Inside a Gay Bathhouse, with GM Chris Peterson (Queerly Us) | Patrick Marano

[@mikefilimon1584]

I’ve been to Steamworks Chicago and Flex Phoenix. I look forward to checking out the one in Seattle!

[@steamworksseattle]

Thanks for having us on, Patrick! ❤❤❤

[@queerlyuspodcast]

Any time! xo

[@merakli07]

Thank you for these bathhouse interviews. Reminds me of my time in Toronto, spending my weekend nights in long, dark corridors of Steamworks or St Marc's (closed a long time ago). Miss those days! Coming from a third world country, the bathhouses were a Godsent heaven for me. It was my only outlet after a lifetime of living a closeted life.

[@queerlyuspodcast]

Thank you for sharing your story and for joining us here!

[@cabazonchris]

Fun interview! Thanks for chatting with me, Patrick.

[@queerlyuspodcast]

Any time! xo

[@Soundofsilence-j4d]

CAN I GIVE IMPORTANT DIAMONDS WE MUST PROTECT OUR SOULS FROM COMUNITY. THAT BEING EXOEPTED OF THOSE COLD AND GHOSTLY. ARE NOT TO BE TAKEN LIGHTLEY. .YOU MENTION PLACE OF BEING COLD CAUSE OF ITS LOCATION. THERE ISALATED NOT SOCIAL. I MUST BE FRANK BEWARE OF THOSE HOT LOOKEN EVEN NOT SO HOT LOOKEN. THAT PUT LOAD IN PERSON SHUTS OFF EMOTION GOS TO NEXT PERSON IS NOT HUMAN BUT SUB HUMAN. ITS NOT BE TAKEN LIGHTLY CAUSE THEY MAKE PROFIT PAYS KEEP PLACE OPEN. WHAT IS HAPPENING IS GOOD PEOPLE ARE UNDER CONTROL OF NEGSTIVE COLLECTIVE WILL ALLOW BAD IDENITY TO DESTROY MORE SOULS IT BECOMES DAMAGE GOODS. THERE DESTROYEN HUMANITY. . IF HE CAN FUCK AND SUCK THEN SHUT OFF COLD AND GO TO NEXT. HES DEMON INSIDE. OK. I SAW THESE BASTERDS WHEN LIGHTS WERE TURNED ON. PERSON DIED INSIDE. TOOK ON MATERALISTIC SOUL. AND HAS NO FN EMPTHY. NO EXCUSE FOR THEM. IF THEY CAN PUT LOAD IN YOU THEY CAN RELATE BUT THERE CASE DOING ALL DEMONIC NEGSTIVE CANT RELATE CAUSE ITS POSITIVE. WE HAVE TO STSRT TAKEN CARE OF US SHOW EMPTHY. THAT. WE CARE FOR OUR SOULS ARE BODY AND OTHERS. THOSE THINK THEY CAN CORUPT BRING IT DOWN WILL NOT BE ABLE STAY. THEY WILL LEAVE. YOU GOT TO UNDERSTAND WE CAN NOT GO WITH FLOW. THERE CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY THEY HATE LIFE TRYEN BE HUMAN. BUT CANT SOUL IS NEGATIVE. IF IT CONTINUES THERD BRONGEN YOUR PLACE DOWN TO MAKE AS MANY BROKEN INSIDE TURN THEM NO EMOTION DO SAME EFFECT. NOW PLACE GOS ALL WAY NEGATIVE. THERE ARE 3 GROUPS VERY VINERABLE THAT CABOL TARGET. GAYS ARE ONE GROUP ARE BE MOST VUNERABLE. THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR THESE GHOST ACTS. GET RID OF THEM THERE THINGS FAR MORE LOVE THEN LOVE THEY GIVE. IS DIRT. EMOTIONLY I COULD NOT HAVE THEM BRING ME DOWN. NO ROOM. OR I BE DEAD INSIDE. KNOW WHO THEY ARE. EDUCATE THOSE IN LIGHT TO MOVE UP. YOULL KNOW WHO BADYS ARE THEY KEEP DOING IT. NO EMPTHY JUST EFFECT PEOPLE EMOTIONLY MAKE THEM FEEL WORTHLESS YOUR MORE THEN THAT. YOUR GOD. TELL THEM LEAVE. WE NEED MORE WITH BALLS NOT CALLS. ITS NOT TIME BE EVERY BODY FREIND.. YOU SCENE MOVIE THEY LIVE . THATS WHAT WERE DEALIN WITH. ONCE WE MOVE UP ON FORTH SEAL ITS DONE DEAL. THOSE WHO ARE ASSHOLES. LOT MORE EVIL. BE LEFT BEHIND AS WE MOVE UP THEY HAVE NO EMPTHY ITS WHY THEY KEEP PLIGGIN. WERE TWO VUNERABLE. .THERE GOING TO MOST ARE THEY USE GAY MEN. NOT MANY OF US AS HUMAN. THERE SUB HUMAN. NO IMAGINATION. BE CAREFUL OF STEAL LOOK . NO EMPTHY .DONT CARE WHO THEY HURT. PUTTING LOAD IN PERSON WALK OFF IS NOT LOVE ITS CARELESS. ACT LIKE DEMON. NO EMPTHY AND NO INTUTION. CANT REAZON AND COLLECTIVE WILL BLIND YOU. THIS IS NEGATIVE RALM. TILL WE MOVE UP .BATH HOUSE IS THERE OPERTUNITY TO RUIN MAN KIND. AFTER 3 SEAL BROKEN. LOOK THERE BE NO MORE TO HIDE OR EXCUSE THEY HAD THERE CHANCE EVERY ONE WILL SEE EVIL THEY ARE. THIS ARSASION PERIOD. THIS LONG BUT THERE IS NO EMPTHY FOR ZIATON. ENOUGH SAID WE BRING VIBRATION UP. DANCE MINGLE HAVE FUN AND USE COLER. IN MUSIC ALLSO COLD IDENITYS LEAVE ❤

