Men have been gathering in bathhouses for thousands of years, from the grand public baths of ancient Rome to Japanese onsens, Turkish hammams, and Russian banyas. Beyond getting clean, these have long been places for socializing, relaxing, and taking care of one another.
Scrubbing backs, massage, stretching, and even a good whack with leafy branches are all part of the tradition. I'll pass on the whipping and aggressive exfoliation, but I love the physical camaraderie between men, something that seems increasingly uncomfortable in American culture unless there's a football or a set of weights involved.
Gay bathhouses have their own fascinating history, particularly in the United States, where they became important social and sexual spaces during the 20th century. Some even featured live entertainment. In 1970s New York, Bette Midler performed at the Continental Baths, accompanied by Barry Manilow on piano, before either became a household name.
I try to visit gay saunas whenever I trave--with Ghent and Cologne among my favorites--so far. Give me a weight room, outdoor pool, big clean hot tub, steam room, dry sauna, and a bar where guys can hang out in white towels and shoot the shit. Sure, there might be a maze of private rooms for more intimate encounters, but I'm just as happy people-watching, fraternizing, and relaxing. Like gay bars, these are places where we can step away from the straight world, let it all hang out, and enjoy each other's company.
Please leave thoughts, questions, additions or corrections in the comments. Thank you, bns
The Russian bathhouse pics are so beautiful, both the premises and the men. XG
ReplyDeleteThank you for the feedback. I appreciate you tuning in. bns
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