The AIDS epidemic of the 1980s and 1990s brought about a wave of fear and panic, leading to the implementation of several laws and regulations aimed at preventing the spread of the virus. One of these measures included the closure of bath houses and sex clubs, which were seen as hotspots for risky sexual behavior.
However, as we continue to make advancements in HIV prevention and treatment, it is time to reevaluate these laws and consider repealing them. The reality is that these establishments can play an important role in promoting safe sexual practices and providing vital resources for the LGBTQ+ community.
First and foremost, bath houses and sex clubs can serve as a valuable resource for HIV education and prevention. These establishments can provide free condoms and safe sex education materials, as well as offer on-site HIV testing. By doing so, they can help to decrease the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
Moreover, bath houses and sex clubs can also serve as a safe and inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community. These establishments often cater to a predominantly queer clientele, providing a sense of community and acceptance for individuals who may not feel comfortable in other public spaces. They also offer a space for sexual expression and exploration, which can be especially important for those who may face discrimination or stigma in their daily lives.
By allowing these establishments to operate legally, cities can regulate and enforce safer practices. This includes requiring regular testing for sexually transmitted infections and mandating safe sex practices. These regulations can help to ensure that individuals are practicing safer sex and that any potential risks are minimized.
Repealing the ordinances that prevent new bath houses and sex clubs from operating can also have economic benefits for cities. These establishments can bring in revenue and create job opportunities, which can be especially important in today’s economic climate. Additionally, as the LGBTQ+ community is a significant consumer demographic, embracing these establishments can attract tourism and boost local businesses.
It is important to note that the fears and stigmas of the AIDS era are no longer reflective of the reality of HIV today. With advancements in treatment, individuals living with HIV can lead long and healthy lives, and the risk of transmission is significantly decreased with proper prevention methods. It is time for our laws and regulations to catch up with this progress.
The closure of bath houses and sex clubs was a reactionary measure during a time of fear and uncertainty. It is time for cities to reconsider these laws and recognize the positive impact these establishments can have on public health, LGBTQ+ communities, and local economies. By lifting some of the outdated heavy restrictions preventing these safe spaces form existing here in Los Angeles and West Hollywood, we can create a more inclusive and progressive society.
We, the LGBTQ+ community intend to petition and present an official referendum to reform the laws and licensing for bathhouse and sex clubs to allow new businesses and safe spaces to return to our city again.
With honor and sincere respect,
James Thomas
WEHO Business Owner
THE PIG PEN LA
8248 Santa Monica Blvd, Studio B
West Hollywood, CA 90046
Wasn’t the 8709 Club in the City of Weho? It was an amazingly fun establishment at 8709 Beverly Blvd back in the 1980’s.
No, it wasn’t located in West Hollywood. It was within the city of L.A. BTW, I have fond memories of the 8709. A friend of mine went with me to the 8709 back in the mid-80’s. When we arrived, we saw that it had been closed but there was this guy handing out passes to another bath house. My friend then asked: “Is this a transfer?”.
Also, it was 8709 Third Street. Not Beverly blvd
Commercial sex establishments have been very useful in HIV harm reduction efforts. In college, I worked the front desk of a sex club “Folsom Prison” on weekends, and we regularly worked with groups like St. James Infirmary to provide on site HIV testing/counseling. In LA, I’ve done extensive outreach at commercial sex venues for research projects for sex workers etc. Generally the owners/workers at these establishments are happy to provide community outreach workers/researchers the opportunity to work with their customers on projects serving the public good. It’s worth mentioning that the LGBT community initially pushed back on efforts to close… Read more »
I think the term “HIV harm reduction” is a stretch. Can you give us readers a concrete example or instance of when outreach actually made a successful impact in HIV prevention? Just because services, testing and counseling are offered, does not mean that this is accepted or effective.
Testing and counseling are the impact, although I understand what you’re getting at. These types of programs just meet people where they are at, but I don’t agree with a narrow sighted emphasis on prep/harm reduction/etc— changing behaviors to reduce risk is the ideal outcome.
Weho Mary, you narrow minded contrarian, are the last person to judge is something is “accepted or effective”. You consistently clutter these comment sections with your negative and self righteous commentary but we all accept it and you certainly seem to think it’s effective. When it comes to educating people about HIV prevention it’s always better to have it even if you dont need it, than need it and wish you had it.
James Thomas…..troll much?
How am I “Trolling”? I’m replying to comments written about MY article…Im allowed to defend my writing. It’s not like I’m searching random chat rooms or (umm I don’t know…) online community news forums to purposely stir up fights and conflicts….like yourself! Who is the troll here?
Let the people decide what they want to do with their body
demand? drop by slammer! “education materials”, tests, free condoms, big deal, they are all by choice. same applies to PrEP and PEP. and if you are in the sex club mood, are you going to make any such choice, maybe yes but my guess is probably not. unless you are old enough to have experienced the devastation, in which case your old body probably won’t get you very far unless it’s very dark or you are prodigiously endowed. but slammer is a good example, it’s successful, it serves a purpose (not the purpose of employment or gay symbolism or progressive… Read more »
The closest thing we ever had to a bathhouse in WeHo city limits was The Zone – and the front half of that place was squarely in Los Angeles.
The author could make his point more-effectively with L.A.’s gay elected officials. Hell – if he can get Michael Weinstein on board, it’s a shoe-in.
