IWWIT publishes cruising guide and shows in the related videoCruising is as diverse as we are.
With the first warm days, many people feel like spending more time outdoors - and for some, this includes cruising. The season of spontaneous encounters begins again in blossoming parks, by lively lakes and on hidden paths. From today, IWWIT reveals the best way to cruise and exciting background information on gay cruising culture in a new cruising guide.
The guide is aimed at both curious and experienced cruisers and brings together practical knowledge on the subject. Under „Cruising for Beginners“, beginners will find an introduction: What does cruising actually mean? How do I read signals? Which locations are suitable - and what can I look out for? Experience reports that show how differently people experience cruising.
The places for cruising are just as diverse as their visitors: from classic outdoor meeting places, saunas and clubs to digital spaces in cruising apps. Each environment has its own dynamics, rules and codes - IWWIT's cruising guide provides orientation here.
Chris Wörner-Gaa from IWWIT:
„For many people, cruising is a natural part of their sexuality - yet it is still rarely talked about openly. With our guide, we want to change exactly that: inform, remove taboos and offer concrete support at the same time. Because an enlightened and self-determined sexuality needs spaces where knowledge is accessible and diversity becomes visible.“
The guide is supplemented by content on safer sex, safer use and safer spots. Because protection remains a key issue. Whether in the park, in public toilets, in car parks or in enclosed spaces such as saunas, clubs or darkrooms: being aware of your own strategies, needs and boundaries in advance will strengthen your own well-being.
Specific tips for exciting encounters
Good preparation makes cruising all the more enjoyable. The IWWIT guide shows what cruisers can do to be as safe and relaxed as possible when travelling: pack condoms, lubricant, wet wipes, gloves and disinfectant, for example. A charged mobile phone is also part of the package so that you can change locations or contact people quickly and safely.
Cruising: part of sexuality and community
IWWIT makes it clear: cruising is a part of lived sexuality - no taboo, no shame. At the same time, cruising is about more than just sex. For many people, it is also a social space, a place of encounter, freedom and self-determination.
Historically, cruising is deeply rooted in queer culture. For decades, cruising venues were important retreats and meeting places for gay men and other queer people. Before the internet, these places were often the only way to meet like-minded people. Cultural forms of expression such as the well-known hanky codes also date back to this time and still symbolise communication, identity and belonging today.
Consensus and exchange are part of it
There is no such thing as one cruising experience: needs, wishes and ideas are as different as the people themselves. It is precisely this diversity that the guide picks up on and creates space for different experiences and perspectives.
„Cruising can mean different things to different people - which is exactly what makes it so diverse and exciting. It was important to us to develop a guide that reflects these different perspectives and offers orientation at the same time. It's not about how something ‚should‘ be, but about helping people to look after themselves and take their own limits and wishes seriously,“ says Chris Wörner-Gaa.
Another important concern of the guide is to emphasise the importance of consensus: Cruising only works if it is respectful and consensual. Recognising and respecting boundaries is key.
Cruising Guide and more information, practical tips and personal stories about cruising on iwwit.de/cruising
