The popular Project X course ‘Cruising 101’ gets underway next week. Whether you’re looking to meet other guys by flirting in bar, catching the eye of that guy at the gym, cruising online or hooking up at the sauna, there are unwritten rules and codes.
This cool peer based course is a great way to explore, learn more and test the waters. We chatted to Course Coordinator Gavin Tsai to find out more about what goes on at ‘Cruising 101’.
The way we meet other gay men is always changing, what’s some of the newer ways people are connecting?
WOW where do I start! Nowadays I guess the most evolutionary change is the use of mobile applications (apps). Grindr, GROWLr, Bender… these are just some examples.
I just did an internet search for a list of mobile social/dating apps for same sex attracted men and the all mighty Google returned 25+ of those apps!! Even the good ol’ days internet chat sites like Gaydar, Scruff, Manhunt, Recon have all got mobile apps as well.
These apps are just that… MOBILE! You can literally cruise (v. searching for sexual partners) other same sex attracted men anywhere and anytime at your convenience.
Why do some guys need a little extra help in meeting other guys?
I guess we all need that little extra help from time to time.. especially if it is something that we are not used to, something new.
Cruising can be quite daunting and to be honest, a quite complex process and then cruising at a club and cruising online can be very different.
I don’t really like to use the term “help” as you won’t be getting step by step “instructions” on how to cruise, instead, you will be hearing the successful and not-so-successful experiences/stories from other participants.
I see the “help” in the form of increasing participants’ confidence and comfort level about cruising. This course does just that: to provide opportunities for guys to ask questions and to raise concerns in relation to cruising and to give it a go with different cruising scenarios in a safe and non-judgemental environment.
What kind of topics do you cover in the workshop?
This course will cover all things cruising between men in a non-sexual, safe and confidential environment.
In 5 weeks we will look at different cruising environment from Sex on Premises Venues (SOPV) to online to mobile apps and pub/clubs. We will explore the dos and don’ts about cruising in these places/methods.
In addition, there’s a session on sexually transmissible infections (STIs), HIV and how to reduce risks. Looking at some myths (and to bust them) about STIs/HIV and get informed with the facts. Techniques, tricks, keeping yourself safe are just some of the topics this course will cover. And of course, we will have a chat about where people cruise!
You’ve lead this course a few times, does that make you a master flirter?
ROFL (Roll On Floor Laughing, you will get to learn about these online lingo in the course as well)!! I don’t think I’m a master flirter but I guess after hearing all the stories from others you kind of develop a better understanding on how things work.
I got to recognise body language a bit more and learnt how to read between the lines using online/mobile apps. And most importantly just hearing the stories don’t necessary make you a master but rather you need the practice. It’s a very “hands on” (LOL, Laugh Out Loud) process! This brings me to talk about the practical component of the course.
The course includes a trip to Sex on Premises venues, how does this work?
So like I said previously this is a very practical course. We will organise a “field trip” to the Perth Steam Works, a sex on premises venue (a male sauna) here in Perth in week 3. I remember what it was like for me all these years ago… I was terrified, and embarrassed and scared about checking out SOPVs… I was so curious about them but just could not bring my self to make that first step. I finally did as a participant of Cruising 101 and checked out the place with a group of fantastic guys.
During this visit we will get to meet with the staff at the venue and will be given a tour of facility and also time for Q&A. You can find out about all the questions that are important to you. For example, how the staff handles disrespectful behaviour? Does the venue provide safe sex equipment? We also find out about special events the venue holds.
After this the participants can just hang at the venue and practice all the skills and techniques that they are introduced to in the previous weeks. I just want to point out that this is an optional activity. Although encouraged, participants can choose to opt out, the choice is entirely yours.
This is a free course offering to same sex attracted men aged 18+. It starts on Monday, November 03 and runs on 5 Monday evenings from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. If you’d like to come along please contact Gavin ASAP on 9482 0000 or go to the Project X website to send us an email.
OIP Staff, image: YayMicro /lunamarina
