Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society Cruising & Cottaging: Sex in Public Places
Sep 17, 2024
Dr. Jeff Meek, a lecturer in economic and social history at the University of Glasgow, dives into the intriguing world of cottaging. He reveals how public toilets became secretive meeting spots for the LGBTQ+ community, packed with hidden signals and risks. The conversation explores the historical suppression of homosexuality in Britain and the complexities surrounding public sex and its legal challenges. Dr. Meek also sheds light on the intertwining of sex work and crime, further uncovering the intricate dynamics of privacy, intimacy, and societal norms.
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Cottaging Prevalence
- Cottaging, the use of public toilets for sexual encounters between men, became prevalent due to a lack of private spaces and the illegality of homosexuality.
- This practice features prominently in the sexual histories of men in the UK, especially during the period when homosexual acts were criminalized.
Cottaging Definition
- Cottaging refers to the use of public buildings, typically toilets, for sexual encounters, primarily between men.
- The term originated from the Victorian era's practice of building small, cottage-like public conveniences to replace older, less private facilities.
Reasons for Cottaging
- People engaged in cottaging due to the lack of private spaces and the absence of a commercial LGBTQ+ scene.
- Living with family and societal constraints limited opportunities for intimacy, making public spaces a necessary, albeit risky, alternative.