Public Displays of (Sex)

        
        This is Niya. Public sex could be one of the most talked “taboo” sex topics. While its milder counterpart, public displays of affection, or PDA, does not receive nearly as much criticism. The great deal of shock and horror at the mention of a couple having sex seems to dissipate if they are only kissing. This imaginary “line” that is “crossed” once we move from the territory of kissing into the realm of possible nudity has become a steadfast moral indicator for many individuals.  This, however, has not stopped both forms of interaction from pervading into movies, television shows, and in books.  But why is it we are so accepting of a full blown make-out session, and horrified once someone takes off their pants?

        When I think of public sex, I do not imagine some seedy organization, or clandestine late night meetings, my thoughts turn a little bit closer to home: Bald Hill in Farmingville, NY. First settled sometime in the 18th century, Bald Hill is home to the second highest point on Long Island. Standing at over 330 feet, this elevated area has housed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial since the 1990s. In more recent years, this area has become it has become a hot spot for “cruising”. Now this is not the type of cruising you may have experience with family or friends. This “cruise” is a slang term used to describe walking or driving in public locations looking for presumably anonymous sex.

        For those unfamiliar with the term, cruising became a popular expression sometime between the 1960s and 1970s when, as is still true today, being a homosexual involved a great deal of secrecy both in the places in which one could look for partners and in the language they would use. Adopting euphemisms such as “cruising” or “friend of Dorothy” allows one to discuss sexual orientation and conduct in very public places without fear of backlash.

        The geography of Bald Hill lends itself to being a great space for secretive acts. Placed in between two of the busiest roadways in the area, there is not much of a reason for locals to stop and visit the memorial site. Its highly wooded environment creates a literal veil of secrecy between the inner grounds and the parking lots which are viewable by oncoming traffic. As its popularity as a cruising spot has grown, so has the amount of attention given local police and media. Many local religious advocates have taken to expressing their extreme concern toward the ideal of public sex. I cannot help but question, when and why sex became such an appalling act, but watching, as I am sure many of us have, couples groping one another down the street is just “affectionate”.

        Some could argue they show more affection when have close intimate contact as opposed to a series of sloppy kisses shared by in front of train stations or outside  airport terminals. Who controls this line between affection and violation? And when can we outlaw having to experience the undoubtedly awkward scenario of me trying to walk around the couple that needs to make out while I am just trying to walk through a doorway?