Sex on premises venues (SOPVs)
Sex on premises venues include sex clubs, backrooms, saunas, and other commercial venues where patrons pay to enter to meet and have sex with other customers.
Although there are venues or events (e.g., swingers’ nights) at venues targeted more towards cisgender heterosexual people (though of course some queer people access these spaces), there is also a long history of sex on premises venues for queer people. Venues have had a greater focus on providing safe spaces for gay & bi men to meet and have sex with men; but some clubs (particularly more recently) have had evenings focused on women-only nights and nights which are inclusive of trans people (both binary and non-binary).
These venues are diverse both in terms of location and vibe. Some are attached to bars and nightclubs; some are spaces where consensual kink occurs; some you can get a toasted sandwich from. (Some are even all three and more!)
It’s important to know what you’re entering. Some venues have really friendly staff that will show you around and let you know what to expect . You can also access info online, look into attending ACON’s Cruising 101 workshop, or email Dai at ACON at daoki@acon.org.au for a copy of ACON’s Cruising Guide for Sex on Premises Venues (heads up, this guide contains explicit NSFW photos).
Generally speaking, you are entering a venue where you may see naked people, and people having sex. There will be people looking for sex. You may be approached for sex. There will often be sex-free spaces (where people are having a break, or just want to be around the vibe or get their kit off). There may be spaces with swings, glory-holes (holes in walls where people place their body parts through for oral or anal sex), and pornography. People will vary in age, shape, colour, income, gender experience, and ability.
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Let’s talk about sex
Just because you can see my junk, it doesn’t mean you can touch it.
Although people will be naked, it doesn’t mean they are inviting sexual advances. Any physical contact needs to include consent – it is not implied by being there, or by being sexually aroused.Being there doesn’t mean you need to bang.
Some people just like being naked. Some people are exploring their sexuality, they may want to watch (and they need permission for that) or are scared to take the first steps at this stage. Some may be there to self-pleasure (i.e., in the porn rooms). Others will have a type and may not be keen.
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.
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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