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Planning your trip: Finding other gay men

From At home ... away • 1 July 2001

For many gay men, finding sex — or at least finding other gay men — when travelling is not too difficult. Somehow instinct takes over, or a friendly local will point you in the right direction.

Laws related to homosexuality vary from country to country so it’s a good idea to be familiar with the specific laws of the countries you intend to visit. In some countries there can be heavy penalties for male-to-male sex. Also, where male-to-male sex is not illegal, age of consent laws for sex vary considerably, as do laws related to sex work. This is the case between the different states and territories in Australia too.

It is worthwhile doing some research before you go.This can be done through the Internet or using printed gay guides that are readily available in bookshops. Most cities with large commercial gay scenes will have weekly newspapers that list gay venues such as bars and nightclubs as well as sex venues such as saunas (bath houses) and cruising clubs.

The gay travel book, Spartacus, is pretty good. It’s good enough to get you started and once you get started somewhere, then you’re right. It’s good enough to get your leg in the door somewhere, that’s the main thing._ — Harry

So, you only need to find one gay pub from wherever you are and you’re set. — Hugo

There’s a thing on the Internet called ‘Cruising for Sex’ and I subscribe to that. They have listings for all countries. — Jackson

At home ... away

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This Resource was first published on 1 July 2001 — more than ten years ago.

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