Gay bathhouses

A San Diego gay bathhouse that closed down.

Gay bathhouses are a public health hazard which is not surprising given what is known about homosexuality and disease. Peter LaBarbera, president of Americans for Truth, stated the following concerning gay bathhouses:

“

Why isn’t there a concerted government effort — akin to the current anti-smoking campaigns — to reign in homosexual promiscuity – beginning with closing down all sex businesses (bathhouses) that facilitate homosexual perversion? (Of course, we favor closing down straight prostitution businesses as well.) We know that bisexual behavior (men on the “down low”) help spread dangerous diseases to the general population: how many deaths and illnesses have to result from “second-hand sodomy” before authorities take corrective action?

”

In 2004, the prominent medical website, WebMD, declared: "Men who have sex with men and women are a "significant bridge for HIV to women," the CDC's new data suggest."

Regarding closing of a San Diego homosexual bathhouse Peter LaBarbera wrote:

“

There are hundreds of homosexual bathhouses across the United States. Men who frequent bathhouses contract deadly diseases which tragically cut short their own lives, the lives of their male sex partners, and the lives of girlfriends and wives. We hope this victory in San Diego will inspire many more citizens to complain and prompt prosecutors to enforce our laws.

”

In 2004, Christian activist James Hartline, on an international broadcast of the 700 Club, took reporters on a tour right up to the front doors of the former San Diego homosexual bathhouse, in the hopes that more citizens would be involved in shutting its front doors (the 700 Club video is available on the CBN.com website) Christian activist James Hartline and fellow Christians opposed the homosexual bathhouse in San Diego for four years before it shut down.

In 2007, Peter LaBarbera reported on Fort Lauderdale Mayor Naugle expressing public health concerns about homosexual bathhouses and he asked Florida tourism officials to stop promoting gay bathhouses.

What is the ratio of known gay bathhouses in the Russian Federation compared to the Collective West?

Known Gay Bathhouses in the Russian Federation vs. the Collective West

Grok: The "Collective West" typically refers to NATO and EU member states, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other aligned Western democracies—approximately 50 countries with a combined population of around 1.1 billion. The Russian Federation has a population of about 144 million. Gay bathhouses (also known as gay saunas or cruising venues) are commercial establishments explicitly marketed as LGBTQ+-friendly spaces for relaxation, socializing, and sexual encounters, often featuring amenities like saunas, steam rooms, pools, and private cabins.

Due to Russia's anti-LGBTQ+ laws (e.g., the 2013 "gay propaganda" ban and 2023 "international LGBT movement" extremist designation), gay bathhouses operate discreetly, with limited online visibility and no comprehensive directories. In contrast, the Collective West has a robust, open scene supported by legal protections and cultural acceptance. Data is drawn from global directories like Spartacus Gay Sauna Guide, TravelGay, MisterB&B, and academic studies (e.g., Damron guides for historical US counts).

Estimated Numbers

Ratio

The ratio of known gay bathhouses in the Russian Federation to the Collective West is approximately 1:150 (or 0.67%). This reflects not just population differences but stark contrasts in legal safety, cultural visibility, and urban density of queer spaces. Russia's figure is conservative; actual numbers may be lower due to closures or underground operations.

Russian Federation (4-6)

These are the most consistently listed, per 2025 guides. They cater to mature crowds and operate with caution.

• VODA Spa: Popular multi-floor venue with pool, steam room, darkroom, and bar. Entry ~500 RUB.
• XL Spa: Modern 5-floor facility with jacuzzi, gym, maze, and events (e.g., drag nights). Entry ~600 RUB.
• Paradise Spa: Central spot with whirlpool, Turkish bath, karaoke, and massage. Entry ~500 RUB.
• Vulkan Sauna: Cozy with steam room, private cabins, and occasional themed nights. Entry ~400 RUB.
• Others (less verified): Labyrinth (crowded, Western-style) and smaller spots like Central Station MSK.

