Public Sex Areas- condom distribution and outreach work

Cottaging is a gay slang term for having sex in a public lavatory (a cottage) or for cruising for sex or picking-up sexual partners in public lavatories with the intention of having sex elsewhere. The term may have its roots in the English 'Gay' language of Polari, or in the fact that many self-contained English toilet blocks have in the past resembled small cottages in their appearance.

Gay cruising describes the act of searching about a public place in pursuit of a partner for sex. The activity has existed since at least the 17th century in Great Britain, and has a colourful legal history. It differs from brothels in that the parties involved do not seek money for sex, and from gay nightclubs or gay spas in that they are not on private premises.

A large proportion of the men who use these areas do not identify as gay or bisexual, but would fall in the category of 'Men who have Sex with Men' These men often have very little safer sex knowledge. Many do not visit the commercial gay scene or read the gay press, thus having little or no access to free safer sex products or information.

Research shows that the men who use these areas have the worst knowledge of HIV and sexually acquired infections; men over 55years old and young people aged 15-24 are found to be the most apathetic towards safer sex practices and the use of condoms.

Outreach work within these areas is showing that a large percentage of men are engaging with Eddystone's Gay Men's Health Workers. In two months about 400 condoms and lube have been distributed.

In order for The Eddystone Trust to perform outreach work in public sex areas, workers follow the Community HIV and AIDS Prevention Strategy (CHAPS) guidelines. Workers and volunteers should have training in First Aid, self defense and always work in pairs for safety reasons. Obviously this can make it a difficult area of work, especially when relying on the assistance of volunteers. If you feel that you would like to help in this challenging and rewarding area please call The Eddystone Trust for further information.