Prospect park gay cruising
Pointing to a number of gentleman sitting near the benches or pacing up and down across the street from the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch, my friend was INSISTENT that this is a popular cruising spot for homosexual men in the neighborhood. Buchanan was describing the Vale of Cashmere, a secluded patch of wilderness in Prospect Park that’s been the unofficial locus of gay cruising in Brooklyn since the s. Once a formal.
Thomas Roma's new photo series brings Prospect Park's hidden world of gay cruising to light. But the Vale has another history: it’s long been a cruising spot for gay men, but especially gay men of color. Until recently it was considered an open secret, and one that many park powerfuls have decided not to engage, despite demands from elsewhere that they do so (in various ways). Prospect Park (The Vale of Cashmere) If you’re in Brooklyn, Prospect Park is another popular cruising destination, particularly the area known as the Vale of Cashmere.
It may sound like a mystical land or a Led Zepplin song, but it’s neither of those things. New York City has been a gay magnet for decades. Naturally, the gays are often looking for mischief. From iconic parks to hidden spots, the city offers a range of places where locals and visitors alike can connect and cruise. Here are some of the best-known cruising areas in the city that never sleeps.
Activity typically picks up in the late afternoons and early evenings, especially in warmer weather. This area has been a popular hangout for decades and remains a well-known cruising spot. During the day, the pier is a lively gathering place, with sunbathers, performers, and people enjoying the waterfront.
However, after dark, certain sections of the pier see more discreet activity. The pier is located at the end of Christopher Street, making it easily accessible from the West Village. Expect direct views of the Statue of Liberty when you arrive. Riis Park Beach has been a staple of New York City's queer scene for decades, dating back to at least the s.
The clothing-optional section at Bay 1 cemented its reputation as a gay-popular beach, attracting sun-seekers, cruisers, and those simply looking for a beach where they could unwind. The cruising scene at Riis is still alive, though a bit more discreet than in its peak years. Bay 1 remains the centre of gay activity, and casual cruising happens along the shoreline as guys scope out potential connections.
For more secluded encounters, the dunes and wooded areas behind the beach are the traditional spots, particularly as the afternoon rolls into the evening. Some venture a bit further into the overgrown paths and shaded areas for added discretion. Like any public cruising spot, be mindful of patrols and keep an eye out for fellow cruisers giving the right signals. Getting to Riis Park Beach from Manhattan takes some effort, but the journey is part of the adventure.
The Vale of Cashmere is a long-standing cruising spot in Brooklyn, especially for people of color. Read More. But around , something changed. The internet—once Katy Perry's playground—seemed to turn against her. Several factors contribu If you like to travel, take your shirt off and dance with other shirtless men, these are the parties for you!
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