KRUISE GUIDE
This guide gives a mix of history, useful tips, and some light-hearted innuendo while emphasizing on safety and consent—core values for both the practice and the community. (3 min read)
HISTORY
Kruising isn’t new, babe — it’s practically an Olympic sport in the gay world. Long before apps and rainbow-lit bars, queer folks carved out secret spaces to find one another. Parks, piers, rest stops, and bathhouses became lifelines for connection, intimacy, and survival.
In the early 1970s, the hanky code emerged in San Francisco’s leather scene as a clever way to signal desires without saying a word. Colored bandanas tucked in the left or right back pocket told you not only if someone was interested, but exactly what they were into. For example: a dark blue hanky in the back left pocket meant “top,” while the right pocket meant “bottom.” Subtle, stylish, and scandalous.
From the pulsing nights of 1970s Fire Island to the shadowed paths of the Ramble in Central Park at dusk, kruising was never just about sex — it was about freedom, rebellion, and finding each other in a world that wanted you to disappear.
Fast forward to today: it’s still alive, still thrilling, but now with a little more awareness, a better understanding of boundaries, and hopefully done with a lot less shame. Think of kruising as equal parts tradition, sport, and queer anthropology.
PHOTO: ARTHUR TRESS
PHOTO: ARTHUR TRESS
KRUISING 101
Chances are, you’ve locked eyes with someone in public who was straight-up f**king you with their gaze. If things actually went further—and not behind closed doors—well… you might be a little slut. Kidding! It just means you know your way around kruising. In short, kruising is playtime outside the bedroom. Whether you’re out for a stroll in the park, in a public restroom, or shopping at the mall — day or night — you might just stumble onto some public action.
PHOTO: ARTHUR TRESS
SIGNALS + GESTURES
EYE CONTACT
A lingering gaze — especially one that drifts up or down — is often the first move. Eyes can do a lot of talking.
TOUCH
Subtle touches to your groin or inner thigh will sure get someone's attention.
THE LOOK BACK
Passing someone and glancing back while slowing down can be an invitation to follow. Don't follow them unless it's obvious they are showing interest.
LINGERING
Hanging around a restroom, park, or a corner of a bar can indicate that you're open to an encounter.
PHOTO: ARTHUR TRESS
PHOTO: ARTHUR TRESS
PHOTO: ARTHUR TRESS
ETIQUETTE
Kruising thrives on mutual respect, awareness of your surroundings, and maintaining personal hygiene.
DON'T FORCE IT
NO means NO. If the vibe isn't there, keep it pushin. Consent is key. Just because someone isn't attracted to you, doesn't mean you're not attractive to someone else.
HYGIENE
Shower daily and be sure to brush your teeth real good. No one wants to go down on dirty d**k.
DOUBLE D
Douche + Deodorant. Always. Periodt.
PHOTO: ARTHUR TRESS
DRESS TO IMPRESS F**K
Most people want to look their best when they step out of the house. But if you're going out to kruise, don't overthink it.
DRESS FOR COMFORT + EASY ACCESS
Sweatpants or basketball shorts
Hoodies
T-Shirts
Sneakers
Slides
Flipflops
PHOTO: ARTHUR TRESS
SAFETY TIPS
While kruising can be fun, you should prioritize your safety at all times.
PrEP
You should be taking your daily PrEP medication if you are sexually active, in addition to using condoms. Heymistr.com is a great resource if you don't already have a prescription. Condoms should still be used as extra precaution.
HEALTH CHECKUPS
Regular STD testing is your responsibility. Know your status and communicate openly. There's no need to feel embarrassed. Please refrain from any sexual activity if you're still recovering from something.
ANALYZE YOUR SURROUNDINGS
Your eyes might be distracted by all the beef you're staring at. However, it's important to be aware of any escape routes or well-lit areas in the event of an emergency, or worse, you're caught with your pants down.
LOCATION SHARING
If you're up to no good, especially in an unfamiliar neighborhood, you should consider sharing your location with a friend to be extra cautious.
SECURE YOUR BELONGINGS
Always keep an eye on your phone and wallet. Secure your belongings inside zippered pockets or carry around a fanny pack when you're out and about. Kruising is the perfect chance for pickpockets to strike!
TRUST YOUR GUT
If something in your gut, besides the 🍆 you're taking, is telling you something feels off, it probably is. Don't be afraid to pull your pants up and walk away.