Spiritual Dimensions of Self-Transformation in Sydney's Gay Bathhouses

摘要: Interview-based research among patrons and proprietors of Sydney's gay bathhouses, asking about experiences homosexual being from the 1960s to early 1980s generated intriguing findings. Despite apparent disconnect between traditional religious affiliation outlaw lifestyle a majority interviewees asserted that spirituality self-transformation was as important them sexual exploration liberation societal restraints (both motivations for outcomes bathhouse experience). Some those interviewed adhered mainstream religion (including Christianity Judaism), but significant number expressed commitment eclectic, personalized spiritual paths. Interestingly, both groups described bathhouses "churches" "temples," activities took place there collective individual "rituals," attributed their growth development in bathhouses.