Cruising
Your handbook for encounters, desire and freedom. Everything you need to know - compact, honest and respectful.
Choose your own adventure!
The image film that makes you want to cruise
An elaborately produced video about cruising, community and self-determination.
What is cruising?
Cruising is a queer practice - as old as the community itself. It's about encounters, desire and freedom: anonymous sex in exciting places, spontaneous adventures, playing with looks and signs.
Whether in the park, in the darkroom or online - cruising is more than just sex. It is a piece of queer culture, resistance and self-determination: the right to live our lust.
Roaming around, observing, signalling - sometimes with a look, a gesture, touching each other, having sex. The rules are unwritten, but clear: Consensus, respect and mutual esteem are the top priority.
Cruising has a history: In times of persecution, public cruising locations were both a refuge and a rebellion.
Cruising requires self-confidence, trust, boundaries and sometimes courage. But when it succeeds, something special is created: a moment of freedom.
Cruising for Beginners
If you are new: take your time. Observe first. Every location has its own codes - how to look, wait, communicate and initiate sex.
Newcomers often experience that they are suddenly the centre of attention. This can be flattering, but also overwhelming.
You decide. A no is always okay.
Tip
Let yourself be stimulated by the internet and porn, but don't put any normative pressure on yourself.
Cruising consensus
Cruising is about closeness, looks and gestures - rarely about words. This is precisely why consensus is so important.
Consensus is a prerequisite: Accept a no, without discussion.
Pay attention to signals: A yes feels active. If someone freezes, it's not a yes.
Consensus is not an obstacle. It's what makes cruising good.
Cruising spots
The choice is huge: parks, saunas, darkrooms, sex clubs, apps and more.
Parks & green spaces
The classics. Pay attention to the time and surroundings.
Darkrooms
Have condoms, lube and tissues to hand!
Sex clubs, saunas
Protected environment with clear rules of behaviour.
Cruising apps
Romeo, Grindr, Scruff, Buddy, Sniffies and many more.
Chills
You can leave at any time if you don't feel comfortable.
Safe cruising
You can increase your safety with a few simple tips.
Keep your eyes open: If something seems strange to you, pull back.
Let someone know - Wherever you go, report back.
Emergency numbers
Police: 110 - Ambulance: 112
Safer sex while cruising
Having fun without having to worry - that's the aim of cruising!
PrEP: Effective protection against HIV through regular use.
Condoms & leaks: Protect against HIV and STIs. Always with lubricant!
PEP: Emergency treatment within 72 hours. Do not hesitate!
Vaccinations: Hepatitis A+B, Mpox and HPV recommended!
Personal stories
Voices from the community
Real experiences, real people - that's what cruising really is.
Cruising is not a crime!
Cruising in itself is not prohibited. But there are laws in public spaces that you should be aware of.
Sex between adults is generally legal in Germany. Pay attention to the withdrawal of bystanders.
No photos/videos without the consent of all parties involved!
Discretion
Don't tell anyone - be sensitive and reserved.
Your cruising bum bag
Experienced outdoor cruisers have everything with them - often in a practical belt bag.
Wrap up:
- Handkerchiefs - Condoms & Lollipops - Lubricant
- Mobile phone - Bin bag - Hand sanitiser - Whistle
Leave at home:
- Cash, laptop, expensive valuables
Cruisin' High - Drugs & casual sex
Substances can increase desire and courage, but also make people more willing to take risks.
Plan your high consciously. GHB + alcohol = high risk! Never mix.
Consensus is also a high duty.
Cruising abroad
Safety always first! Find out about the legal situation in your destination country.
In some countries, same-sex sex or cruising is a punishable offence. Find out in advance!
Use VPN, no clear names, switch off GPS.
Travelling globally means being mindful locally.
Hanky codes
Coloured handkerchiefs indicate preferences - left = active, right = passive.
Cruising in harmony with nature
Mother Nature has the best darkrooms. So that it stays that way: Don't leave any rubbish behind!
Condoms, tissues, bottles - take everything back with you.
Cruising Clean-up Days
Take part in community action days!
about cruising as trans* masculine people
Manuel
As a trans* man, I hesitated for a long time. Cruising seemed to be a world for cis men. But I've learnt that desire knows no norm. The looks I get - they are real.
Paul
The first darkroom was a turning point for me. Nobody asked. Nobody judged. My body was simply - welcome. That was incredibly liberating.
Manuel
Safer sex as a trans* person is sometimes more complicated. Some people have no information about trans* bodies. Therefore: educate, ask, be open.
Paul
My most important tip: go where you feel safe. Queer saunas, parties with awareness teams - I'm more relaxed there.
Manuel
Cruising has shown me: My body belongs to me. I decide what happens. That is empowerment.
Desire in motion
Cruising is Fantasy, freedom and body awareness.
Between signs, glances and encounters, a space is created that is only there for this moment.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about cruising
Briefly explained: the most important answers on locations, codes, consensus and security.
What is cruising anyway?
How do you communicate when cruising?
How does consensus work in cruising when people hardly speak?
Where does cruising take place?
What should I bear in mind as a beginner?
How do I use cruising apps safely?
Read the whole brochure
All topics in detail with personal stories, tips and further links - as a digital edition.
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