A New York gym-goer was in for the surprise of a lifetime when he realized that an activity other than sitting/sweating was going down in the steam room during his lunch break, and he’s taking his story where it belongs(?): the Manhattan Supreme Court.
And the way he tells it, you’d think he was the first person on earth to witness such an egregious act.
“I’m relaxing, I’m sitting in the corner, it’s very meditative,” he said of the mood in the steam room of the Equinox on Broadway in Gramercy Park as he got settled.
“The steam clears… And I look across from me. This gentleman, sitting pretty close, his towel is open, his legs are spread and he’s looking right at me, and the guy next to him was rubbing [the man’s] inner thigh,” the so-called victim told The Post.
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“He’s looking right at me, his towel’s off and he’s masturbating,” he added.
Related: Man sounds alarm on serious problem plaguing locker rooms: Male nudity
Just then, he noticed a third man allegedly looking at him while touching himself.
And here’s where his story goes from “OK, yeah, that’s understandably uncomfortable” to “wait… what are you really getting at here?”
“I thought, ‘No escape, I’m going to be sexually assaulted,’” he recalls thinking just before “fleeing.”
That’s quite the leap, and it’s not shocking that the staff didn’t share quite the same sense of urgency when he told them the story at the front desk.
According to his suit brought before the Manhattan Supreme Court filing against the fitness chain, Equinox “had known for as much as 10 years prior that similar wrongful acts were occurring in its steam showers.”
Related: Locals are totally sick of gay men hooking up on this public beach “all day”
However true that might be, we’d still bet the man was in no danger of being “sexually assaulted,” but we’ll have to wait and see what a judge has to say.
The gym’s official stance is exactly what you’d expect every gym’s stance to be: “We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for any inappropriate behavior in our clubs,” an official spokesperson for Equinox told The Post.
Enforcement, however, is a whole other story.
The straight, single dad is reportedly “shaken up.”
What do you think? Does this guy need a thicker skin if he’s going to frequent Equinox steam rooms at lunchtime in Manhattan, or does he have a case?
Crystix
He doth protest too much.
happiness17
I can see why this guy would be upset. Going to court because of it is dramatic. Much too dramatic.
JohnMc888
Is it OK to leer at a woman you don’t know in a public space?
David
Anyone who sits in a public space mostly naked has a reasonable expectation that someone might check them out.
Josh447
He has no case, there was no crime committed. It’s frivolous. Will be thrown out. Then he’ll realize how hot the stitch was and be back for action in the stream room. Lesson at hand: If ya can’t beat em, join em.
stan2015
He is most likely broke and needs money
rayk5000
Seriously, he should be glad someone is giving him a second look! In this day in age everyone is objectifying everyone. Especially the LBGTQ community.
mhoffman953
If somebody goes to a gym to workout, they don’t want to see all of that.
Tête Carrée
Talk for yourself and your mommy, straight troll. I wanna see it.
mhoffman953
@TeteCarree
I’m far from straight. If you want to see that, then text a fwb or watch porn. People go to the gym to workout, not to cruise.
Just because you want to see it, doesn’t mean its a free-for-all in every public setting
PinkoOfTheGange
Some do.
Lacuevaman
I agree, Nothing’s worse than a hungry man unable to be sexually discreet when in a public space. Take it elsewhere perhaps go to a gay bath house. Do not ruin for the rest of us!
Jack
I’m gay, but I totally agree! I wouldn’t want to go to my health club and see a dude banging his chick, so I get it! Get a room!
Gilliflower
I personally agree, but I probably would have let the whole thng drop after I told the front desk.. and never go to that place ever again. Maybe write a revew (hey! it has sex there! NOT kid friendly!)
glennmcbride
I have seen and just ignored it (after I got a good look).
Aires the Ram
mhoffman953, You said: “People go to the gym to workout, not to cruise.”
I say: bulls*5t.
Do you think the str8 guys go to a gym and don’t cruise females? Do you seriously think the gay guys go to the gym and don’t cruise the other guys? The difference is, as we all know, gay guys get to go in the same locker room and shower and sauna with the objects of their lust, str8 guys don’t get to do that. Any time you get naked men together (str8/gay/bi/whatever), there’s going to be cruising going on, and in the saunas there’s going to be messing around going on from time to time. It’s called human nature.
