On the sensuality of cruising

On the sensuality of cruising

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 speaks of theatricality, parks, and false nature. Of Bruges, the Lake of Love, and the countryside. Of Paris, Marcel Proust, André Gide, and Julien Green. Of Georges Hérelle. Of Michel Foucault and the medicalization of sex. Of urinals and vespasiennes. Of being caught, punishment, and police checks. Of AIDS and gay bashing. Of sadness and shame. But just as much of sensuality and pleasure. It is both a historical and literary exploration and a personal reflection.

Bram VAN OOSTVELDT.
On the sensuality of cruising. Ghent: Amsab-ISG, 2025, 65 pp., ill., ISBN 978946330427.
Price: €10