Roaming Revenant

Whenever possible I always choose to go to gay, fetish or cruising spaces – even when I’m just after a drink.

This year I’ve had a pleasure to come to Amsterdam again for a weekend. I’ve been before years ago and had a rather memorable time at the Club Church. This time however I couldn’t stay up late so I went for a bit of a pub crawl on my free evening.

To me these venues tend to feel a lot safer and comfortable compared to regular bars. Sometimes it can even feel like a home away from home when you enter an establishment a with long and storied history. 

In a busy city like Amsterdam it’s hard to find a place to go to that’s not rammed with tourists. In the busy months it must be one of the most dense and over-populated cities with every street full of people elbow-to-elbow. It is also important to support businesses that serve a queer community in the face of troubles and commercial pressures. You really do kill two birds with one stone – support a good cause and don’t end up going to a soulless cookie-cutter tourist trap.

On my trip first starting at The Web, I got to meet incredibly friendly staff. It was still early in the day but it was clear this place has a lot of tradition and I’m sure a lot of fun upstairs. Cuckoo’s Nest was busy with a nice street-level outdoor area and a basement maze to explore. And the Nieuwezijds sauna was extremely clean and pristine, equipped with a trendy lounge area.

This time I was not much in the mood for fun but it doesn’t really matter. Cruising bars in particular offer a unique experience where people can be themselves in a safe and welcoming environment. And it’s a place where people can meet others who share similar interests or just stay on your own without being bothered.

Unfortunately, these spaces are becoming increasingly scarce. I can’t speak for Amsterdam here, but generally ever-present gentrification, rising rent prices, and changing attitudes of local authorities often mean that many of these businesses are struggling to stay afloat. I feel like it’s important that we support these ventures, whether we have fun there every time or not. Cruising bars are not just for sex.

Creating safe spaces where people can meet and express themselves and their sexuality without fear of judgement or threats is incredibly important. I saw time and time again that the staff and patrons often become like a second family, offering a support system for those who may not have that elsewhere.

Next time you’re in a new city or even in your own neighbourhood – take a moment to seek out the local cruising bar or a sauna. You may be surprised at the welcoming and accepting environment that you find. Supporting these businesses you can help ensure that they remain a vital part of community for years to come.