After 37 Years San Diego’s Vulcan Steam and Sauna Has Closed

April 24, 2013, 7:29 am

≫ Next: Toronto Bathhouse Visionary Peter Bochove Has Died

≪ Previous: Straight Guy Dared To Go To Gay Bathhouse

$

0

0

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.

---

Toronto Bathhouse Visionary Peter Bochove Has Died

April 30, 2013, 11:58 am

≫ Next: Touring Alexander Sauna Located In Greece

≪ Previous: After 37 Years San Diego’s Vulcan Steam and Sauna Has Closed

$

0

0

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.

Touring Alexander Sauna Located In Greece

May 7, 2013, 12:37 pm

≫ Next: The Days And Nights At Two Distinct Toronto Bathhouses

≪ Previous: Toronto Bathhouse Visionary Peter Bochove Has Died

$

0

0

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.

Alexander Sauna – Part #1

Alexander Sauna – Part #2

The Days And Nights At Two Distinct Toronto Bathhouses

May 10, 2013, 12:36 pm

≫ Next: Toronto City Councilor Compares Bike Showers To Gay Bathhouse

≪ Previous: Touring Alexander Sauna Located In Greece

$

0

0

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.

Toronto City Councilor Compares Bike Showers To Gay Bathhouse

May 10, 2013, 1:23 pm

≫ Next: Lesbian Bathhouse? Why Not!

≪ Previous: The Days And Nights At Two Distinct Toronto Bathhouses

$

0

0

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.

Lesbian Bathhouse? Why Not!

May 16, 2013, 1:46 pm

≫ Next: Gay Sauna Receives One-Year License Despite Complaints By Residents

≪ Previous: Toronto City Councilor Compares Bike Showers To Gay Bathhouse

$

0

0

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.

Gay Sauna Receives One-Year License Despite Complaints By Residents

May 22, 2013, 12:55 pm

≫ Next: The Oldest Steam Baths In Toronto

≪ Previous: Lesbian Bathhouse? Why Not!

$

0

0

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.

The Oldest Steam Baths In Toronto

May 22, 2013, 1:30 pm

≫ Next: Author Writes About Gay Bathhouse Experience

≪ Previous: Gay Sauna Receives One-Year License Despite Complaints By Residents

$

0

0

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.

---

Author Writes About Gay Bathhouse Experience

May 26, 2013, 5:00 pm

≫ Next: New Zealand Gay Sauna Damaged In Fire

≪ Previous: The Oldest Steam Baths In Toronto

$

0

0

May 26, 2013

This dude stole my title! Just kidding. Bathhouse Blues is my site that explains the ins and outs of gay bathhouse life. This site here is my sister site, for bathhouse news from around the world.

Luis Blasini is a writer with a cult following. He has written books about homelessness, drugs, social outcasts, the downtrodden and much more. In addition he has a world-renowned blog called Borrowed Flesh, which was is the title of one of his books.

Borrowed Flesh

Anyways Luis wrote a blog posting about a recent adventure at the baths, entitled Bathhouse Blues. The name of my own site! I don’t have a patent on the name, but I thought I would mention his blog posting here.

To read Luis bathhouse adventure go to Borrowed Flesh-Bathhouse Blues

New Zealand Gay Sauna Damaged In Fire

May 29, 2013, 1:45 pm

≫ Next: Walking The Bathhouse Halls Sporting A Biohazard Tattoo

≪ Previous: Author Writes About Gay Bathhouse Experience

$

0

0

May 29, 2013

This past Saturday, The Wingate Club caught fire. According to the club’s website, the fire happened in the dry sauna and caused extensive damage.

The Wingate Club

In an update on Tuesday, the owners are waiting for the insurance company to finish their investigation. All the wet areas of the spa (sauna, steam room even the pool) will not be operational for the next six months. However they hope to re-open the main lounge and downstairs area for cruising.

For continuing updates on their progress go to The Wingate Club website.