If it bothers you that much, don’t go to a public gym, and if you do, don’t ever go into the locker room.
Dmand
I’m gay and guys masturbating in the steam room at my lunch time gym would annoy me. Sex on premises venues for that. Although this story sounds like it was lifted from 90s online written porn.
shakes_head
Being annoyed is a very different reaction than taking a case to the Manhattan Supreme Court. The heteros strike again…
Guy4real
Maybe you not getting enough at home.i see no problem
DHagy
I’m as gay as your granny’s Christmas tablecloth, but I wouldn’t want to see that either. It’s hard to believe this man is that naive, but I’m met some like him. However, I seriously doubt he would have been “sexually assaulted.”
martin_erickson
Agree!
Guy4real
Can’t believe half thus stuff
oregonduckbrad
3 things: 1) Mary, please. 2) After money, much? and 3) Yeah, wouldn’t want to see that either (but hardly a court case).
ChrisK
The 24 Hour Fitness in West Hollywood used to be like that. Probably still is. Go into the steam room there’s a freaking orgy going on.
PinkoOfTheGange
Wait that wasn’t the designated orgy zone?
JohnMc888
Perhaps the court case is based on the company maintaining a hostile environment in regard to sexual harassment.
chris33133
If I were Equinox, I’d insist that he produce eye witnesses to what he’s reporting happened. Otherwise, it’s he-said, he-said. If it was as steamy as he claims it was, how does he know that his eyes weren’t playing wish-fulfillment tricks on him?
nm4047
their steam room clears all the steam, apparently that discourages guys from doing what is being done. Most guys that get ‘uncomfortable’ in this situation just walk out and will make their thoughts be known there and then, eg, “get a room” guys or more abruptly etc.
Dymension
The problem is not being annoyed at what is going on. It’s are you really in danger of being assaulted and does it rise to the level of bringing the situation to the Manhattan Supreme Court? I think it’s overkill.
WindsorOntario
Exactly. If this guy was fat, over 30, no college degree and no white collar job he has nothing to worry about. In the eyes of most gay men he doesn’t even exist.
ChrisK
I’m not so sure having a college degree in the steam room is relevant since I assume not much talking is going on.
mhoffman953
@WindsorOntario
I don’t know about that. If you ever look at the gym locker room, its always the fat and nasty looking guys who are the most bold and creepiest when it comes to these things.
I’ve had nasty guys come up to me in the locker room as I’m strapping my ipod to my arm and they’ll ask me what the weather is supposed to be like, meanwhile they’re totally naked and don’t even know me.
Another time, I had an old fat guy changing next to me. While trying to pull his pants up (no underwear), he pretended to fall backward into me.
Heywood Jablowme
LOL. Hey there’s some practical advice for you, Windsor – check out those places and maybe you’ll meet someone.
GREATGLORYHOLER
Windsor, I am 51 and over 350 lbs and You would be SHOCKED to know how many times I get hit on at the Gym o You can Kiss my Big Fat Flabby Ass. It is only You that thinks you are being Hit On!!!! I am sure you are not all that
Thomas
Sounds like this guy hasn’t been going to the gym much… Been a member of several gyms and everyone as had this kind of thig going on. Does he want someone to sit in there and watch every guy that scratches his balls get thrown out.
Guy4real
To . Funny
Aires the Ram
Bingo!!!
Tête Carrée
What’s his problem? Did he not get enough to eat on his lunch break?
Guy4real
He has not getting it at home
jkb
If I was a straight guy paying $200 a month to enjoy all the amenities of my gym, I would be perturbed that the steam room was taken over by guys making me feel uncomfortable. And the thought of realizing you could be sitting on someone’s cum would be too much
Hussain-TheCanadian
I’m not sure I understand what damages is he suing the gym over?
