Gay bathhouses nationwide face uncertain future

[unhappycamper]

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2014/08/23/3343114/gay-bathhouses-nationwide-face.html?sp=/99/261/



This July 30, 2014 photo shows the entrance to the North Hollywood Spa in Los Angeles. Gay bathhouses that once were shut down by laws or public outcry are facing a new pressure: lack of interest. A generation ago, bathhouses thrived at society’s fringes, offering a discreet haven for friends and lovers to meet. To draw in customers, owners are rebranding clubs as open and upscale: renovating facilities, marketing on social media, and adding Wi-Fi, house DJs and meet-and-greets with adult film stars.

Gay bathhouses nationwide face uncertain future
By MATT HAMILTON
Associated Press
August 23, 2014 Updated 5 minutes ago

LOS ANGELES — Gay bathhouses that once remained in the shadows to stay in business are now seeking attention to keep their doors open.

Some are doing aggressive online advertising and community outreach. Others tout their upscale amenities like plush towels and marble baths. A bathhouse in Ohio has even added hotel rooms and a nightclub.

Gone are the days when bathhouses drew crowds just by offering a discreet place for gays to meet, share saunas and, often, have sex.

"The acceptance of gays has changed the whole world. It's taken away the need to sneak into back-alley places," said Dennis Holding, 75, who owns a Miami-based bathhouse.

[pipoman]

1. while I'm not gay, I have often thought

The idea was a little gross. The one I was aware of used backyard type hot tubs that were seldom drained.

[nomorenomore08]

3. The results of intense social stigma are, quite often, not pretty.

In this case, having to resort to anonymous sexual encounters in often less-than-sanitary locales.

[MNBrewer]

2. Mobile apps are another reason.

[closeupready]

4. Personally, I think that's the primary reason.

[Fearless]

5. My thoughts as well.

Easier to plan these things from the couch at home and then just hop on down the road to their place or vice versa. Cuts out the middle man. Granted there's still risk involved.

[Behind the Aegis]

6. It is much easier to meet people now, and without shame.

When I came out, the AIDS crisis was in full swing and a bathhouse was all but a full-bodied way of playing Russian Roulette. I saw in the article that Flexx in NOLA has closed. Let me say, that was a fucking DIVE! It was a stereotypical, poorly managed, dirty blast from the past. The one is Chicago (The Unicorn ?) was a hoot and was quite clean and very fun. Someone already mentioned social apps, like Grindr, making it easier to "get some" without having to make a trip to the bathhouse.

[FreeState]

7. Im not convinced the social apps really are as good as bathhouses are for meeting

with the intent of a sexual hook up/date. While it's not my thing, I have checked out several social apps, and most people seem to be just looking or waisting time, with lots of people complaining that everyone is a flake. Thats not the case with a physical space where everyone is at. But, that could just be my experience... who knows LOL.