Gay cruising: From secret spots to smartphone screens, this queer tradition lives on

Cruising has been part of queer culture for centuries (Image: Sniffies)

Cruising, the practice of seeking anonymous sexual encounters in public spaces, has been an integral part of LGBTQ+ culture for generations across Europe and beyond. From the molly houses of 18th-century London to clandestine meetings in modern parks, queer individuals have long sought connection in the shadows of society.

In Europe, certain locations became iconic for cruising. Hampstead Heath in London has been a well-known cruising ground since the 1700s. Manchester’s Canal Street, now the heart of the city’s Gay Village, was once a discreet meeting spot for men seeking encounters with other men. In Paris, the Bois de Boulogne has a long history as a cruising area, while Berlin’s Tiergarten Park has been a popular spot since the

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