Beats
A ‘beat’ is a public place where people, generally cis men, look for connection and engage in sexual activities. There are a range of locations including discreet parks, nude or secluded beaches, public toilets (both inside and outside), truck stops, and abandoned buildings.
Beats can be an exciting way for some people to get action – generally anonymous, public (but hidden) sex. They can also be places where group sex happens (i.e., when numerous people gather at the beat for the same purpose). People often chat on apps to organise hook ups at beats.
There are a range of other reasons people seek sexual fulfillment at beats. For example, being straight or not being out and beats are their only sexual outlet, they could be exploring their sexuality, or they may not have a home where they feel comfortable having sex (they could live with their parents or unaccepting housemates/family).
While not as common as they used to be since dating apps have become more available, beats are still actively used by many people of all ages, disability, income, cultural background, sexuality, and gender experience.
Just like in other places where people meet, there are different ways in which sexual activities are initiated. In a secluded outdoor location, there could be non-verbal or verbal cues. In a bathroom cubicle, someone looking may tap their shoe between the cubicles or slide their hands under the walls.
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Let’s talk about sex
There are several considerations around consent when engaging in sexual activity at a beat.
Being there doesn’t mean you need to bang.
Some people are exploring their sexuality, they may want to watch (and they need permission for that). Others will have a type and may not be keen. Consent is key.All participants need to be on the same page with what is going down.
Some people will attend wanting a hand job or oral sex; others will be open to penetrative sex.
Some ways to get consent in these spaces include:
- maintaining eye contact
- copy their body language
- reciprocate or use similar hand movements
- nod your head
- smile
Some ways people may say no in these spaces are:
- breaking eye contact
- moving subtly out of your line of sight
- moving away from the area completely
Some younger people may be exploring their sexuality through beats.
In NSW the legal age of consent is 16 years old – (learn more about the law here). Having sex with a person under this age is illegal. The power dynamics and pressure to perform can create traumatic environments for young people. If someone looks a bit young, you should check on their age (e.g., “what were you doing in 2015?” or “when did you finish high school?”).Random passers-by probably do not want to see what you’re up to.
Whilst police are generally unlikely to patrol beats and the activities that go on there, the major exception is when it is in view of the public. ‘Obscene exposure’ is considered a crime. People who are walking their dog or going on a family picnic have not consented to see you naked or having sex.
Go back to reading about checking in around consent, recognising and responding to sexual violence in Sex on Premises Venues and Beats here.
If reading this content has caused you distress, or made you think you may need support, you can find an LGBTQ+ affirming service here.
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