Hot, Sweaty, and Necessary: Why Gay Saunas Matter

By Naked Nate

Okay, real talk. You probably are going to say Nate we know you just want to have adult copulations at a gay sauna. But hear me out! They’re not just a steamy playground of fun; they’re an essential part of the LGBTQ+ community. Wouldn’t you want a place where you can unwind after a long day of work, connect with other fun (and probably frisky gay men), and on top of it all be unapologetically yourself? I know I do! And I don’t know any other place where you can be in your birthday suit and feel at ease.

So many people wear clothes as armor or their defense against the outside world, whether it is due to being hurt, or just trying to blend in, we all have our reasons. But saunas? Saunas are where you can drop the armor, wrap yourself in a towel, and just vibe. No judgment, no stress, just you being you. And let me tell you, darlings, there’s nothing like that first moment when the steam hits you—it's like a warm hug from a gay angel! Plus, for a lot of people in our community, gay saunas are more than just places to get frisky—they’re legit safe spaces where everyone from neurodivergent folx to people like, well, me can connect and thrive. So let’s dive into why these fabulous gay havens are more than just a good time—they're downright necessary.

Safe Spaces with a Side of Relaxation and Fun

Here’s the tea: Safety and acceptance are the cornerstones of gay saunas. For many, these spots offer a refuge from the judgmental glare of the outside world. Inside, it’s all about respect and community vibes, creating a sanctuary where everyone in the LGBTQ+ fam can chill and be themselves without the fear of side-eye or shade. The importance of these spaces? Can't stress it enough—they’re not just places to unwind but vital for our mental and emotional glow-up. I mean, where else can you sweat out the stress of your ex not texting back while also sweating out last night’s heavily poured cocktails?

A Health Haven

Let’s not forget the health benefits, y’all! Gay bathhouses have long been celebrated for their positive impacts on both physical and mental health. The combo of heat and relaxation? Total game-changer. From relieving stress and muscle tension to improving circulation, saunas do it all. Studies even back it up, beyond sauna use for pleasure, sauna bathing reduces the risk of vascular diseases such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and neurocognitive diseases. The beneficial effects of sauna bathing on these outcomes have also been linked to its effect on circulatory, cardiovascular, and immune functions. And for those of us in the LGBTQ+ community dealing with daily stressors, a sauna sesh can be the ultimate self-care move, giving both body and mind the TLC they need. Like, who wouldn’t want that? Personally, I’ve had more epiphanies in the steam room than I ever did in any talk therapy. Who knew that sweating it out could also mean sweating out your problems? Sure sounds like everyone should be using them to me!

Education and Awareness

Gay saunas are also clutch for education and awareness. Many of these bathhouses double as info hubs where you can learn about sexual health, safe practices, and HIV prevention. We’re talking workshops, free testing services, and even much-needed counseling at some saunas. So while you’re having a blast, you’re also staying informed and responsible. Talk about multitasking, am I right? And let’s be honest, nothing says “responsible adulting” like learning about safe sex practices while naked in a steam room.

Why They Connect Different Queer People

They can be a great place for neurodivergent and autistic people and anyone on the spectrum (obviously this is dependent on each person and their sensitivities). You don’t have to be a social butterfly to have fun here. Whether you want to chat or just vibe, you can do you, no pressure. And when you’re done? Bounce whenever you want. This setup lets all kinds of people connect in ways that work for them—helping us all meet our human need for connection without the awkward small talk. This truly lets so many different people connect in a myriad of ways that can be beneficial for our innate need for interconnection. Plus, this gives you the freedom to just exist without the pressure to socially perform, which is priceless!

I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve met some great friends in gay bathhouses all around the world, and we still keep in touch and see one another. It’s not just about hooking up; it’s about creating a global network of queer fam that supports each other. Plus, with the world getting more anti-queer by the day, we need these safe spaces now more than ever. Honestly, saunas are like the Grindr of real life, but with way less ghosting and way more meaningful connections.

The Connection Hub

In a world where swiping right and left has become the norm, gay saunas are like IRL [in real life] refresh buttons for human connection. You walk in, and boom—actual face-to-face convos start flowing as freely as the steam. And don’t even get me started on how much we all love the steamy ambiance. These places are where real connections happen, whether you’re chatting in the jacuzzi or getting deep in between... other activities. They remind us that behind the screens, we’re all just humans craving connection, and honestly? We need it more than ever. I once had a conversation in a sauna that started with the weather and ended with us planning a trip to Greece. It’s that kind of magic, people!

The Fun Factor

And let’s not forget the fun factor, because duh—fun is essential! Sure, you can have deep convos, but let’s be real—sometimes you’re there for a different kind of "deep." But why not have both!? Gay saunas are places of joy, liberation, and pure, unfiltered pleasure. The freedom to express yourself in a safe, consensual, and exhilarating environment? You just can’t beat it. Whether it’s themed nights, DJ sets, or just the thrill of meeting new people, the entertainment value is off the charts. And let’s not forget those themed nights—like, I once ended up in a wild blackout party in a sauna. Yes, it was a night to remember!

My top 3 favorite gay saunas

1 | KRUBB | Bangkok

Went there on my friend’s 40th birthday and, no lie, the place blew my mind. The space? Stunning. The amenities? On point. They’ve got themed suites and a huge sento pool where you can hang solo or with your new BFFs. And if you’re into Asian men? Welcome to paradise. I may or may not have almost missed my flight home because I lost track of time chatting (and more) in the jacuzzi. Oops!

2 | DER BOILER | Berlin

I have always been in Berlin for big events like SNAX, so my experience of it may be a bit skewed by how busy and fun it was, but it is amazing. Their Finnish sauna melts away tension, is well-maintained, and even has herbal-infused waters, which I am a sucker for! Plus, you’ll find sexy men from all over the world, and you might just have those deep connections I was talking about—literally and figuratively.

3 | Steamworks | Chicago

The other highly-ranked gay bathhouse that I would recommend. It’s a hotspot for weekend fun (and I had a ton of fun!) for those seeking weekly-themed events and frisky parties. Sauna goers also seemed pretty friendly here in comparison to other saunas that I have been to. Plus, I really love that Steamworks Chicago also provides STI/HIV testing in case you require some testing. Steamworks also has some real fun trans events these days I hear (I haven’t been yet but will definitely keep you updated!). 

Bottom Line

Gay saunas are what you make of them. Whether you’re there for the fun, the connections, or the community vibes, they’re institutions we should celebrate, not shame. We all need a little love and touch in our lives, so why not embrace it and live life to the fullest? As I always say, life’s too short to be anything but fun and fabulous—especially in a sauna.

Check out our other blog post of top gay saunas and bathhouses around the world!