A fiery row between dog walkers and gay activists has resulted in marches and posters around the park. Distraught park-goers have launched a campaign to take back Hampstead Heath from “gay cruisers” using the area for sexual encounters. Signs have been put up in the North London park with a map detailing a red circle, labelled with: “This is not a cruising ground”. The poster also reads: “Cruising for sex? Homosexuality is legal. Use a hookup app like Grindr or Sniffies and get a room”.
‘Cruising’ refers to the practice of seeking out sexual encounters, often in public places. The sign also encourages dog walkers to stroll in the highlighted area to “take back West Heath”. However, this has been met with fury from gay activists who claim the practice is part of a wider cultural movement, claiming the signs “embolden homophobes”.
Protestors have been marching around the area holding banners which read “take me to the f*** tree” and “release the pups”.
The leader of the march, Dan Glass said: “It’s homophobic, it’s saying that queer people can’t do what is legally and rightfully theirs, to have public displays of affection.”
Footage on his social media shows men exposing their bottoms while police officers were present, while others held signs saying ‘”his is a cruising ground, enjoy yourself”, while posing next to what they call the “f*** tree”.
Writing on Instagram, Mr Glass said: “Cruising has taken place on the heath since at least the 19th century and continued right through decriminalisation all the way up to the present day.
“For many it is still a safe space of sexual exploration, nestled away in nature, it’s a world that exists outside of the toxicity of modern day apps and sexual categorisation.”
Protesters claim the area in question has been used for the activity for years, arguing they should be allowed to carry on, stating that dog walkers and residents should use the rest of the park.
One person wrote on social media: “We wouldn’t say it was okay for straight people to go dogging in public parks, but gay men get a pass because… it’s traditional or something? I honestly don’t get it.”
However, another user defended the activity: “You don’t always want to go through the bother of going to an app and meeting someone and then facing someone. This is completely instantaneous. It’s totally anonymous.
“A lot of gay men like, for whatever reason, anonymous sex. I’ve never been ashamed, I’m always proud.”
