From my experience and understanding, almost all gyms and locker rooms have an underground cruise scene. Almost every hotel I've stayed at which offers a gym or sauna, has something going on - often recognizable only to those in the know, though not always so discrete. In a way this is a negative thing as not all men, straight or gay, liberal or not, appreciate getting hit on, openly stared at, touched, or even walking in on two men having sex. It makes some understandably uncomfortable.
For a while I avoided all public gyms simply because being the shy guy I am, was uncomfortable and embarrassed being hit on in that setting. I hate feeling like I'm under constant scrutiny, being judged as "cruise worthy" or not. And when not, then feeling ostracized. Granted, part of my insecurity is the fear that I don't measure up - by which I mean looks and muscle mass, not dick size! LOL!
Once, in a university locker-room, this one guy pissed me off by coming on strong and not taking no for an answer. Not only was he not attractive to me: too young and blatently effeminate, but the university was also my workplace and I don't "shit where I eat." Not to mention I was on a strict time frame. I needed to do my workout, shower and get to my office. I told him straight out, thanks but i'm not interested. Still he wouldn't let up: following me, staring at me, even trying to cop a feel. I'm not a violent person, but finally punctuated my feelings by throwing a shampoo bottle across the room at him. I missed his head by about 2 inches. Even then, he watched me dress by pretending to preen in a mirror, then flounced off. Cool that he was interested, I'm flattered - totally uncool that he wouldn't take no for an answer.
I was in the military for ten years including a year serving in one of our recent wars. Some knew I'm queer, others didn't, but it didn't matter. I didn't make anyone uncomfortable by taking advantage of the situation or by making a nuisance of myself. Sure I saw a hell of a lot of cock and enjoyed every one of them, but knew better than to be obvious about it. Not only would such behavior be unappreciated as it makes others uncomfortable, but it would have been disrespectful, like the dude I mention above. It is currently illegal to be openly gay in our military, but more important, I wanted to be treated like a vital, equal member of the team. Hopefully with new legislation pending regarding this topic, some will remember and think, that dude was queer and he was alright!
…that dude was queer and he was alright!
Edit, Noughty: removed double post