PERSPECTIVES
How to Master Late Night Gay Park Cruising
Published: APRIL 18, 2023
| Updated: APRIL 28, 2023 06:30:21
Cruising is a tradition that has been a part of the LGBTQ community for decades. However, comfort, consent and feeling sexy are vital when participating.
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?