Gay cruising: From secret spots to smartphone screens, this queer tradition lives on

Cruising, the practice of seeking anonymous sexual encounters in public spaces, has been an integral part of LGBTQ+ culture for generations across Europe and beyond. From the molly houses of 18th-century London to clandestine meetings in modern parks, queer individuals have long sought connection in the shadows of society.

In Europe, certain locations became iconic for cruising. Hampstead Heath in London has been a well-known cruising ground since the 1700s. Manchester’s Canal Street, now the heart of the city’s Gay Village, was once a discreet meeting spot for men seeking encounters with other men. In Paris, the Bois de Boulogne has a long history as a cruising area, while Berlin’s Tiergarten Park has been a popular spot since the 19th century. These spaces provided a refuge for expression and exploration during times when homosexuality was both criminalised and socially taboo.

Anonymity, excitement and a sense of community

The practice of cruising evolved alongside societal changes across Europe. The partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in England and Wales in 1967, followed by similar changes in other European countries, allowed for more open expressions of queer sexuality. However, cruising remained a vital part of gay culture throughout the continent. It offered anonymity, excitement and a sense of community for those who were not yet ready or able to be open about their sexuality.

In Mediterranean countries like Spain and Italy, beach cruising became popular, with certain stretches of coastline known for attracting gay men. The Greek island of Mykonos, for instance, became famous as a gay destination, with its beaches serving as cruising grounds.
However, cruising has always carried risks across Europe. From police raids and public exposure to concerns for personal safety, the practice has been fraught with danger. The AIDS crisis of the 1980s added another layer of complexity, emphasising the importance of safer sex practices throughout European gay communities.

As European societies have become more accepting of queer individuals, and with the rise of dating apps, some predicted the death of traditional cruising. Yet, the desire for spontaneous, anonymous encounters has persisted, adapting to the digital age.

Sniffies – bringing gay cruising into the 21st century

Enter Sniffies, a web-based platform that brings the tradition of cruising into the 21st century for Europeans and others worldwide. Unlike traditional dating apps, Sniffies presents users with a real-time, location-based map showing nearby users, popular spots and local events. It’s accessible via any web browser at Sniffies.com, requiring no downloads or account creation.
The founder and CEO of Sniffies, Blake Gallagher, explains, “We wanted to capture the essence of cruising — the thrill of exploration and unpredictable encounters — while addressing the safety concerns of traditional cruising.”

Indeed, safety is a key feature of the platform. Users have control over their visibility and can remain anonymous if they choose. The site also partners with health organisations to promote safer sex practices, providing information on nearby testing clinics and allowing users to display their sexual health status.

But Sniffies isn’t just about hookups. Through its Cruising Locations Programme, the platform partners with LGBTQ+ venues and events across Europe, supporting and enriching local queer spaces.

Destigmatising anonymous sex

Perhaps most importantly, Sniffies is helping to destigmatise cruising across Europe. By bringing this practice into the open digital realm, it reframes cruising as a valid form of sexual expression and exploration, allowing people to explore their desires in a consensual, shame-free environment.

As Sniffies grows in popularity throughout Europe, it’s reshaping perceptions of casual encounters and queer sexuality. It represents a new chapter in the long history of cruising, blending tradition with modern technology to create a space where spontaneity and safety coexist.

To begin your cruising adventure, head to sniffies.com