Taking care of your sexual health is a massive part of having a fulfilling sex life. Like any sexual activity, anal sex carries some risks of STIs or minor bleeding, but protecting yourself is simple. Our sexual health clinic in St. Helens offers free condoms and lubricant, which you can pick up in person or have discretely delivered straight to your door in plain packaging. If you are a man or a trans person under the age of 45 who has sex with men, you are also eligible for the free HPV vaccine, which protects against genital warts, and anal and throat cancers. We also highly recommend getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B and Mpox. Aim to get a full STI check-up every year, or every three months if you are regularly meeting new or casual partners.
- What is Cruising?
Gay cruising is a word used to describe hooking up in public spaces. It is usually anonymous and relies on non-verbal cues to signal mutual interest. Depending on what you are looking for, sex might happen right there on-site or move to a quieter, more discreet spot. Cruising can be one-on-one, in groups, or with others watching. Whatever your personal preference, our goal is to help you enjoy yourself safely, and legally.
- What should I know before I head Out?
A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a safe time out. Before visiting a site, it is a good idea to scope it out during daylight hours so you can easily map out the terrain and identify clear exit routes. Take some time to check local news or chat with fellow cruisers to ensure the site is currently safe and hasn't been attracting trouble. When you are ready to go, try to let a trusted friend know where you are heading and when you plan to be back. Better yet, go with a friend and arrange regular check-ins while you are there. Finally, try to stay relatively sharp; being under the influence of drugs or alcohol can impair your judgment and make you a much easier target for people who intend to cause harm to others.
- What should I pack (and leave behind)?
When packing, less is more. Leave your valuables at home, including jewellery, credit cards, and large amounts of cash, as these can easily be lost or stolen even from zipped pockets. It is also best to leave your headphones behind, as blocking out your surroundings makes it much harder to spot someone approaching you. Avoid carrying any official documents that display your home address to prevent potential harassment later on. Instead, just bring a fully charged phone, enough cash to get home safely, a whistle or personal alarm, and plenty of condoms and lube. Don't forget to wear sensible, sturdy shoes, as cruising grounds can quickly become muddy, dark, or slippery.
- How can I stay safe on the scene?
Once you arrive, keep your wits about you and protect your personal space. Keep your phone and other tech tucked away safely rather than flashing them around. Remember that you are always in control of your own body; be clear and assertive about your boundaries, and never let anyone pressure you into a situation you aren't comfortable with. Avoid moving into high-risk, enclosed areas like multi-storey car parks or narrow alleys where you could easily be cornered. To keep the spot safe for everyone, stay discreet enough that the general public cannot easily see you, which prevents complaints. Always leave the area exactly as you found it by taking your used condoms, wrappers, and litter with you to avoid triggering local crackdowns.
- What to do If you are attacked?
If you ever find yourself facing trouble or an emergency, your absolute priority is getting to safety. Make as much noise as possible by screaming, shouting, or using a personal alarm to startle the attacker and draw attention to the area. Do not stay behind to fight back or retaliate; focus all your energy on running away to a public, well-lit place.
- Understanding Cruising and the Law.
Navigating the legal side of public sex doesn't have to be complicated. Under the Sexual Offences Act, having sex in outdoor spaces is generally legal as long as the location is isolated and you have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Problems only arise if you are out in the open where members of the public could easily see you or become offended. However, the law is completely different when it comes to public toilets, a practice often called cottaging. Sex inside a public toilet is strictly illegal for everyone, and getting caught can lead to prosecution, hefty fines, or up to six months in prison. On another note, voyeurism laws exist entirely to protect you. It is a serious crime for anyone to film, record, or spy on you during a private sexual act without your explicit consent.
- Reporting Incidents Securely.
Predators often target cruising sites because they wrongly assume that gay and bisexual men will be too ashamed to report crimes to the authorities. Reporting these incidents is important because it stops perpetrators from targeting others. Local police forces are interested in the crime committed against you, not your sexuality or why you were at the site. For the most understanding response, you can call your local station and ask to speak directly with a Community Liaison Officer or Safer St Helens. In an immediate emergency, always dial 999. If you prefer not to deal with the police directly, you can report incidents completely anonymously through third-party helplines like Stop Hate UK by calling 0808 801 0661, or by using their confidential webchat and text services.
- PrEP, PEP, and Digital Hookups.
For ongoing HIV prevention, ask our team about PrEP, a highly effective daily or event-based pill for HIV-negative people. If you ever experience an emergency such as a condom breaking or having unprotected sex with someone whose status you don't know you can access PEP. This emergency medication can stop HIV from taking hold, but you must start taking it within 72 hours of exposure. Call our clinic immediately for advice, or head straight to A&E if it is outside of our regular opening hours.
Finally, if you are transitioning from the cruising grounds to digital dating apps like Grindr, stay safe by getting the person's real first name, checking a few verified photos, and having a quick voice call before you meet. Always tell a friend exactly where you are going and agree on your sexual expectations before getting up close and personal.