Curtis359
Most likely sexual harassment and failure to maintain a safe environment.
joe
i have to agree with the str8 guy..its a gym not a gay bathhouse….well it shouldnt be anyway…
winemaker
Wow, I can relate ro this story. I live in San Francisco and go to a prominent gay gym nere in the city. The gym I go to had a steam room and i enjoyed using it after my workout on many occasions. I say ‘had’ a steam room. Well some selfish members were using this steam room, a small cubicle about 8′ by 8′ as an orgy room. After many complaints of sexual activity in the steam room, it was closed for good. I really liked using the steam room after a workout and resent the fact some selfish guys think only with their dicks and not their brains. We’re all adults here and adults don’t do thjs but explain this to a bunch of horny gay guys still rebelling against repressed childhoods. I’m not a prude but there’s a time and place for everything and the steam room at the gym isn’t one of them for this rude and selfish behavior!. If it was my place, i’d say “take it home”. but I’d be seen as a spolied sport. Since the steam room has closed, the guys cruise each other and jack off in the shower. and their selfishness has resulted in a closure of the steam room, for all of us.
Armiya
Dude. You are constantly plugging a webpage to backup whatever stupid point you are trying to make. You’re as annoying as those asshats who spam money-making schemes. Quit being a prick and plugging your association with these websites because you get a commission.
Armiya
Yeah I have to agree with the straight guy complaining. He didn’t join a bath house and while cruising can be hot, exposing yourself to people can get you arrested and you might have to register as a sex offender. Is it worth it? Just because you sign up for a gym membership, doesn’t mean you have signed up to watch people masturbate in a public place.
PinkoOfTheGange
Clubs are private spaces by definition. So the only thing that can happen is the offender gets kicked.
Unless there is assault hence the language of the suit.
RobtheElder
It wouldn’t do any good to reassure the complainant that the individuals he’s protesting wouldn’t dream of forcing themselves on anyone. Perhaps a sign posted by the Equinox that any complaints of inappropriate actions, touching, etc. will result in public exposure and may culminate in the revocation of memberships, might help. What a member is doing to himself, without involving another offended member should be outside the purview of the Equinox. Surely, all the members are familiar with the activities they’re observing other members doing to themselves. That’s about all the Equinox can be responsible for. Maintaining the morals and propriety of the entire membership is a bit beyond the pale. A disclosure in the membership agreement that the club isn’t responsible for actions that may be engaged in by a member that involve only himself or other consenting members are beyond the authority of the Equinox to regulate. Continuing to maintain your membership after observing offensive actions on the part of other members constitutes tacit acceptance of those actions.
Jack Meoff
So you are condoning masturbating in public as long as they don’t touch anyone else that happens to be present? Try that at the bus stop.
Jack Meoff
I read about this elsewhere in a less one sided article before seeing it here. It is pretty poor that the way the story is told here and most of the comments being made make it sound like it’s not a big deal and that the straight guy has the problem. This kind of behaviour is what continues to hold back gay acceptance in the mainstream community. It was once a necessity because we had so few outlets but that is no longer the case. Save it for the SOPV’s and have a little more respect for other patrons or at least read the room more accurately and make sure everyone present is open to such behaviour if you must behave this way in public areas.
PinkoOfTheGange
Or open expressions of sexuality is part of what makes us a community. Not everyone is on the bus for hetero-normality.
The steam room is in a private club, not a bus stop, and saying “put that away no one wants to see it”, will stop the behavior in my experience.
But whining to the court is like going the Secretary of the Interior about a bear shitting in a national forest.
ugeaugurl
If that’s the east coast. On the west coast, the WeHo Equinox is actually a bathhouse. It’s known that the showers, random locker room corners, bathroom stalls, massage rooms, and steam rooms are all places that the boys get to be boys. The staff and management just turn their heads “accepting” that it’s just West Hollywood. What would one expect in WeHo? Obviously, you CAN’T pay for class, but ass is a guarantee. I left that location years ago for this reason.
Guy4real
True,
inbama
i hate this “Me, too” crossover.
valentino888
He may as well engage in oral fellatio or mutual masturbation. I mean…evrtybody loves that.
RIGay
Well, when I used to find the guys fooling around in the steam room at the old Bally’s in Providence, it would get me pretty upset too… more because they never invited me to play along.
I think that might be this dudes problem; rebuffed or not even considered.
Aires the Ram
@RIGay, You’re right! It goes on all the time in other gyms in RI. I know this firsthand.
The ones clutching their purses and screaming, are the ones who’d never use the locker room, or a gang shower anyways. They think that men in a locker room at a gym ought to be acting like they’re in the freaking ladies room. Men need to have their own spaces. And guess what? Sh*t happens when men get naked together without the pressures and bigotry of the outside world.
Bernice Jenkins
Stop spamming your scam website.