“Closest thing you ever had was the zone….” buddy, fact check yourself. You’re about factual as Trump- which is to say not all factual.
Key club, Rogues, Apollo health baths all within city limits. Source: queermaps.org
Dude, we won’t even allow a Burger King in our city.
I want an Arby’s or at least Hamburger Haven to re-open. Both better than some filthy bathhouse.
I’d be ok with an Arby’s…. we can put a glory hole in the rest room. The bonus is after some stranger gets you off in the bathroom you can walk out and get something to eat. Your right… far less filthy.
I DO AGGREE THERE SHOULD BE A BURGER KING OR SOMEWHERE TO GET A BITE TO EAT AFTER 2AM
Not mentioning Marburg or MPox once in his argument to reopen sex clubs is really something.
Should I have cited EVERY potential risk of having intimate contact witn another person? OK, fine. It should be noted that the following are also potential health threats when engaging in intimate contact with a stranger:
– Bacterial Vaginosis
– Chlamydia
– Genital Herpes
– Gonorrhea
– Human Papillomavirus
– MGN
– PID
– Syphilis
– Trichomnosis
– Hepatitis A,B, and C
– LGV
– Chancroid
– HIV
– MPOX
– Shingles
– Urethritis
– AND MORE…
Are we done splitting hairs yet?
A great ancillary business to go along with the pot shops. A race to the bottom.
NOPE…Ive been told on many occasions that Weho is already full of bottoms.
If you don’t like the progress being made around you or the direction the city is headed then you have the freedom to move somewhere you feel more comfortable. I could suggest a nice place under a rock somewhere back in time perhaps.
This may be the most pious call for a sex club ever written
And there are so many other pias gay man on there knees out there.. I just want to give them safe places to go and worship. 😉
This is funny because it sorta defines WeHo. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. Who doesn’t love a good ol’ sex club? The old Vortex and The Zone should have their own Netflix docs.
I can think of more important things for us to organize around. While bathhouses were/are lots of fun, they’re also relics of the past. I also think it’s hilarious that anyone would think that bathhouses are places that educate people about HIV or encourage them to practice safer sex. I would love to hear someone’s story about how bathhouses played a role in preventing them from becoming infected with HIV. I’ve had tons of fun at bathhouses in the past, but I’m pretty sure that bathhouses have played more of a role in folks becoming infected with HIV, than having… Read more »
So you saying it’s better that we have NO place for gay men to go OR get tested and educated on HIV. Let’s just go back to hooking up in back alleys and public restrooms. YEAH, SHOW ME HOW THAT PLAN WILL BE MORE EFFECTIVE AT FIGHTING THE SPREAD OF HIV! Los Angeles has 2 bathhouse left and 1 sex club! If and when they close to shop then that’s it… LOS ANGELES THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY AND YOUNG PEOPLE TRYING TO DISCOVER THIER SEXUALITY WILL HAVE TO RELY ON MEETING PEOPLE IN DARK AND DANGEROUS PLACES. No one is forcing… Read more »
I think you can add bathhouses to your list of dark and dangerous places. There’s usually drug use and risky behavior going on, and the pressure to participate can be overwhelming for someone who is vulnerable. The goal is to get off, where limits and boundaries disappear with the mantra, “no apologies, no regrets.” As far as education and testing is concerned, there are many nonprofits and community organizations that provide these services. They’re staffed by professionals and well funded. In fact, there is so much support for AIDS education and prevention, that I believe AIDS/Lifecycle has been discontinued! Finally,… Read more »
First, AIDS Lifecycle is being discontinued because the cost to produce it has become far greater than what was left over to donate to AIDS research charities. NOT because of some amorphous decision that AIDS is not a major health threats anymore so it no longer demands the charity to fund ongoing research. Second, again it sounds like you feel that hooking up in alleys and public bathrooms is safer and healthier for gay men than safe spaces like bathhouse and sex clubs that are designated and regulated for that exact purpose. Lastly, you are demonizing a large part of… Read more »
Wow, you’re obviously triggered by the truth. Most folks in the LGBTQ+ community have moved on and aren’t going to these places because of the reasons I describe. That’s why these bathhouses are going out of business.
I hope you find a real job someday that doesn’t involve enabling addictions. We don’t need you to pretend that you’re saving people from HIV/AIDS.
Im.not saying I’m saving anyone by reopening bathouses! The laws and ordinances in place that prevent them from opening or doing business … THOSE where put in place at a time when people thought THEY where saving lives from HIV. Medicine has advanced and it’s now a manageable disease and so the laws should reflect that progress because now those regulations just seem oppressive, divisive, and prevent the freedom to pursue happiness for some people. The bottom line: NO ONE IS FORCING YOU TO GO TO A SEX CLUB OR BATH HOUSE…..and the people that do enjoy and appreciate these… Read more »
As you should recall, I mentioned that I’ve been to bathhouses. They’re fun, but I was turned off by seeing people engage in risky behavior. I won’t even go into the obvious racial hierarchy that also exists at these places. It’s obvious that I’m not the only one who feels this way, since the trend is for bathhouses to close, rather than thrive. I don’t know where you’re getting these studies from, but of course, most gay men have visited bathhouses, everyone is curious. However, I think those percentages are extremely high, considering that most cities in the US don’t… Read more »