At Queer News Tonight we reported two weeks ago that Crunch Fitness West Hollywood had temporarily closed the sauna after repeatedly warning me to not have sex in the public facility. Now The WeHo Times reported this week that the popular WeHo gym has closed its steam room. Prior to the announcement of permanent closure, the gym had posted signage saying the steam room would be closed temporarily “due to inappropriate conduct by members. Reopening is under review and will be determined the week of January 27, 2025.” The decision was repeatedly postponed. Sean Renzetti, one of the managers at Crunch WeHo, made a statement on Instagram that read:
“Being the manager at Crunch, yes, if you are participating in sexual activity in our public space, which is illegal (I am gay, so let’s not make it OK because it’s a ‘gay thing’), I will terminate your membership immediately. Thanks for understanding.”
In 2022, this same location went viral for a sign posted that read:
“ATTENTION MEMBERS. Please DO NOT HAVE SEX in the Men’s Locker Room! You can have sex literally anywhere else, just not at Crunch Fitness. Otherwise, your membership will be immediately revoked. Please keep this a safe space for all Crunchers.”
In a related story, Cruising has also been targeted in London at the popular cruising spot Hampstead Heath. Posters have appeared in the area calling out public sex. One of them read,
“Cruising for sex? Homosexuality is legal. Use a hook-up app like Grindr or Sniffies and get a room.”
The area has been a popular cruising location for gay men since the 1800s, when homosexuality was illegal. Many locals believe the posters were put up by new residents, since long-time locals are aware of the activity and have mostly adopted a ‘live and let live’ attitude. One anonymous gay man told the London Times that many older people prefer not to use the apps, and that “We were here first.” Another man added:
“The gay community were oppressed for many years, so they would meet men outside to avoid this. You won’t stop it now.”
Gay social media has been actively discussing the public perceptions of the acceptability of sexual activity in public.
