Bram Van Oostveldt, senior lecturer at Ghent University's Department of Art, Music, and Theatre Studies, takes you into the world of gay cruising and sex in public spaces. What exactly is cruising? Where and how does it happen? What risks and pleasures does it entail? How does the location influence the practice? And what do history and literature tell us about the lives of gay and bisexual people, past and present?
His essay and this lecture talk about theatricality, parks, and false nature. About Bruges, the Lake of Love, and the countryside. About Paris, Marcel Proust, André Gide, and Julien Green. About Georges Hérelle. About Michel Foucault and the medicalization of sex. About urinals and vespasiennes . About being caught, punishment, and police checks. About AIDS and gay bashing. About sadness and shame. But just as much about sensuality and pleasure. It is both a historical and literary exploration and a personal reflection.
The essay will be available for purchase after the lecture. We look forward to welcoming you.
When? Friday, March 14, 2025, at 7:00 PM.
Where? Public space Amsab-ISG, Bagattenstraat 174, 9000 Ghent.