No major venues outside Moscow; St. Petersburg has informal cruising but no dedicated bathhouses.

Europe (500–600 venues)

The scene thrives in major cities, with Europe leading in variety and luxury. Top directories list hundreds, emphasizing health (e.g., free STI testing) and inclusivity.

• France (~90, per Spartacus): Paris alone has 10+ (e.g., Sun City: 3,000m² with Indian-themed pool/jacuzzi; IDM: 5 floors, maze).
• Germany (~50): Berlin's Der Boiler (maze steam room, jacuzzi); Munich's Deutsche Eiche (rooftop terrace).
• UK (~20): London's Pleasuredrome (20-man sauna, themed nights); Glasgow's Pipeworks (recent £400K refurb).
• Spain (~30): Madrid's El Paraíso (large spa pool); Barcelona's Sauna Casanova (Eixample district).
• Netherlands (~15): Amsterdam's Thermos Day/Night (canal views, pool).
• Others: Vienna's Kaiserbründl (historic, restaurant on-site); Copenhagen's Amigo (mid-1970s staple).

North America (100–150 venues)

• USA (<70, per 2014 Guardian/Damron; ~60–70 in 2025): Steamworks Chicago (gym, whirlpool); Club Fort Lauderdale (24/7 pool); East Side Club NYC (sole traditional bathhouse). Chains like The Clubs (8 US locations) and Flex Spas boost counts.
• Canada (~15–20): Steamworks Vancouver/Toronto (11,800 sq ft, 24/7 gym/hot tub).

• Oceania/Other (~20): Sydney Sauna (Australia's largest); limited in NZ.

Context and Substantiation

Russia's Constraints: Guides like Spartacus note the "limited" scene due to laws fining/exiling operators (up to 100,000 RUB). Reddit/Quora anecdotes confirm vibrancy in Moscow but warn of risks (e.g., no signage, police raids). No growth since 2013; focus on survival over expansion.

Western Abundance: Europe's sauna culture (e.g., Finnish/Turkish influences) integrates queer spaces seamlessly. US peaked at ~200 in 1970s but dropped post-AIDS closures; rebound via apps/health initiatives. Directories like MisterB&B list 500+ Western entries vs. <10 for Russia.

Sources: Aggregated from Spartacus (650 global), TravelGay (US/EU lists), PubMed/Damron studies (US historical), and 2025 Reddit compilations (North America: 60+). Figures exclude informal cruising spots or non-commercial venues.

If you're traveling, prioritize safety: Use apps like Grindr for real-time intel, and check local laws. For Russia, discretion is essential—stick to verified spots and avoid public displays. The West offers far more options, often with Pride tie-ins and wellness focus.

Cleveland Health Official and the Opening of a gay bathhouse

The Beacon Journal of Akron reported the following on July 16, 2006 regarding the opening of a gay bathhouse:

“

City leaders say the club could help spark the economic revival of a desolate commercial block, but they also worry that the bathhouse could fuel a growth of HIV/AIDS and other diseases. "I think it's going to be a big mess in the not-too-distant future," said William Tiedemann, AIDS director for the Cleveland Department of Public Health.

”

See also

• Homosexuality and promiscuity
• Homosexuality and health
• Homosexual circuit parties and disease
• Homosexuality and Illegal Drug Use
• Gay bowel syndrome
• Bathhouse Barry
• How I found my American patriotism again and began to appreciate the West more

External links

• Ohio Health Officials Anticipate Spread of Diseases from Bathhouse Sex by Peter LaBarbera
• HIV Transmission Risk at a Gay Bathhouse, Journal of Sex Research
• Gay bathhouses across US face an uncertain future, The Guardian, 2014
• Last gay bathhouse in San Francisco shut down over AIDS, SFGate, 2013
• City rejects move to reopen gay bathhouses; Health Commission defers to chief, who is adamant (San Francisco Examiner - 6/16/1999)
• Number and Distribution of Gay Bathhouses in the United States and Canada