Kieru
I understand that our community is more forgiving of this behavior due to our history… steam rooms and public baths were some of the only places our sexual orientation could be safely explored when it was either socially taboo or outright illegal to be openly gay.
But none of that matters in the face of the law. Men engaging in sex in a gym steam room is a violation of the gyms policies as well as the law. Regardless of my own sexual orientation I would be very uncomfortable walking in on that sort of behavior. I don’t think I would sue, but this man certainly has ever right to ensure that his gym access is not going to be disrupted by people engaging in sexual acts while he’s trying to enjoy a steam.
If you’re that desperate to get a hand job in the steam room go build one in the privacy of your own home.
PinkoOfTheGange
What law is it in violation of?
It is a private club, best you got is a health code violation and that is on the club.
Kieru
A gym requiring a membership doesn’t mean that sex in the steam room is somehow magically legal. That is still a public space in that it is open to any member of the club. You can still be prosecuted for ‘lewd behavior’ in a public space (a misdemeanor, in most states). The gym (as you note in your own comment) is also liable for various health code violations.
This notion that somehow sex acts are permissible because the gym has a membership is a misconception of what ‘private club’ implies.
PinkoOfTheGange
Nope. If the space isn’t visible to the general public it is a private space.
Paulie P
turn away, walk out, put your head down…. like it’s the first time he has seen something like that….. single dad… frustrated…. he’s hoping to get a date out of it somehow……
rbernard
If you put a group of healthy, physically fit, just worked out, towel clad, but otherwise naked gay men into a steam room, the reality is, it is normal and natural that in this erotically charged setting, inappropriate stuff is likely going to happen.
I am not saying it is right or outright sex should be tolerated, but I am saying, to the lofty high minded, what did you expect?
If you don’t like this sort of thing, don’t go in the steam room.
it is like complaining that after going to a nude beach, you saw some guy get an erection, and they had to roll onto their belly – oh boo hoo…
Gay guys getting erotic and acting out in the gym’s steam room, is as old as time.
Should the gym try to minimize this?
Yes, of course they should, but I emphasize, nobody, I mean nobody should be surprise boners happen to healthy gay men in steam rooms at gyms our tribe frequent and if you expect otherwise, you probably have more significant issues to work out in your life than this.
This is why many entrepreneurs build gyms for either a gay clientele or a straight clientele.
It is the mixed gyms, we always seem to have this problem.
Aires the Ram
@rbernard: Bingo!!
jayjay333
Seeing as this gym is not exclusively only open to gay men, I don’t think it is unreasonable for the gym to insist that gay guys keep their libido in check while they are in the locker room. There are so many other places where you can initiate sex.
It’s not even just a matter of disturbing the straight dudes in the locker room. I’m a gay guy and I like to go to the gym and workout and then leave. I don’t spend more time than needed lingering in the locker room and I honestly don’t want to be bothered by anyone. Why can’t people respect that??
All of this just reinforces the negative stereotype of the predatory, sex-starved gay male. This news appears to be good timing with the Kevin Spacey case sexually assaulting a teenage boy back in the news.
djmcgamester
I don’t think people should be subjected to this just because some gay guys happen to use the same gym as straight guys. Now, his claims of sexual assault are a bit of a stretch, he’s not wrong in his desire to not see it. It’s not like some people were just holding hands or kissing in public. It was sexual behavior. Public places are not meant for that.
If people want to mess around in a gym, maybe they should push for an all-gay gym. Equinox, however, is not that gym. Just because people do a thing doesn’t mean it’s right. I’m not going to say I’ve never done such things (particularly when I was younger) but even then I knew it wasn’t appropriate behavior.
daniel_driewer
OK, so why didn’t he just walk out of said steam room? I mean WTF. He likely had an idea this was going on anyway, at least in my book. Being cynical and somewhat callus I’m willing to bet he went there with this in mind hoping to make a quick buck!
dwes09
Within the gym, a steam room or sauna is public space. A certain amount of decorum is expected, mature and reasonable. It is not for him to “just walk out”, it behooves the rude queens to go elsewhere to have sex.
That said, a law suit is ludicrous, a complaint to management is the proper response. Or a response to the specific men “hey guys, this is a public space, knock it off” is reasonable.
