Ask at local gay venues or the bathhouse, or chat with nearby guys on the apps.

Finding out which parks are your best option for late-night cruising will help point you in the right direction and alert you to any safety concerns of which you should be aware.

READ: 'Sex Tourism' vs. 'Sexy Travel': What's the Difference?

3. Choose a Spot and Stick to It

Guys into cruising are generally looking to maximize their chances of finding some action. Once a specific park or location gets a reputation as a cruising hot-spot, everyone will be heading there after dark.

You'll likely run into trouble if you’re heading into unknown territory. But if you find a local gay park where there are always tons of men, well-lit in the places you want it to be (and dark where you want it most), then you might decide this is the place for you.

While routine may seem boring on paper, and a place's reputation will change over time, all types of men will come to a particular hot-spot, and different ones will come out depending on the day and time. While staying in a comfort zone may incite yawning, you might be surprised at how one place may change over time -- and maximize your safety and relaxation so you can lose your inhibitions.

4. Discuss Consent and Boundaries

Anonymous sex is still sex, and sex of any kind requires consistent, enthusiastic consent. Make sure you discuss the details of the sexual experience you'd like to have with your prospective partner before diving in.

Moreover, consent isn't a one-time thing! It's vital to establish boundaries with your partner before engaging in sexual activity and to continue checking in throughout the experience to ensure everyone's comfort.

READ: The Basics of BDSM Negotiation.

Here are some ways to open up the conversation about consent:

Before Having Sex

• Are there any areas of your body I should avoid/pay extra attention?
• With which sexual activities are you comfortable/uncomfortable?
• What safeword/safe signal should we use?

During Sex

• "Does this feel good?"
• "Can I touch you here?"
• "Softer or harder?"

After Sex

• What are your aftercare needs?
• What did you enjoy/dislike about that experience?

5. Be Prepared

While knowing the best, safest spots for gay cruising, texting or bringing a friend can enhance your safety, there are other ways to stay safe.

While cruising outdoors may not lead to penetrative sex, you never know: Bringing condoms and lubricant if you’re not on PrEP and don’t intend to participate in bareback sex is essential.

Also, even with the best-set intentions and precautions, anything can happen. This article is intended to discuss the best ways to minimize danger and ensure maximum fun -- yet, in the darkness, it’s hard to gauge where your enjoyment or consent starts and ends, especially when you’ve never cruised before and don’t know your comfort zone.

Always know when to say no or stop an interaction; be firm when you are no longer comfortable with what is happening.

READ: How Hosting Sex Parties Taught Me That Consent Isn't Black and White.

Conclusion

Cruising is a tradition that has been a part of the LGBTQ community for decades, but it isn’t for everyone. Try something new, but understand yourself too. Just because it’s a norm in the community doesn’t mean you have to engage.

Comfort, consent and feeling sexy are vital when participating in sex and cruising.