Parliament House closed on November 3, 2020.
No – not the home of Australia's government, but the infamous gay clothing-optional resort in Orlando, Florida - self-proclaimed as the world's largest gay resort.
To a worldwide group of mature-age men, this is the passing of legendary history.
Over the last forty-five years, these men flew the world to enjoy resort-style living where they could meet other like-minded, and broad-minded gay men. Their itineraries made sure that at least a few day's stay at these all-gay hotel/motel/resorts would result in the probability of sex 24/7, saving any sleep requirements for the onward plane journey.
These infamous resorts included Hotel Honolulu (Hawaii), Coral Sands Motel (Los Angeles), INNdulge, CCBC or any resort in Warm Springs Drive (Palm Springs), the Trades Hotel (Blackpool, UK), Golden Bear (Amsterdam), Island House (Key West), – and probably the most infamous of all, Parliament House in Florida. The latter offered six bars, drag shows, a theatre, cafĂ©, one hundred and twelve rooms, clothing-optional pool, and men on the prowl for sex – day and night – and where the likes of Cyndi Lauper and Sandra Bernhard entertained.
Such places were melting pots for the world's itinerant gay men. In a world of prejudice, homophobia, and prudery, these were oases where you could be yourself, feel safe, be naked, openly cruise for sex, enjoy conversations with flight attendants, corporate lawyers, or everyday gay men from the four corners of the world. They were insulated worlds where for once you were in the majority, respected and pampered. In Palm Springs, you could watch porn being filmed poolside, in Hawaii live your fantasy in the Bette Davis suite or, in Los Angeles cruise the fully enclosed motel where the doors of the forty suites were rarely closed. They offered queen and king size beds suitable for orgies and intimate sleepovers – no questions asked.
 |
| Photos courtesy Tumblr |
And if you were fortunate, you might also meet men who could become life-long friends, several of who continue to enrich my life. Long live the remaining clothing-optional gay resorts!
* First published in Australia's Star Observer Gay Newspaper 2020
© Peter Benn 2020
Looking for a horny erotic read about gay sex life in Australia?
Try my ebooks - each volume contains a hot self-contained story.
For an unidentifiable plain cover eBook edition of The Versatile Husband, go to: http://www.amazon.com/Versatile-Husband-Plain-Cover-ebook/dp/B009V5AXEI
"A straightforward, practical guide for men in heterosexual relationships who'd like to explore sex with other men. Frank, honest and understanding."Kirkus Reviews
No comments:
Post a Comment