PinkoOfTheGange
He should of asked them to stop. If they didn’t then there is an issue. Let’s take our big boy pants off.
BTW it isn’t “public space” but rather common use space of the members of a private club.
Aires the Ram
You’re right daniel_driewer. I mean, what’s next? You have to wear underwear in the gang shower, no nudity allowed? Common, everybody needs to grow up. Men have been naked together in all-male spaces over all of time, in every country, every society. There’s nothing new under the Sun. I for one, love being naked in the locker room with the other guys I work out around, the gang shower, the sauna, all social barriers are dropped when you’re naked together, it’s really a powerful thing. We get these pussies every so often who come into the locker room, and are appalled that guys are naked. We even had one a few years ago complain to the front desk that there were guys in the sauna who were naked!
Walker
Um…because he paid for s membership and is entitled to use the facilities without getting semen on him? Wtf…
gskorich
i get what he’s saying. just because you can have sex does that mean you have to have sex. if that’s what you are into , great but don’t stare people down while playing with yourself. it’s disturbing
GayEGO
Were there camera’s in the steam room? It is a public place, so there should be in case a murder or something happens. Cameras may also cause them to hold off their sexual desires.
Brian
Of course there weren’t cameras in the steam room. By your logic there should be a camera in every single toilet stall, just in case someone gets murdered in one.
edwardnvirginia
From reading the many comments
isn’t it shocking and sickening how easily the so-called ‘queer’ community accepts – and even gladly, gleefully accepts – sexual harassment, sexual intimidation, sexual threat, and the like
…. just because it seems to be about ‘sex’ or ‘sexuality’
…. when really it is about abusing others without their consent!
PinkoOfTheGange
Abuse? seeing some random dude jack it, that has no power over viewer, is now abuse?
Oh do tell.
radiooutmike
This is all about entitlement by this man.
While it is not unreasonable to assume that people should not have sex in a locker room; it is unreasonable to assume that this situation never comes up. Unless he can prove there was more than one incidence and the Equinox repeatedly ignored his complaints– what will come of this?
A fine? Installation of security cameras by the Equinox?
dwes09
Granted, the response of the man was over the top a bit.
But how is the desire not to see what are generally considered private, intimate activities in an arguably public (or at least non-sexual) space “entitlement”?
Does the fact that this situation “comes up” (though perhaps has no for the complaining man) make the activities any less inappropriate or rude?
Geeker
Let me guess, Queerty wants up to sympathize with the fine upstanding gentlemen openly jerking off in a gym steam room right?
Walker
Yep.. like they want us to sympathize with predatory high school teachers (when they’re hot) and men’s room blowjobs (when they aren’t from Republicans) because…sex positivity?
tjack47
If you can’t see an obese, mature man nude at a gym, you are immature and shallow.
dwes09
Read the article, it has nothing to do with that.
And if you DID, please try to explain in a sane fashion what is immature or shallow about not wanting to see others having sex in a venue not intended for public sex?
ChrisK
That doesn’t make any sense since most gyms have showers and locker rooms where nudity or so kinds is generally accepted.
calpoidog
The only mistake made here was that the offending gentlemen did not first ensure that ALL the men in the sauna were in on the action. That is what polite sauna masturbaters do — they look for those cues. Unless everyone provides the cue, then nothing happens.
Frankly it’s the indiscreet men like this that take the fun out of it. At my gym, I’ve seen guys wear cock rings into the shower…who the hell wears a cock ring at the gym? Being obvious make a person boring.
Aires the Ram
@calpoidog: You are right, if guys are going to engage in that in steam rooms/saunas, they need to look for cues. If another guy is game for some fun, he’ll give a cue, if he isn’t, they’ll be no cue at all. It’s called the fine art of cruising. And it’s being lost on the younger generation who’ve been taught to be ashamed of their nakedness with other guys. And it is indeed, the younger generations loss.
NYC1
My Equinox membership was revoked about 10 years ago. A bunch of guys were masturbating while most of us were there, not participating, with a “live & let live” attitude. One guy jumped up, said “This is ridiculous”, stormed out, & in came the staff. All our memberships were revoked EXCEPT the youngest & hottest guys – for some reason, the staff just let them get dressed & leave. The rest of us… turn over you papers & never come back.
dwes09
If you have a way to prove it, that is precisely the situation where at least the threat of legal action is warranted.
ripzippysf
The fragile straight male. Still ruled by fear. Interesting, in my experience, they all seem tough till a man hits on them…then they become victims.
