DARK ROOMS

I had to laugh when the transition slide in Patrick's video said Bathhouse Betty. It seems also quaint to talk about bathhouses in the era of Grindr and Growler and all that Jazz but I think it's important. One, because it is -like it or not- part of gay culture. In the seventies and eighties bathhouses were a symbol of sexual liberation and a staple in gay urban life. Two, because bathhouses were pivotal in the spread of AIDS and never really recovered from that blow. 

So, having a gay man give us a tour of a bathhouse in 2022 sounds quite appropriate, or at least I think so. Who goes to a bathhouse, you'd wonder? And who goes to a Dark Room in a bathhouse? Well, someone who wants to have some fun. Duh. Patrick lists some reasons: to let go of inhibitions, to find freedom from judgment, to feel a sense of heightened senses (after all, it's dark) and add that you can play with whomever you want and remain anonymous and because people can explore kinks in a Dark Room. I think those are enough reasons. No?

Also, I had no idea how a Dark Room looked.  Also, gloryholes and cabins? No idea. I've seen gloryholes in porn (duh!) but I had never seen a practical application to them. As in, in real life (porn is not real life, kids!) so they suddenly make sense to me. The cabins look like they would be good for one on one play or for multitasking. The possibilities are apparently endless. And the little red flashlight? Love! So practical.

Now, who would go to a Dark Room? Practically anybody. Darkness, is after all, the greater equalizer. And you can get the newbie who's totally curious or the regular who goes to a bathhouse to be in the Dark Room. Why not? That's their thing. And Patrick recommends standing outside of the Dark Room and if you see somebody you really like, well, you follow him in. Sounds like a plan?

I liked that he clarified that it's really not a free for all. It can be a one-on-one experience or it can (and I bet it would) become an all-out orgy if the mood is right, but for what I saw, there's order to the apparent chaos that is the Dark Room. Also, the furniture! (because that's furniture, Mary!). Very interesting, as Dave would say. I am curious as to the logistics of not stumbling over those, because they are covered in black leather and painted black in a Dark Room, but I imagine there could be more light where the furniture is and it would make sense if they cater to exhibitionists and voyeurs. Duh.

So there it is. Dark Rooms explained. I think we all should talk more about things like this. It's not everybody's cup of tea (the only thing that everybody likes is a $100 bill, right?) but I feel that going to a bathhouse should be de-stigmatized and de-mythified. After all, it's just sex.

XOXO

P.S. now, on to the serious part: I don't know if you've heard of the hard turn the whole MonkeyPox epidemic is taking. It started slowly but now it's in the US and it is spreading. And it it affecting men who have sex with men at alarming rates. Does it sound familiar? 

Thankfully, there's people who are tirelessly working to bring information to the masses, like @doctorcarlton, a Mayo clinic graduate and Board Certified M.D. who has posted an incredible array of resources and information on his instagram (instagram being useful! I know, groundbreaking). 

So, if you go to a Bathhouse, please be mindful. Play safely. And get vaccinated!!

@doctorcarlton

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Love @dansavage!

It's getting serious, guys!

And how about this thread that Huntley sent me??

@EnemyInAState