Gay bathhouse portland
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He sees bathing as a “divine” way to recenter and connect with himself and the people around him. That included Portland: In the gay bathhouse’s heyday, the city was home to at least a half-dozen, places that hosted men’s socials and fundraisers as well as shvitzes and trysts.
As a new generation of Portland social saunas rise in popularity, the gay bathhouse seems to remain on the margins.
Gay bathhouses thrived until the height of the AIDS crisis in the ’80s, when local and state governments across the country either formally shuttered or surveilled these spaces out of fear and misinformation.
Today, queer spaces have become less physical and more virtual: Making a connection takes little more effort than looking at a cell phone.
Club Portland lasted until 2007; in 2009, McMenamins purchased and began renovating the storied building, now home to the Crystal Hotel. I love the leisure and pleasure of a bathhouse.”
The transformation of eons-old, traditional bathhouses into more male-centric enclaves began in the US in the early twentieth century. Be fully you
Hawks PDX is the Friendliest Bathhouse in the Pacific Northwest — and so much more.
But that doesn’t stop Whitworth from seeking out spaces that are making explicit efforts to be more inclusive (for instance, Hawks hosts monthly trans-friendly nights).
This isn’t just a place for play. In the United States and around the world, the bathhouse was a clandestine (and, eventually, well-known) haven for gay men to meet and, in many cases, hook up.
I didn't feel uncomfortable or body shamed. Glow Bands! Oh my! This is a M & TM night.
TRANSOCIAL is the FIRST Saturday of the month at Hawks! ALL gender expressions welcome! And while many gay bathhouses have focused on cis men, a broader, more diverse queer community has found solace in the sauna and soaking tub.
“Bathhouses are spaces for queer care, community, intimacy, and body positivity,” says Portland-based filmmaker, poet, and sauna enthusiast Liam Whitworth.
And we’re now open 24 HOURS on weekends!
Rooted in Queer joy, leadership, and community care, Hawks is a welcoming anchorpoint for LGBTQIA2S+ and Gender-Diverse people — and our Allies — to relax, connect, and thrive.
We believe in Values that make Hawks PDX more than just a venue — they make it a home.
Radical Inclusion : All gender identities, sexual orientations, and bodies are celebrated.
Consent Culture : Respect and boundaries are our foundation.
Community First : We’re more than a venue—we’re a chosen family.
Whole-Self Wellness: From mental health to intimacy & embodiment, all forms of wellness are valid here.
Joyful Liberation: We honor Queer joy, sensuality, and freedom as acts of resistance and healing.
We proudly welcome LGBTQIA2S+ and Gender-Diverse people, our Allies, and anyone exploring intimacy, connection, or pleasure in safe, supportive ways.
We’re honored to partner with Multnomah County STI Services, Oregon Leather Pride, and OMEN — all working toward a stronger, more connected community.
“Everyone was so nice.
Steam, which offers a hot tub, steam room, sprawling outdoor sun deck, and numerous private spaces, welcomes trans men and nonbinary people—if they legally identify as male or X on their ID. According to Liam Whitworth, a 34-year-old trans man, those sorts of restrictions can create serious challenges for trans or gender-diverse queer people who want to enjoy a bathhouse.
24 hours! TRANS MASC on THIRD Saturday of the Month!
This is your space. Black Lights!
Scroll down to see Our Values below. Whether you’re here for a soak, a stretch, a conversation, or a connection — all identities and bodies are welcome at Hawks PDX.
From lively conversations to steamy moments, this is a place where connection takes many forms.