Going cottaging
1995
In his younger years, James used to go cottaging in several different
venues around Birmingham, including those at Five Ways, Pallasades,
Bristol Street, Hurst Street flyover. “In terms of the make up of
people there were a lot of people you did not see on the gay scene, who
were married, they were just there for the sex.” As the authorities
clamped down, the toilets were closed and people were forced to go out
of the city centre. There was a particular venue in Selly Oak, where
there were “young, hot boys”.
“Everybody would be stood in
line, not talking, no one acknowledging each other, just waiting
quietly to go in.” There was always the risk of police raids and people
would have to keep a lookout. (c1995)
Contributed by: James, 40