Gay beat

In Australia, the term beat is used to refer to an area frequented by gay men and non-gay-identifying men who have sex with men (MSM) who are cruising for casual sex, and where sexual acts occur. This use of the word parodies the beat walked by a police officer or a prostitute. Most commonly, public toilets, parks, and nightclubs are used as beats, though sometimes suburban car parks become beats after nightfall. Sex researchers have found that a considerable proportion of men who use "beats" are MSMs rather than gay-identifying. This is possibly because, while gay men have a plethora of venues for meeting legitimately, MSMs - who are often closeted - do not risk being observed in (or reported as attending) gay venues. (See also: cottaging.)

Although little is known about beats in the early colonial and Federation periods, it is known that specific areas in larger cities, such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have recorded histories of use for this purpose through the 20th century to the present (Moore 1995).

Presently, beats are known to be actively used by men who have sex with men. Due to the casual nature of most of the encounters, beats have been identified as areas of high risk for the transmission of HIV, syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections.

Engaging in sexual activity in a public place is against the law in all States and Territories in Australia. Police have been criticised for excessive patrolling of known beats, and the defence of entrapment is commonly used by those caught when charged. People using beats are also more likely to be subject to homophobic hate crimes and other general crimes than gay men who don't use beats, prompting some to welcome the police presence (Moore 1995). In Sydney at least, gay beats have attracted some attention from some sections of the media. This has led to a police presence at those identified.

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