As you've probably guessed, this month we're going to talk about park cruising. It seems as long as there have been gay people, they have found secluded corners of parks to enjoy themselves and each other. It happened decades ago and it still happens today. In fact, public sex (in parks, public restrooms, and highway rest stops) is a lot more common than many think...or would like to admit. Rochester is certainly no exception. Debate on both sides of the issue can be pretty heated.

People who are opposed to park sex may argue that it is immoral or wrong. Others worry about the possibility of innocent bystanders or children seeing two guys go at it. Still others argue that having anonymous sex is not safe and can lead to HIV or STD infection(s). Some people take a cultural opposition; saying that gay culture used to be so closeted that men HAD to meet in parks but that we've moved beyond that and so gay men should be able to "come out" of the parks.

Those who support and/or enjoy sex in parks have very different perspectives. Some celebrate it as a piece of gay culture...a rite of passage. Others see it as necessary for closeted men who cannot go to gay bars and social outings to meet men. Many men argue that park sex is neither wrong nor dangerous. The park is just a different place to hook up. It's not THAT different from cruising in bars or online. In fact, it may even be safer because they don't have their judgment impaired by alcohol/drugs. They also argue that the sex they have in the park is safer because it is mostly oral sex...which is less risky for disease transmission. And then there are guys who support sex in parks for the mere thrill of it...it's just plain fun!

Is park sex wrong? Not my call. Is park sex controversial? Certainly. Does park sex carry with it some risks? ABSOLUTELY! Whether or not people should be having sex in parks is a moral decision and legislating morals isn't my role...helping people stay safe and healthy IS. So the questions we want to address are: What are the risks of park sex? How can you play it safe?

As I see it, there are three major risk areas to be concerned about:

• HEALTH: Anytime you're having sex, in the parks or the bath-house or your bedroom, you put yourself at risk for giving or getting HIV/STD's...so take precautions. Use condoms. Don't exchange body fluids (i.e. blood or semen). Have less risky sex (i.e. oral is "safer" than anal).
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• PHYSICAL: Whenever you're having anonymous sex, but specifically in a very public "non-gay" place, there are things you don't know about the person you're with. There HAVE been reports (including here in Rochester) of people being robbed, physically attacked, or even killed by strangers they hook up with. Cruising parks have also often been the sites of gay bashing incidents. Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Don't put yourself in unnecessary risk situations.
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• LEGAL: It's against the law! Specifically, it is illegal to have your genitals exposed or to be involved in a sex act in public. If you are having sex in the parks, you CAN be arrested. But it isn't illegal to MEET guys in the park...so if you want to take someone home you won't be arrested. If you can't/won't do that, I can only say be on your guard. (Note: I should also mention that at times there are undercover cops in the park. They do NOT have to identify themselves even if you ask.)

Ultimately, whether or not you choose to "play in the parks" is YOUR decision...but know both sides of the issue, know the risks, and keep yourself safe and healthy

http://www.aidsrochester.org/gayhealth/hgarticles.htm