A Brief History of Gay Cruising: From Battuage in Italy to the Digital Revolution
In the exchange of glances in public places, silent dances of mutual understanding emerge. This practice of meeting people of the same sex, known as “cruising,” has deep roots in LGBTQ+ culture. For over two centuries, gay and bisexual men have sought spontaneous ways to meet, adapting the ritual to the socio-cultural nuances of their time.
In Italy, gay cruising is also known as “battuage.” These encounters often take place in outdoor spaces, seemingly common areas that, at nightfall, become stages for hidden passions. From public restrooms to city parks, from beaches to cinemas and parking lots, these areas—documented for over 200 years—become secret refuges, (more or less) safe places for those seeking such interactions, away from prying eyes.
Let’s explore the magic and history of gay cruising, with a particular focus on the Italian “battuage.”
The Ancient Art of Cruising
Long before the advent of dating apps like Grindr, cruising was considered an art, a way for men to express their sexuality in a world that often criminalized them. This practice becomes even more significant when one realizes that many individuals do not come from queer families, leaving them without knowledge of their own historical roots
The term “cruising,” distinct from prostitution, originated as a code among gay men to indicate the search for casual sexual encounters. Surprisingly, the first documented traces date back to 1810 in England, when reports of police raids on queer spaces were a regular occurrence.
Criminalization and Freedom: The Contrast of the 20th Century
In metropolitan areas like San Francisco and New York at the beginning of the 20th century, places such as public restrooms became well-known gathering spots for the queer community. However, with increased visibility came criminalization by a society still deeply homophobic. New York’s “Shackno Bill” made certain forms of cruising illegal, leading to thousands of arrests in the 1920s.
Yet, the 1970s marked a period of emancipation, supported by the rise of the first LGBTQ+ rights movements. Many American cities became epicenters of a full-blown sexual revolution, with their piers and coastal districts becoming famous as cruising spots. In Italy, the so-called “battuage” also began to gain popularity and recognition.
Battuage in Italy
The word “Battuage” is a pseudo-French term coined within the gay community around World War II, which, like “cruising,” refers to outdoor places frequented by people often seeking casual sexual encounters. Despite its linguistic roots suggesting French origins, the French use the verb “drague” to describe the same phenomenon, while in English, it’s called “cruising.”
Although historical documentation on this phenomenon in Italy is scarce, some accounts shed light on its long-standing presence. Some of the earliest historical traces of battuage, although earlier examples exist, were documented in Paolo Valera’s 1879 text “Milano sconosciuta”. Valera references several iconic locations such as the Galleria and Castello Sforzesco in Milan, the Circus Maximus in Rome, the FF.SS. Station semicircle in Sassari, the “Fortezza da Basso” in Florence, and the “Wailing Wall” in Venice.
An evocative account is provided by Alberto Costa in his 1889 book “Rettili umani”, where he describes an episode of battuage at Fortezza da Basso in Florence. In his account, Costa paints a vivid picture of a group of young men, apparently from good social standing, participating in these secret meetings, offering insight into the clandestine nature and atmosphere of these places.
The location of these meeting spots was strategic, often situated in peripheral or low-traffic areas to ensure privacy. Despite their importance as socialization spaces for the homosexual community, the rise of gay venues and the advent of the internet gradually led to a decline in their popularity.
It was in these battuage locations that Italy’s first gay movement, F.U.O.R.I., made itself known in the late 1970s. Activists of the time would leave flyers and brochures for people seeking casual sex in battuage spots, inviting them to join the movement.
The AIDS Crisis and Technological Evolution
The AIDS crisis of the 1980s dealt a harsh blow to cruising culture, with many gay saunas being shut down by authorities more focused on suppressing meeting places than promoting sexual safety. However, as often happens in LGBTQ history, the community rose again, transforming those cruising spots into centers of support and assistance.
Today, technology has reshaped traditional cruising. Apps like Grindr and Scruff have made casual encounters easily accessible, though at the cost of the spontaneity that once defined cruising culture. Still, for many, a simple exchange of glances in a public place can open up a world of possibilities and excitement.
Cruising as a Fundamental Chapter in LGBTQIA+ History
The history of cruising and battuage, with its rich fabric of resilience, innovation, and authenticity, is a tribute to the indomitable human spirit. In Italy, it represents a fundamental chapter, highlighting the struggle and determination of the LGBTQ community in a country deeply rooted in its traditions. Even today, as the world becomes increasingly digital, the history of cruising and battuage reminds us of the importance of humanity and genuine connection.
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