In July 2020, San Francisco lifted restrictions that had effectively barred gay bathhouses from operating there for over three decades. For owners of public sex venues, would-be patrons, and anyone who considers that San Francisco is literally the gayest city in the country, the legislation was historic. Its timing, of course, could not have been more curious. The bygone regulations, which prohibited locked doors and unmonitored play spaces, had been in place since 1984, as HIV/AIDS decimated the queer community, paranoia was near a fever pitch, and reliable information remained scarce. As public health measures, the rules were incredibly misguided. Bathhouses, and other businesses that facilitate sexual contact, have since proven to be pivotal vectors for disseminating health information and facilitating screening and prevention measures for HIV and other STIs. That San Francisco's reversal came as another epoch-defining virus circled the globe seemed like a cosmic course correction. There was some confusion at first. A few critics were outraged at the idea that public sex might be happening in person while public school was not. The July legislation has simply allowed for new bathhouses to potentially break ground and operate in the future, however, once coronavirus conditions allow for other types of businesses to open as well. The pandemic has been disastrous for LGBTQ businesses, which are weathering dire straits like much of the economy, from bars and hotels to retail. Many nightlife venues have thrown in the towel or are relying on the life support of crowd-funding campaigns. COVID-19 has only accelerated an alarming trend; research suggests that the number of bars serving LGBTQ patrons has declined by nearly 40% since 2007, due in part to gentrification, the rise of digital means for social and sexual connection, and broader overall acceptance lessening the need for queer safe spaces, particularly in urban areas. Tap link in bio to continue on @EDGEmedianetwork ???️‍? (?️: Naveen Kumar / @nevymarie, ?: Getty)

In July 2020, San Francisco lifted restrictions that had effectively barred gay bathhouses from operating there for over three decades. For owners of public sex venues, would-be patrons, and anyone who considers that San Francisco is literally the gayest city in the country, the legislation was historic. Its timing, of course, could not have been more curious. The bygone regulations, which prohibited locked doors and unmonitored play spaces, had been in place since 1984, as HIV/AIDS decimated the queer community, paranoia was near a fever pitch, and reliable information remained scarce. As public health measures, the rules were incredibly misguided. Bathhouses, and other businesses that facilitate sexual contact, have since proven to be pivotal vectors for disseminating health information and facilitating screening and prevention measures for HIV and other STIs. That San Francisco's reversal came as another epoch-defining virus circled the globe seemed like a cosmic course correction. There was some confusion at first. A few critics were outraged at the idea that public sex might be happening in person while public school was not. The July legislation has simply allowed for new bathhouses to potentially break ground and operate in the future, however, once coronavirus conditions allow for other types of businesses to open as well. The pandemic has been disastrous for LGBTQ businesses, which are weathering dire straits like much of the economy, from bars and hotels to retail. Many nightlife venues have thrown in the towel or are relying on the life support of crowd-funding campaigns. COVID-19 has only accelerated an alarming trend; research suggests that the number of bars serving LGBTQ patrons has declined by nearly 40% since 2007, due in part to gentrification, the rise of digital means for social and sexual connection, and broader overall acceptance lessening the need for queer safe spaces, particularly in urban areas. Tap link in bio to continue on @EDGEmedianetwork ???️‍? (?️: Naveen Kumar / @nevymarie, ?: Getty)