[@Soundofsilence-j4d]

Dont feed in to there bad ones. Make place not cold as steal. Make music with coler. Emotion. Keep bad idenity ones away. Fuck them

[@fredrick8691]

Such a great interview, Patrick you really do a great job at showcasing so many different areas of our community. I still remember my first visit to a bathhouse in New Orleans.

[@queerlyuspodcast]

Glad you enjoyed it! We never forget our first time LOL

[@fredrick8691]

​@@queerlyuspodcastit's definitely been a miss. It was one of my first introductions to so many types of gay men. I saw men of all ages, shapes, sizes, races and immediately felt like we are all beautiful

[@michaelkausalik4062]

We need a new bathhouse in Denver!

[@steveh4114]

Seattle(Kent) here. "History". Good interview. I'm glad that you brought up that SW Seattle has no STEAM. Geography/International borders. Seattle is also relatively close (i.e. same distance to Portland, OR) to Vancouver, BC Canada. They have in YVR the best Chinese food in Seattle !!! ... in YVR. YVR also has a SW, Steamworks with dry and wet sauna, and hot tub ....etc. [History] In the 90's before SW in 2008 the bathhouse was "Club Seattle" part of Continental baths(?). I started to dabble/go in the mid 90's. They had a steam area and a dark steam area (i.e. dark room). I've heard that before my time they had a pool or a large hot tub but got shut down because they had no life guard. To SW's credit, when they took over Club Seattle they tried to standardize it like the other Steamworks and upgrade/remodel it. They tore out the steamy/wet areas but put in a big play area. --TBH I've not been back since before the Pandemic. ... [plan to go {USA} T-day weekend]. IMHO Seattle/Capital Hill was soooo progressive that after GF riots and the pandemic, the area shut down and catered to the BS. Last time I was at SW, I saw mostly guys/men who couldn't get it on on the apps ! .... But maybe it's changed for the better ... maybe SW has men actually looking for SEX as apposed to the posers and flakes on the apps. But then again, I remember the S&M crowd at SW, ... "Stand & Model". -- Clean ! ??? bathhouses ... ?! ...even at SW Vancouver after the pandemic ..had to walk it common areas with a mask on ! .... it's a F'n bathhouse ... your sucking a guy's dick or eating/fucking a guys ass ... and you're overly worried about being clean ... having those alcohol wipes around the bathhouse. REALLY ! ?

