The Club Bath Milwaukee, a local affiliate of the then-popular national Club Bath chain, opened, in the alley behind 704 W. In 1974 two men’s spas opened in Milwaukee. With the rise of gay bars, more health clubs also opened. 2007 this business is still open, but not exclusively gay or even men-only: thus discretion is advised!) (Editors note: we are advised that as of Jan. There was also a gay men’s bath house in Kenosha in the early-mid 1970’s: the Kenosha Steam Baths (on 60th St.) advertised in gay media from the early 1970s until about 1976. It advertised throughout the publication of the GPU News (1971-1981) as a typical gay bath house, or spa, advertising "Roman pool, private saunas, swedish massage". The first men's bath house documented in Milwaukee is the Finlandia Health Spa (a.k.a. continues to be mired in religious fervor more often than reasoned tolerance: whatever happened to the concept of “live and let live” and acceptance of diversity (as long as it doesn’t hurt others) is a mystery. And as some more liberal countries (such as the Netherlands) have found, such controlled outlets for sexual activities (including legalized prostitution) also are proven to reduce the health risk because of their controlled and regulated nature. But on the other hand, it can be legitimately argued that these types of businesses provide a controlled and private environment for activity that might otherwise take place in a public place: a park, public restroom, alley, or cars.
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The open availability and practice of sexual activities is perhaps easily attacked. These businesses are popular with both gay men and bisexual men (especially those who are closeted, and/or traveling to the city) it holds great attraction for men into exhibitionism or voyeurism as well.įor some men, this environment lends an air of excitement– but also makes the business a source of some controversy in both the “straight” and LGBT community. The atmosphere is largely one of anonymity. Men will “cruise” each other in the various rooms and facilities, and if so inclined “hook up” with one or more other men- usually in a changing room, sometimes (although discouraged) in a common area. There will usually also be workout equipment- however infrequently used.
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The typical facility will have showers, a steam room and/or sauna, and usually a hot tub, plus a TV lounge, and perhaps an outdoor patio. Upon checking in, a man will be assigned either a locker or private changing room, and will shed all clothes, spending the remainder of his time at the location clad only in a towel. Most of America's larger cities have at least one gay bath house- and Milwaukee is no exception.įor those who have never been in a gay men’s bath house, this type of establishment is typically a place for consenting men to find nearly-anonymous sex. And even in today's "sex via internet hookup" environment, men's bath houses continue to thrive. spas, or "health clubs") have been popular.
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Perhaps even before bars could openly call themselves "gay" or openly cater to the gay community, men's "bath houses" (a.k.a. The following discussion of Gay Men's "Health Clubs", or Spas, is summarized from the November and December, 2006 issues of the Q-Life Newspaper: * Note: column sort may only work in newer versions of Internet Explorer. Spas/ Bath houses/ Health Clubs- History of Gay & Lesbian Life in Wisconsin: Businessesīusinesses in the History of the LGBT Community in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Spas/ Bath houses/ Health Clubsįor other types of businesses, click here click column heading to change sort* dates may be approximate.