NYC1
I consulted a lawyer who said the best I could do was protect my reputation by having Equinox maintain confidentiality of the unfounded accusations. So he wrote a letter & Equinox’s General Counsel gave us the run-around. Incomprehensibly, she (the GC) said she didn’t return my lawyer’s calls or respond to his letter because I was no longer a member. My lawyer pointed out that I was no longer a member bc Equinox’s spurious accusation & subsequent dismissal. We didn’t pursue it further but their GC at the time seemed, well, stupid. I suppose if this guy’s case goes before the Manhattan Supreme Court they’ll have to establish a pattern…
justgeo
Equinox i used to go there. The damn place gives young hot boy toy and rent boys/young men you know Hot Otter types free membership They want the place to seem sexy and then—- most of the times I was at upper Westside one there were always strait-ish hot ass guys teasing in the steam rooms. It it’s too much get out leave there steam.
NYC1
Great business model: make it sexy, sign people up for a year’s membership, have sexy guys initiate sex, & then kick you out.
maxdadmark
Although I believe that this guy is either a little naive in his choice of gym, or he’s a professional victim, he was in no danger and merely needed to inform the manager so they could enforce their “zero tolerance policy”.
batesmotel
If it was bothersome, I would’ve just left. Although inappropriate for an Equinox gym, I wouldn’t have been offended or sued. That’s going a bit too far. Besides it would have to be proven in court that it happened, since that’s not realistically possible, it will likely get thrown out of court. Ironic that it happened in NYC an allegedly liberal open city. Guess not that open.
JDamian
So where is this gym?
russdog
Yes, it is inappropriate in a public space. Yes, I’d want to see it and participate at any opportunity. What’s important is tact and discretion. I’d only act on my desires when I was absolutely sure I was in the company of like-minded fellows. It isn’t assault or indecent exposure if all present are willing. Be cool and respectful. But I’m middle-aged and perhaps those days are long gone.
johnnymcmxxx
I don’t know how much steam room experience this nervous nelly has had but I’ve been to many steam rooms across the country in hotels and gyms and this happens everywhere. What a silly silly man-child he is.
Aires the Ram
Exactly johnnymcmxxx! I’ve been saying this for years.
jayjay333
If its a gay bathhouse that is one thing, but a regular gym, open to all? That is bull$hit. As a gay guy, I don’t want to see it and I’m sure most straight guys want to see it.
If you are that horned up, you can get a quick hookup at your place within minutes. Why at the gym?
TheBigOne
I think that maybe somebody that he knew saw him in there and he got skeered.
Gotta to keep those redneck republican christian machismo in check at all times!
MaxTaste
His lawsuit is absurd, just like the behavior he witnessed. While I work out at a gym, it doesn’t have a steam room. I don’t understand why kind of a guy does this. I have a very average dad bod (cuz I am a dad) and would be mortified to be seen sitting around in a towel. I need to keep my clothes on in public. For really good looking guys, can they do better than some jerk off in a steam room? I’m really confused as to who would do this kind of stuff.
JohnMc888
Is leering at a woman in a public space OK? Is leering at a man in a public OK? Is there a double standard?
Kieru
There is a world of difference between being stared at (what you are describing) and being stared at while the person fondles themselves (what the lawsuit alleges).
Leering in a public space is perfectly legal. Creepy; but legal. Fondling your genitals in a public space is not.
PinkoOfTheGange
To bad a private club isn’t a public space.
Walker
A lot of people are throwing around the term “private club” without having any idea what it means legally. A. A chain gym like Equinox is not a “private club,” because literally anyone can join and there are no membership requirements. It is a public accommodation and subscription service. It isn’t the frickin Masons. B. Even if it we’re a private club it is explicitly not a sex club and there is nothing in the membership agreement that stipulates members have to tolerate sex on the premises. Quite the opposite, in fact. A member of the Friars belongs to a private club but is still within his right to sue if he witnesses Jackie Mason getting head on the dais. C. Private clubs are not lawless spaces.
You are all proof that a little knowledge is a bad thing .
