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
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 »
So many bathhouses have closed. The only one left, the FLEX COMPLEX, has, according to online reviews, BED BUGS. It is run down and they don’t care as there is no competition. Flex’s website still shows a hot tub they removed a decade ago! The Gay community needs new places to go or there will be an increase in illegal, property de-valuing public sex. I’m looking at you, Vaseline Alley!
Agreed. Annie and all antiquated, reactionary laws based on unconscionable ignorance about HIV need to be repealed so that our public policy matches science and not conservative religious moralism that has absolutely nothing to do with the public good.
I agree wholeheartedly. Every participant at one of these venues (as envisaged by the author) would require comprehensive 3rd party insurance should there be any health (or criminal) consequences. The venues themselves would require licenses and insurance and be held liable for any criminal or disease outbreak. All participants and staff would require rigorous disease testing and have this stored on a public database, with felony level liabilities for any fraud or failure to maintain accurate and truthful record keeping. Keep it clean and safe and between consenting adults (all backed up by the threat of severe criminal and financial… Read more »
Can you please record the conversation when you call for a quote on the insurance? We can call it The Jerk Off Boys. This will go super viral.
An article you’d only find in West Hollywood. Good grief.
“Good Grief”? It’s obvious from the Charlie Brown quote what sheltered generation your in. Unfortunatly, Charlie Brown is no longer an accurate representation of our society today. Watch anything on ADULT SWIM on the Cartoon Network.
I don’t know about you Earl, but I always consider it a badge of honor when the person trying to insult me doesn’t know the difference between your and you’re. Good grief indeed.
This is one strategy to fill those empty storefronts!
Complete with plate glass display windows for those with exhibitionist fantasies
I suppose the possibilities are endless.