Doin’ It Well

Gay bath houses are a noble part of history. From Ancient Rome to San Francisco, bathhouses, or baths, have been a semi-public space for men to have sex with other men. Doin’ It Well decided to see what all the fuss was about, and we were in for a surprise. Bath houses may be intimidating for a first time user - and they’re definitely a culture of their own - but with a little preparation, you’ll be in for a good time.

Lathering Up

Although Champaign-Urbana doesn’t have any men-only bathhouses that we know of, there are four in the vicinity: Steamworks and Man’s Country in Chicago, Club Indianapolis in Indy, and Club St. Louis in…well, you get the idea. Based on a few recommendations, we checked out Steamworks and sent Ross out with a friend to get the inside scoop.

The baths operate much like health spas; you can get a one-time membership for your visit or a longer-term pass if you plan on being a regular. Steamworks requires that everyone entering rent a locker or a room for the duration of their stay. The rentals last six hours, but the rental is renewable. A few people have told us that they sometimes renew their room and spend the night at the bath.

Working out at the baths is a possibility, but not necessary. Don’t worry! Even though some websites may advertise attractive, muscular men as their patrons, most of the men there look like average guys with a wide age range. At Steamworks, some people use the workout equipment, but most people just hang out or actively cruise. At Steamworks and the Clubs, a towel is the required/preferred outfit. At Man’s Country, the towel rule is not as enforced. Although it may seem more comfortable to wear regular clothes, the towel dress-code proves to be a great equalizer.

Tying the towel can be a difficult lesson. This isn’t a quick trip from the shower to the bedroom; you will get your “steps” in at the baths. Go with what works best for you, but wrapping the towel around tightly and rolling the entire top edge down several times seems to work best.

On a tip, we were encouraged to buy flip flops for our visit. It’s not only good public shower etiquette, but there may be bodily fluids on the floor. At Steamworks, disposable flip-flops were on sale in the vending machines, as were performance enhancers, cock rings, cigarettes, extra large condoms, enema tubes, and lubes. If you’re going to need these, it would probably be cheaper to bring your own, but it is convenient in case you forget.

As for the enema tubes, Steamworks had temperature adjustable spigots for cleaning yourself out before getting hot and heavy. And for the other end: a mouthwash fountain. (Seriously, Ross wants to live there.)

The rental rooms at Steamworks come in a variety of sizes and features. Specialty rooms include a faux doctor’s office.  Many of the rooms come equipped with a television with a variety of porn channels and even a channel displaying the club’s surveillance cameras (for lazy cruisers).

Room etiquette in the baths suggests that if you leave your door open, you would like someone to walk in. Men lying naked on their stomach cue passersby that they would like to “bottom” during sex. Men lying on their back, naked or toweled, want a blow job or to “top.”  It’s difficult to misread those cues.

Other public areas have spaces for watching or for participating. Many open spaces had dividers with glory holes for hand or blow jobs. Anything goes, but the etiquette also means that people (should) listen to “No.”

Sex is a possibility most anywhere, but the better lit an area, the less you’re supposed to have sex there. Just pay attention to the cues and the tone, and you’ll figure it out.

Do’s and Don’ts

Some baths have very rigid policies against alcohol and drugs. Although our bags weren’t checked at the door at Steamworks, it’s common policy to check bags for cell phones (because you’d take pictures!), drugs, alcohol, or weapons. So don’t bring these in!

Otherwise, you can bring in almost anything. Bring your own toys, lube, or even items to decorate your room! At Steamworks, you don’t need to worry about bringing your own protection; there are free condoms all over, lubed and un-lubed. For other baths, be sure to come prepared.

The biggest no-no of all is “chatting.” The code of the baths is non-verbal, making eye contact, sizing someone up, and moving into physical touch. Talking interrupts the mystique that regulars enjoy about the baths. Be respectful, don’t lose the magic.

Why We Love ‘Em

While we can’t speak for every bath, Steamworks was impeccably clean and well-maintained. Also, safe and mutual sex was explicitly encouraged. Condoms and informational materials about everything from safe leather play to STI’s were available for free. Additionally, signs were posted promoting healthy behaviors and consent. Also, regular STI/HIV testing was available at the club. Sex and sex education? It’s a winning combination!

To read a full account of Ross’s bath adventures, click here.

Thanks to Jesse Pierce and Khristian Kemp-DeLisser for their gracious assistance with this column.

Stay tuned next week as Doin’ It Well explores the G-spot!

Sex 411: Get Your Bath On

Club Indy and Club St. Louis: http://www.the-clubs.com/

Man’s Country: http://www.manscountrychicago.com/

Steamworks: http://www.steamworksonline.com/

Kim Rice and Ross Wantland are experts in the field of sexuality and sexual violence prevention. Send them your questions at buzzdoinitwell@yahoo.com