Finding Erotic Oases: Locating the Sites of Men's Same-Sex Anonymous Sexual Encounters

ABSTRACT

Because anonymous sexual relations between two men are widely considered deviant many men seeking such activities look to erotic oases—natural environments appropriated for covert, often furtive sexual purposes. Previous research on erotic oases has focused on characteristics of involved men and processes of locating, negotiating with, and consummating sexual relations with others. This study draws on one major Web site listing of “cruising places” in the United States to identify common locations for erotic oases. Results show that the most common locations identified as erotic oases by users are public parks, adult bookstores, health clubs, and college campuses. Locations most likely to be listed as believed to be under law enforcement surveillance are outdoor, high traffic locations. Based on these results existing research has only begun to examine the most common locations for this highly stigmatized, deviant behavior and subculture.

KEYWORDS:

• Erotic oases
• public sex environments
• impersonal sex
• anonymous sex
• public parks

Notes

1. It is acknowledged that the “indoor” and “outdoor” designations may be a bit misleading for some locations. Some public park and highway rest area locations note public restrooms in these locations that host sexual activities. However, in order to access these locations an individual will need to spend a significant portion of their time outdoors and these locations are very likely to not be heated or air conditioned.

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