Walking The Bathhouse Halls Sporting A Biohazard Tattoo

May 29, 2013, 6:00 pm

≫ Next: Logan McCree Tours Babylon Cologne

≪ Previous: New Zealand Gay Sauna Damaged In Fire

$

0

0

May 29, 2013

Evan Howard is a contributor to Positive Lite, a website about living with HIV. Recently he has gotten a Biohazard Tattoo smack dab in the middle of his chest.

This Tattoo tells the world your poz identity and your solidarity with the HIV community.

Evan Howard – The Biohazard Blog

Evan is blogging about his reaction from folks who see the tattoo on his chest. Recently he blogged about walking the halls of the baths, and the reaction he got.

To read for yourself go to The biohazard blog, part four: bathhouse breakout

Logan McCree Tours Babylon Cologne

June 7, 2013, 12:49 pm

≫ Next: Canada Bans Poppers Just In Time For Gay Pride

≪ Previous: Walking The Bathhouse Halls Sporting A Biohazard Tattoo

$

0

0

June 7, 2013

Logan McCree is one of the hottest gay porn stars in Germany. He is a man of many talents and has recently started his own YouTube Channel. One of his videos was giving his viewers a tour of Babylon Cologne, a gay sauna.

Babylon Cologne

Unfortunately the entire video is in German. However Logan takes the viewer on a tour of the sauna, and even gives fans a treat by taking a shower naked! No translation is needed for that scene. Watch the scene for yourself below. And to learn more about Logan go to Logan McCree TV

Canada Bans Poppers Just In Time For Gay Pride

June 26, 2013, 5:59 am

≫ Next: Brand New Grupo Pases Video

≪ Previous: Logan McCree Tours Babylon Cologne

$

0

0

June 26, 2013

Years ago it was called tape cleaner. Then somewhere down the line, the industry got lax and began to call it what it is. Poppers. This is one product that is so prevalent in the halls of bathhouses all over the world. More so than any other party drug combined. Now Health Canada has put the breaks on the distribution of Poppers in Canada, just in time for gay pride.

Canada Bans Poppers Just In Time For Gay Pride

Due to one complaint in February of this year, about a poppers product, convinced Health Canada to take action. While the possession of poppers is not illegal, the selling is. Meaning sales of poppers will have to go underground. Anyone who is caught selling poppers can be subject to a $5000.00 fine and up to three years in jail.

Guess they are going to start selling leather cleaner.

For more read Health Canada blocks sale of poppers by JP Larocque and Health Canada cracks down on poppers.

Brand New Grupo Pases Video

July 5, 2013, 10:51 am

≫ Next: The Historic Ansonia Building

≪ Previous: Canada Bans Poppers Just In Time For Gay Pride

$

0

0

July 5, 2013

Grupo Pases just keeps coming up with these great videos. As mentioned in a previous post this bathhouse proclaims themselves to have the best gay saunas in Spain.

Grupo Pases

To prove their point, they have released several videos to show off their spa. Below is their latest video. Some of the guys are wearing wedding rings. Is there same-sex marriage in Spain? Go watch for yourself below!

The Historic Ansonia Building

July 11, 2013, 1:36 pm

≫ Next: Steamworks Tighty Whitey Car Wash Event

≪ Previous: Brand New Grupo Pases Video

$

0

0

July 11, 2013

New video series is hitting the web called Eminent Domains. It profiles famous buildings in New York City, detailing its historic past. First up is The Ansonia, former home of the Continental Baths.

The Historic Ansonia Building

Click video below to view this short webdoc for yourself.

---

Steamworks Tighty Whitey Car Wash Event

July 25, 2013, 6:37 pm

≫ Next: Bathhouse Evacuated After Chemical Fume Leakage

≪ Previous: The Historic Ansonia Building

$

0

0

July 25, 2103

A few days ago Steamworks Toronto held their annual car wash event. Located right outside their doors, this event raises money every year for PWA Toronto.

Some pictures of the event below courtesy of Richard Rhyme.

