aving sex in public places can be hot fun! But it can also attract unwanted attention. Watch for signs of trouble: approaching headlights, or people running or shouting. Make it easy to get back in your clothes in a hurry. Be ready to run and don't get lost.

If the threat is violent, yell for help! Get someone to phone the police. Don't leave someone in trouble alone. Defend one another if you can.

Remember, being wrecked can make it harder to deal with trouble.

Police may not monitor public sex where you cruise, but if you get caught you can be charged. "Committing an indecent act in a public place" can get you up to six months in jail or a $2,000 fine or both. A public place is anywhere someone can or might be able to see you — even on your own property! A car is considered a public place.

You could also be charged for causing a disturbance, for an indecent exhibition, obscene display or public nudity.

In Canada, it is legal for police to cruise you, then charge you. Cops have come on to men in public washrooms by rubbing themselves. Men who respond are charged. Cops have even charged men who have touched them with sexual assault. If you are caught by police, be polite and don't fight — even if they are rude.

Say nothing but your name and address (giving a false name is against the law). Anything you say will be used against you in court.

Don't go anywhere with police unless you are under arrest. Make a note of names, badge numbers, car numbers and licence plates. Try to get names and phone numbers of witnesses. You have a right to a lawyer even if you have no money. Make sure your lawyer is well recommended and sympathetic.

Going to trial could make your sex life very public, but winning in court can change the way public sex is policed.

Pack it in, pack it out!
Be prepared: carry condoms and lube. Take your garbage back out. Complaints about the mess could bring unwanted attention from media and police to places where we cruise for sex.

If you are arrested and can't afford a lawyer, call the Brydge's hotline at (604) 631-0566.

Illustrations by Touko Laaksonen. Born in 1920, he was nicknamed Tom of Finland when published in Physique Pictorial in 1957. Tom died in 1991 of emphysema. (Drawings lifted without permission.)

TRAILBOYS 1998
trailboys@walnet.org
http://www.walnet.org/trailboys/