Sexual encounters in nature – new research on the use of urban parks in Copenhagen

”For cruisers, these encounters and green spaces are incredibly important. In many places, cruising has been going on for decades, yet we know very little about the people behind it. Increasing our understanding of this complex world is a matter of importance”, says Lisbet Christoffersen, a landscape researcher at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Alnarp, herself Danish, and one of the three researchers behind the study.

The term ‘cruising’ describes sexual encounters, usually between gay men, that take place in public spaces. These can be spontaneous or planned encounters. Sometimes between strangers. The study was conducted in Denmark, where it is not illegal to have sex outdoors. However, it is prohibited to harass others, which is how sex in public places could be perceived.

”Our study shows that very few complaints have been received about cruisers. This is not surprising. Generally speaking, cruisers do not want to disturb others or be disturbed themselves”, says Lisbet Christoffersen.

Danish parks in focus

The study covers four parks and urban woodlands in the Copenhagen area: Vestskoven, Amager Fælled, Utterslev Mose and Køge Bugt Strandpark. As there are no previous Nordic studies in which cruisers themselves have had their say, the researchers wanted to change that. They put up notices in places known as cruising sites and encouraged those in attendance to complete a questionnaire via a QR code. 45 cruisers responded, and the results surprised the researchers.

“Anonymity is very important to cruisers but still many showed a great willingness to share their stories. We received answers to very personal questions and gained a great deal of new knowledge about this under-researched group,” says Lisbet Christoffersen.

Who are the cruisers?

According to the survey, the average cruiser is a 49-year-old Danish middle class man. At the same time, there is considerable variation. Respondents range in age from 25 to 76, come from different social classes and some have backgrounds in non-European countries. For many, the appeal lies in the sense of excitement and adventure. Some state that cruising is their only opportunity to express their sexuality.

”It is striking how many highlight the experience of nature. Feeling the sun, the wind and being surrounded by greenery is an important part of why they are drawn to cruising” says Lisbet Christoffersen.

Many of the respondents prefer green spaces where nature is allowed to grow freely. There, cruisers create secluded spots for encounters. One man explains that he even prunes bushes to make it easier to walk the narrow paths.

“Cruisers describe how they feel they have a right to use green spaces, whilst being careful not to disturb others,” says Lisbet Christoffersen.

Conflicting views on public green spaces

Despite few complaints, the study shows that some parks are trying to deter cruisers. The researchers interviewed seven park managers and several of them described it as their moral duty to combat cruising. They cleared out bushes, used cameras and tried various ways to make the areas less attractive to cruisers. In some cases, playgrounds were built near the meeting spots, and in others, dog-training was allowed in the areas.

”In Denmark, public parks are meant to be for everyone. At the same time, it is not clear what the law requires park managers to do regarding cruising. This creates uncertainty among staff and sometimes leads to measures designed to keep cruisers away”, says Lisbet Christoffersen.

The survey shows that cruising is very important to those who practice it and that they plan to continue the activity. Many would like to see parks with more untamed areas where they can meet without disturbing other visitors. Wilder expressions of nature accommodate the wishes of many other user groups too, and other species. Lisbet Christoffersen believes it is possible to reduce conflicts between cruisers and park managers.

”The study shows that cruisers are happy to share their thoughts on how parks should be developed but the dialogue must take place on their terms. I believe that park managers could find solutions by contacting them. This would create better conditions for developing parks that are for everyone”, says Lisbet Christoffersen.

Links

Read the study: ‘Just’ cruising in liberal Denmark: ambiguities at the nexus of queer intimacy and public green area management