JohnMc888
Perhaps the court case is based on the company’ maintaining a hiotile environment in regard to sexual harassment.
rogue4gay
I live in the Castro and go to a 24 hour fitness that has a gay culture. This and more goes on in the shower. Number of elements here we all need to take to heart.
1. What is acceptable in these situations. Do we all need to retreate to the default prudish culture or have we moved on as a society. Much of that is based on the bigger culture of the gym.
2. What’s the responsibility of the guy sueing? He has all the bad elements of #metoo. He is playing the victim card and asking the governmentment to intervene. He could have simply stood in his power and ask the others guys to stop.
3. What is the responsibility of the guys playing. I assume they saw the discomfort of the guy. Should they stop? I would!
4. What is the responsibility of the gym. I doubt there are clear laws or policies here. So much of this is cultural norms. The castro gyms shut down steam rooms because they didn’t want to have the problem.
I had the opposite happen in a castro gym. A str8 guy came into the shower with his clothes on and just stood there for 5 minutes. I was in the shower. I asked him if he needed help. His response “this is digisting”. The only thing i assume he was referring to was a guy had a hard on in the shower. I jumped down his throat and told him if he couldn’t handle it, go to another gym! We reported him. He’s never been back!
Ed
Just because you need a membership ro join doesn’t make it a probate club as amyone is able to join. Sex in public is illegal, a gym is nkt a private club.
That said, suing is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard pf. Also, guys are usually more discreet about things so I have to question whether or not his story is true. I highly doubt the activity would have continued as someone entered the steam room.
mc4bbs
“If it please the court, could the plaintiff describe in graphic detail exactly what he saw?” tee hee
or… to quite the film “Porky’s”: “… I think this is the only way to find that boy. Now that penis had a mole on it – I’d recognize that penis anywhere. In spite of the juvenile snickers of some, this is a serious matter. That seducer and despoiler must be stopped; he’s extremely dangerous!”
Dakotahgeo
Ohhhh, the shame, the shock!!! I can’t wait to find out this asshole’s surprise when he finds out his parents had sex without seeing them! Idiot!
AndThenTheresMax
“Gay men look hot because they can have sex at the gym!” – Samantha Jones, Sex and the City
*insert mic drop here*
Eaglec9
Absolutely inappropriate! I am gay, but there is a time and place for everything. A gym atmosphere like this should be free from this kind of behavior. Guys please understand this is just feeding the stereotype that people think about us.
ldweisberg
Find a gym with a Co-Ed Steam Room and problem (mostly) solved. Yesterday at my gym I had to tolerate non-gays kissing and groping in the work out area. Get a room you damn dirty breeders (lol).
djmcgamester
I actually know someone who works at that particular Equinox. He mentioned this had happened a while back. I’m not sure what Equinox was supposed to do. Patrol the steam room? I’m sure everyone would have loved that. That would have been another complaint from straight guys.
I do agree it shouldn’t happen. The solution is to call in the police for this inappropriate and illegal activity. Suing Equinox will do nothing useful.
Rock-N-RollHS
Call the police?? lol. That’s a good one.
PinkoOfTheGange
The police have no power in the situation unless the club wants the offender ejected. That is all the cops can do inside a private club.
Itsonlythetruth
He should have left the steam room if he was so uncomfortable. He hung around long enough to see a third guy eyeballing him. Some people need to play the victim.
HereIAm
Why did he have to leave the steam room when other people were behaving badly? The room is a public area at the gym and he paid for the access to all the facilities on the premise. Your logic and common sense are deplorable.
iamru2
But Spacey hitting on a guy in a bar is grounds for ruining his life according to some!
Kangol
He hit on a teenager, and sexually attacked a 14-year-old! If you’re defending that you need help!
PinkoOfTheGange
Apparently in NYC one can be arrested for public lewdness even in a private club. As a white shoe lawyer found out in the summer.
I was wrong.
But proving it seems to be the hard part.
surreal33
Despite the perpetual fantasy world a contingent of gay men bask in, not all men (gay or straight) are okay with public lewdness. As a rational adult male one should be able to DISCREETLY cruise for sex without being vulgar. Also the “private club” argument is bullshit! As member of a gym unless there is a clause in your contract that states sexual activity is permitted on premises then public sex is NOT allowed.
Chipper
If the truth be known, probably most were “straight” there in the steam room.