Gay Bathhouse News Blog Worldwide – Bathhouse Blog

May 22, 2013

As written about in a previous post The Days And Nights At Two Distinct Toronto Bathhouses, JP Larocque has written a third article. This one is about the oldest steam baths in Toronto, which would be The Oak Leaf Steam Baths.

Oak Leaf Steam Bath

To read this fascinating article go to A different kind of bathhouse.

May 22, 2013

Apparently gay sex parties are a no-no, at least in Islington. Tipped off about a “Bareback Party” and “Raw Heat Pig Party” being advertised on gay online forums at Paradise Spa, the cops swooped in.

Paradise Spa

They found what you would nominally find at a bathhouse. However the owner decried the bust as a witch-hunt. And that the so-called party was being organized by third parties and never took place.

Complaints from nearby residents didn’t seem to make a difference to city council. In the end city council granted a one-year license to the sauna.

For more read Islington sauna owner granted special licence amid homophobic opposition.

May 16, 2013

In Toronto there is an event called Pleasure Palace Toronto (formerly known as Pussy Palace). The basic premise has a men’s bathhouse go all female for one night. Only women and trans are were allowed to come in, have a shower and cruise for sex. Just like the men. This event has been going on for over 15 years now in Toronto, Canada.

Pleasure Palace Toronto

Anyways I’ve stumbled across two blog posts asking why there isn’t a bathhouse for lesbians anywhere else?

To read go to Meet Me at the Pussy Palace! Queer Women & Public Sex Spaces

and A trip to the Pleasure Palace: Why Chicago needs bathhouses for women.

May 10, 2013

Bike stations are popping up all over the world, especially in urban centers.

In Toronto opposition is brewing for the construction of a bike station will have shower facilities. One of the strongest opponents is Councilor Doug Ford, brother of Mayor Rob Ford.

During a media scrum Doug Ford suggested the bike showers would turn into a bathhouse, complete with a towel boy. Some councilors called his remarks homophobic.

Example of Bike Station

To which Doug Ford replied, “Don’t tell me I’m homophobic. I’m donating to the gay Pride Parade.” Then followed up by musing what sort of “hanky-panky” would take place in the bike-station showers.

Later on Ford was forced to apologize at the request of the speaker. But in his apology he suggested some might get caught having quickie sex. For that remark he had to apologize yet again.

At the end of the day Toronto City Council approved the bike station, 26 to 5.

For more read Complaints of homophobia prompt Toronto councillor Ford to withdraw bathhouse remarks.

May 10, 2013

An article appeared in Xtra last week profiling two different and very distinctive bathhouses. Spa Excess and Steamworks.

Spa Excess

Written by JP Larocque it also features the last interview with Peter Bochove before he passed away on April 29, 2013.

To read go to A day and night at the baths.

May 07, 2013

Found this uploaded on You Tube a few days back. A tour of Alexander Sauna located in Athens Greece.

Alexander Sauna

Unfortunately the entire two-part interview is conducted in Greek. However there is a tour of the Sauna, and you definitely don’t need a translator for those images. Enjoy watching this two-part report below.

April 30, 2013

One of the true pioneers of the bathhouse scene in Toronto has died. Peter Bochove passed away on Sunday after battling lung cancer. He was 65.

As the owner of the Richmond Street Health Emporium, the police destroyed his business during the 1981 Bathhouse raids. The gay community became galvanized, and soon Bochove found himself in a position of being an activist. It was a turning point in the history of gay rights in Canada.

Peter Bochove At Spa Excess

As the owner of one of the bathhouses targeted, Bochove became outspoken about police brutality and the right to sexual freedom and privacy. In 1988 Bochove attempted to open up another bathhouse, Spa on the Maitland. After two years of legal wrangling, Bochove finally got his license. That decision set up a precedence for every bathhouse that has followed. Which guaranteed every bathhouse protection from future city harassment.

There will be no funeral or memorial planned. A simple cremation is scheduled, which is what he wanted.

Truly one of a kind, he will be missed.

For more read go to Toronto’s bathhouse king, Peter Bochove, dead at 65.

April 24, 2013

San Diego’s Vulcan Steam and Sauna has shut its doors after 37 years. No announcement, no good-bye bash, and no warning. Closed April 18, 2013.

Vulcan Steam and Sauna

In an era where some bathhouses are struggling to survive, this is not one of those times. Business at the Vulcan was still very healthy. The owner (Frank) received an offer for the property that was too good to refuse. He owned the property outright, which is located in adjacent to Little Italy downtown. It’s an area that has been revitalized and renovated in recent years. The land/property will probably be developed into condos, retail, restaurant, etc.

April 20, 2013

His name is Henry Forshaw and he is from England. He has created a YouTube channel called Getspunky. The premise is an entertaining, interactive and humorous videoblog, to help face your fears in everyday life. His aim is to demonstrate how moving out of your comfort zone is confidence building, rewarding and will raise your self-esteem.

In other words he is accepting any and all dares from the public. And he hopes that you will join him in the dares by doing it as well, and putting it on video.

He is currently crossing Europe visiting Amsterdam, Munich, Bratsaslava, Vienna, Sofia, Antalya and Istanbul. Most of the dares will take place in those countries listed above.

Getspunky

One of the dares was to enter a gay men’s bathhouse. Unfortunately his adventures could not be recorded. All recording devices are not allowed at any and all bathhouses around the world. But he does give his thoughts afterwards and the next day about his experiences at the baths.

Henry wound up going to Camp (Cruising and Men’s Play) in Munich, Germany. Watch the video below. And if you have any dares you would like Henry to do, go to the official Facebook page and don’t forget to like him!

UPDATE Henry just released another video explaining why he went to the gay sauna. See below!

April 20, 2013

It has been over 365 days since Hawks Pdx opened its doors as a gay bathhouse in Portland Oregon. To celebrate this milestone, Hawks is throwing a one-year anniversary celebration.

Hawks Pdx

On April 29th, from 7 PM to midnight, $1 lockers and $10 rooms will be available. Along with games, prizes and special live entertainment.

For read more about this event go to 365 days of play: Hawks bathhouse celebrates one-year anniversary or visit their official website Hawks Pdx.