[@Niklasvab.]

Been at this place many times. Agree with owner that they try to keep it clean as possible. I never had bad experience with they stuff good costumer care. Yes I would love to see jacuzzi or sauna but I'm there for other reason.😂 Sometimes is just to many guys that I am not interested at...or guys who just like to sit and watch stuff but not interact but this is not related to the property responsibilities. It's just the crowd....

[@queerlyuspodcast]

Thanks for sharing... it's always hit or miss at these places. Keep going!

[@Soundofsilence-j4d]

​@@queerlyuspodcastTHE MANGER IS DEFINETLY MY KIND GUY. MOD LOOK IF HE COULD DYE HAIR HE LOOK VERY YOUNG. SUCH HOTTY. INTERESTING GUY

[@teddyruxbin9300]

Feel like everything he said about specific cities applies to every city. Im in San Diego and feel like its full of bottoms and ghosting, lol.

[@queerlyuspodcast]

It's an epidemic lol

[@markmh835]

I very much miss the large steamroom at Steamworks Seattle. It was such a maze. I actually met my first boyfriend right there in the steamroom!

[@queerlyuspodcast]

Nice! Well, you heard the man, never say never... things could change

[@JimmiAlli]

I’ve been to Steamworks Chicago and it’s really lovely. ❤

[@queerlyuspodcast]

It really is!

[@mikefilimon1584]

Patrick, my first bathhouse at age 21 many years ago was Club Orlando. Have you ever been?

[@queerlyuspodcast]

I think I may have... yearssss ago

[@DanAdams-jf9ol]

Yes 40 yrs. ago!

[@joshuaharper4439]

Is there a list of all the bathhouses around the country? The only two I’ve ever been to is steam Works Chicago and that was 20 years ago and I forget what the name of it is but in Indianapolis Indiana, but don’t have any clue where any other ones are around the country Either publication of some shorts that list all the bath houses around any help would be grateful thanks

[@queerlyuspodcast]

That's a great question... and a great idea. For now, try googling for any particular city. Every bathhouse will have a presence online, whether it's a website or a Twitter account...

[@617michel]

I’m considering a late-in-life career change. Bahahahaha!

[@queerlyuspodcast]

Hell, why not?!

[@mikefilimon1584]

Are there investor opportunities in this industry?

[@queerlyuspodcast]

That's a great question... I can ask around

[@617michel]

I’m so clueless I didn’t even know bath houses still existed. Bahahahaha!

[@burlhorse61]

It's slowing down -because of the online dating scene.But it still exists

[@dat1ndnguy]

I think that's why some have started up with bringing in well known DJ's and having theme nights as opposed to "business as usual." So it's almost starting to become "club-like" so at least here in Seattle it's an after hours option being in such close proximity to ALL the clubs, bars and restaurants.

[@dat1ndnguy]

@izodman plus all inhibitions are down. It's a house full of naked men. ANYTHING goes on the dance floor! As opposed to regular clubs where you can't get away with anything. 🤣

[@amishdetroit]

I've been trying to get a job at a bathhouse but Detroit is not hiring. If any bathhouse needs an employee hmu! 🙏 ❤

[@lorenzovillegas5867]

Hmm never been…what’s it like? Ha jk former housekeeper sw Chicago

[@queerlyuspodcast]

haha then you of ALL PEOPLE would know!

[@jamesjames6763]

Chicago had a very well known Bathhouse called ' Man's Country,had plenty of entertainment,porn stars and also had a sun roof .I used to meet friends and meet new people.Chuck Renslow was a political leader and influenced the government .Sadly he died and it closed.

[@JimmiAlli]

Where do you go to get tops? I thought that was the general gay dilemma that most are bottoms?

[@queerlyuspodcast]

I find larger cities with big gay communities seem to have a lot of bottoms. I think that's just because this breed of gay man is out and open and accepting of himself. Not that tops are closeted, but someone who is not as open about their sexuality might be more reluctant to bottom cuz of the physical demands and the stigma

[@TwinFalls88]

Seems like a public health concern. Nothing homophobic, simply think that BOTH straight and gay sex-themed venues should be zoned out and not allowed. Totally fine if people want to have orgies or whatever @ their own homes. But businesses shouldn't be allowed to profit off of public health hazards. We learned that during Covid-19. Same thing.