Video from last year’s event below

Bathhouse Evacuated After Chemical Fume Leakage

August 12, 2013, 2:05 pm

≫ Next: Gay Bathhouses Might Reopen In San Francisco

≪ Previous: Steamworks Tighty Whitey Car Wash Event

$

0

0

August 12, 2013

Police, fire and hazmat teams responded to a chemical leak at the showed up Greenhouse Health Club in Newport.

The cause of the leak was an explosion in the pump room. It caused the bromaine, which is used to sterilize whirlpools and hot tubs, to be released into the air.

Greenhouse Health Club

The leak only caused club manager Wally Moore to pass out and be sent to the hospital. That happened when he opened the door to the pump room, as fumes overwhelmed him.

Only eight clients were on scene at the time, and they were immediately evacuated.

For more read One treated after chemical fumes leak at health club.

Gay Bathhouses Might Reopen In San Francisco

August 16, 2013, 2:40 pm

≫ Next: Gay Bathhouse Book

≪ Previous: Bathhouse Evacuated After Chemical Fume Leakage

$

0

0

August 16, 2013

City officials in San Francisco are exploring the possibility of allowing Bathhouses after being shut down during the AIDS crisis. This is a result of many straight spas and massage parlors requesting a bathhouse permit.

Public anxiety over the spread of AIDS was high 30 years ago. At that time a San Francisco Superior Court issued a set of ruling making almost impossible for a bathhouse to operate. They included the removal of private rooms and monitors watching patrons every move. It would be then up to the city’s public health director to determine if and when the AIDS epidemic was over. Bathhouses decided to close its doors, finding the rules too stringent.

Eros – Castro’s Sex Club

One exception was Eros but they are no rooms or cubicles. Apparently everything is done out in the open. However Eros is also joining other businesses requesting a bathhouse permit. Even if a permit is granted, Eros has said they have no plans to add private rooms of cubicles on the premises.

The issue that the city is struggling with is whether or not to lift the ban of private rooms and cubicles in bathhouses. Hard to believe as this is 2013, and other states have bathhouses with private rooms.

For more read City ponders bathhouse rules.

Gay Bathhouse Book

August 28, 2013, 11:32 am

≫ Next: Autoerotic Asphyxiation Goes Wrong In Thailand Bathhouse

≪ Previous: Gay Bathhouses Might Reopen In San Francisco

$

0

0

August 28, 2013

Gay Asian male as spent over 20 years walking the hallways of gay bathhouses. He has now written his experiences for anyone unfamiliar with gay bathhouse etiquette. This read will give you a front row seat on what takes place behind closes doors.

Bathhouse Blues

This is the only book to explore the culture and community feeling of the gay baths. It is written from the perspective of a Gay Asian male that has spent over 20 years walking the hallways of gay bathhouses. For anyone unfamiliar with gay bathhouse etiquette, this read will give you a front row seat on what takes place behind closes doors.

Order your copy at Amazon for only $1.99 Just Click This Link NOW!.

Autoerotic Asphyxiation Goes Wrong In Thailand Bathhouse

October 4, 2013, 12:49 pm

≫ Next: Visit Gay Cam Shows And Chat With Guys

≪ Previous: Gay Bathhouse Book

$

0

0

October 4, 2013

Another death at a bathhouse, but this time it isn’t drug related. Rather do to autoerotic asphyxiation. For those who don’t know this practice entails depriving the brain of oxygen to boost sexual arousal.

On November of last year Yeo Hung Song, 48, was found dead in a locked cubicle at the Club One Seven Spa & Gym. He was a regular patron, visiting the bathhouse up to twice a week. No one noticed anything wrong until 7 hours later when a cleaner found his body. Song was nude, on his knees with a chain around this neck. His towel was on the floor, which contained his semen.

Club One Seven

An investigation was launched, and just this week the court has been hearing the findings. Though homicide has been ruled out, the State coroner suggests suicide might be a possibility. Though in all likelihood this will be ruled as an accidental death. That it was a sex game gone horribly wrong.

To read more go to Semen was found on a towel and a chain around the neck of a Singapore businessman.