![gay bar chicago high class gay bar chicago high class](https://media.timeout.com/images/100897389/image.jpg)
The different erotic-themed rooms of the hotel helped to create a fantasy illusion for sexual experimentation, some being tiled with mirrors to heighten experiences. Having side doors reflected the duality of polite society during the day versus sexual practises at night, revealing the discrepancy between public and private affairs. The White House brothel in Soho was built with a hidden side entrance to conceal those who entered but to also add to the dark, mystical, and sensual atmosphere created inside.
![gay bar chicago high class gay bar chicago high class](https://clubfly.com/img/barpic/153.jpg)
Discreteness was key in these practises, and this was reflected in the urban landscape. Brothels were commonplace in the area, but the more risqué ‘flagellation brothels’ began to pop up to appease kinks of upper class men. In Covent Garden and Soho, urban development carved areas out for sexual practises, commonly for the elite. She argues that there was an “open culture of prostitution in London” as well as “celebrity courtesans and mistresses”2, illustrating how sexuality was woven into the fabric of the city, even if it wasn’t considered polite society to address. The historical consultant who worked on Bridgerton, Hannah Grieg, suggested in an interview with the Chicago Tribune that the social backdrop to Regency London was one teeming with sexual intrigue. To explore this, I’ll be focusing on three themes illuminated in Bridgerton to ground their contextual significance: the first will be Georgian sex parties, or sex houses, the second will be threesomes, and the last will be homosexual culture seen in archetypal gay bars in Regency London.įirstly, we’ll begin with sex parties or sex houses in the Georgian era, as seen in the series. This notion of pleasure combined with the creation of spaces that attracted young, affluent people therefore saw the emergence of more erotic and liberal sexual experimentation, practise, and lifestyles. This was translated within architecture itself, with the creation of sublime landscapes, Pleasure Gardens, and places of leisure such as theatres and coffeehouses.
![gay bar chicago high class gay bar chicago high class](https://www.chicagomag.com/wp-content/archive/Chicago-Magazine/February-2011/Review-of-River-North-Gay-Bars-Downtown-and-Second-Story/C201102-C-River-North-Downtown-Bar.jpg)
Alongside physical developments, the late 18th century saw the emergence of the Romantic movement which emphasised emotion, individualism and pleasure thus driving a cult of sexual experimentation and pleasure-seeking. Historian Faramerz Dabhoiwala in his book Origins of Sex: A history of the First Sexual Revolution argues that it was the urbanisation of England that was a prime factor in liberalising sexual attitudes and relations, creating “more opportunities for sexual adventure”1. The story of Bridgerton is set during the Georgian period, which spanned from 1714 to the 1837 and witnessed great changes in attitudes towards sex. This article will also be exploring questions like: was there a sexual revolution in Regency London? How visible was the sexual underbelly of elite society? And were women given the same opportunities to explore their sexuality as men in this context? So, in light of Valentine’s Day, and seizing the opportunity to talk about naughty things, I thought it was only fitting to discuss and explore sex culture in 18th century London to see if the sexy depictions from said show are historically accurate.
GAY BAR CHICAGO HIGH CLASS SERIES
Sexuality as a historical lens is a fascinating way of studying the past and has proved to be very attractive amongst the public with the success of period dramas like the Netflix series ‘Bridgerton’.
![gay bar chicago high class gay bar chicago high class](https://www.gayout.com/images/com_hotspots.hotspot/2715/thumbs/6df58e71171d629183431bdacb68e98d44e754c4_57762315_64kL2ocycJTCM1Q6xxU3dSgls69D-BdiM1juXSxQM5k_600x600.jpg)
A holiday which encapsulates all things pink and fluffy, but also has many other, raunchier, connotations. By Elaura Lacey, Third Year History StudentĪ week later and we’re still only seeing the final roses and boxes of discount chocolates leaving the shelves from Valentines Day.