[@queerlyuspodcast]

Oh I couldn't disagree more. These spaces are important for people to feel safe. Bathhouses were some of the first places to address Covid and Monkey Pox and most have community outreach programs around HIV. Sex is always going to be a risk, whether it's at home or a bathhouse.

[@TwinFalls88]

@@queerlyuspodcast okay, lets carry the analogy futher. people refused to wear masks and got kicked out of establishments. shouldn't people in bathhouses also be kicked out for not wearing a condom? Otherwise, you're basically as bad as the anti-maskers.....

[@TwinFalls88]

@@queerlyuspodcast Are cigarette companies mandated to advertise the health risks ? Bathhouses should be treated the same, have a disclaimer posted on the front door with Health Department's current STD rates in that area. Peoples' right to know. Government's right to regulate. & My Right to call and lobby municipalities from coast to coast lobbying for them being grandfathered in and zoned out.

[@TwinFalls88]

@@queerlyuspodcast Ever heard of [ Randy Shilts ] ? He valiantly lobbied to shut down Bathhouses in S.F. and succeeded during height of 80s HIV outbreak. Because of him - COUNTLESS LIVES SAVED. A true hero and real role model for the queer community ! He was literally spit on by people in the Castro district. Sad. People that do the work to make things better never get the recognition or credit they deserve

[@TwinFalls88]

@@queerlyuspodcast Vax Cards then as a compromise k. We learned that Vax Cards work with Covid-19. Let's take that lesson and run with it right? :-) People have the right to do what they want to in their private homes. Businesses, on the other hand, do NOT have these same rights. That is the distinction right there. Also, epidemiologically - whereas sex parties in a private home I would assume are typically with known friends and people native to that city..... bathhouses facilitate international travelers i.e. random people coming off of planes from all across the globe. Don't you think there was some culpability in the initial spread of HIV in the early 80s by those more interested in PROFIT than in the welfare of the gay community? The lessons learned from Covid-19 will be harnessed and invoked to clamp down on public health threats. Why should I care about the gay community is your question. In fact, it's sad when people care more about businesses and profits than they do about epidemics. A COMPROMISE = MANDATING that patrons show proof of PrEP and JYNNEOS Vax to be permitted to enter. I will end with pointing to the news. Google it. Really, do so. You will see that Clade 1 (the more virulent and lethal strain) of Mpox as already begun to spread in Germany. How do you think that will impact public perception and thus rights and treatment of gay people? This has nothing to do with sexual orientation by the way. Any law passed must EQUALLY be applied to both gay and straight establishments. Don't you think that's a fair compromise? To mandate Vax Cards to enter?

[@TwinFalls88]

Also, if these venues ban cis-women, trans-women, or trans-men...... should be SUED

[@queerlyuspodcast]

Most bathhouses are actively welcoming trans folks and even cis-women, usually on special nights.

[@TwinFalls88]

@@queerlyuspodcast No. Not "on special nights". That's B.S. Separate but equal ? Are you kidding me ? Should be allowed in the same hours and days as all the men. Period. Let's be inclusive, not exclusionary.

[@TwinFalls88]

@@queerlyuspodcast btw..... the only reason you defend this, is because you're getting PAID $$$ from these unscrupulous corporations that own the bathhouses. The CEO gets rich, and you get a cut. Everyone else just gets endangered.

[@kellylyons1038]

Why would a gay bathhouse let in women?? Exclusion is a good thing sometimes. Stop the homophobia of pressuring gay men to hook up with women (and trans men are women btw)

[@rogermusser7268]

Watching your bath house reviews and interviews, it definitely seems that only a large city like Chicago or NYC can have a successful bath house. Akron, Ohio has one that is small and a total dump. Even the Flex in Cleveland, Ohio is not very good.

[@queerlyuspodcast]

It's true the bigger cities have more cash to throw around, I guess unless you're a chain like Steamworks then there's also a standard to uphold... even in a smaller city like Seattle