Gloryhole

A gloryhole refers to a hole in a wall through which sexual activity occurs or through which one person sexually observes another. Glory holes were originally found in public bathrooms or shower cubicles, offering a way for people to have secret (and often anonymous) sexual experiences. They also exist in adult theatres, sex shops, and video arcades, and may be a feature at dungeons and play parties. Glory holes are a common fantasy and theme in pornography. Gloryholes can be used by people of all genders. The hole can be used to access mouths, genitals, ass, breasts, and any other area. They can be totally anonymous or allow for some interaction. Gloryhole play can be fully anonymous, but it also occurs as part of pre-negotiated scenes, especially in kink spaces. In terms of its use, the term gloryhole has expanded to refer to people cruising for anonymous public sex, whether an actual gloryhole is present or not. ### Origins of the Term Gloryholes were originally found in public lavatories. They were DIY, cut out by people making holes in the walls between stalls. This is believed to have originated around the early 1900s when gay sex was illegal in many parts of the world. Gloryholes were a way for gay people (mostly men) to carry out sexual relationships in a relatively discreet and anonymous way. The first documented occurrence of a gloryhole comes from a 1707 in a court case, which documented a glory hole in a London inn. While the term “glory hole” was not used, that’s clearly what it was! As dedicated gay bathhouses began to emerge in the 1950s and ‘60s, many featured a gloryhole. But in cities with a strong gay presence, gloryholes could also be found in many public bathrooms as well. By the 1960s and ‘70s, heterosexual and bisexual people also began adapting gloryhole setups, especially in swinger culture under themes like wife sharing and hotwifing. Many bathhouses were forced to close during the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the 1980s and ‘90s. Others went out of business during the COVID pandemic in the 2020s. But some of these facilities still exist in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Gloryholes are still a common feature. The gloryhole also gained some fame when several public health authorities - including those in Canada and New York City - suggested them as a safer option for sexual contact during the COVID pandemic. While widespread use of public glory holes has declined, they still also exist in sex clubs, swinger communities, and other private setups. Online gloryhole directories suggest there are still thousands of public gloryholes out there. ### Gloryhole Statistics - Gloryholes are very popular in public sex venues like bathhouses and sex clubs. - According to Google Trends data, online interest in gloryholes peaked in 2015, although it's an established porn category. - Oral sex is likely the most common gloryhole activity. - Gay, straight, and bisexual men tend to be most interested in receiving oral sex through a gloryhole. - There are more than 7,000 groups dedicated to gloryholes on FetLife. ### Types of Gloryholes There are many different types of gloryholes. Here are a few you might encounter (if you’re looking for one!) - Standard gloryhole: A penis (or toy) goes through the hole and someone on the other side provides stimulation (oral, manual, etc.). - Reverse (AKA Czech or European) gloryhole: The receiver is the one behind the wall, often exposing their mouth, anus, or genitals through the opening. Multiple partners can approach them on the “public” side to penetrate or use them, while the receiver remains semi-hidden or anonymous. Exhibitionist gloryhole: Built so that others can watch the action from one or both sides of the wall. One participant is partly hidden, but the scene itself is on display. Swinger clubs, fetish dungeons, or porn theaters sometimes place gloryhole walls in communal areas so the act itself becomes a show. Gloryholes are also built in a few different ways. - Booth or cubicle style: Small booths with partitions between them, often with holes cut into the walls. In sex shops, these may include a screen for porn viewing on each side. There are even portable glory hole boxes! - Wall-mounted: Cut into a solid partition (plywood, drywall, or metal). - Panel/portable: Moveable boards or contraptions with holes, used at parties or dungeons. While most gloryholes include a hole through which play can occur, some also include peepholes for viewing or smaller cutouts that allow play but prevent full penetration. For alternative anonymous interactions, people can also use a fuckbox, which is sometimes found in the same places as a gloryhole. ### Why People Are Into It Gloryholes emerged to fill a need in a community that had to have sex mostly in secret. But over time, it has become an activity that people do just for the fun of it. Some of the reasons people are into glory holes include: ### Anonymity and Mystery The wall creates faceless sex - all pleasure, no performance. For some, the unknown aspect just makes it sexier. ### Role Reversal or Objectification For the receiver, a gloryhole can be about being use or objectified, treated just as an orifice. For the giver, a gloryhole can be about dominance, getting serviced anonymously, or treating a partner as a human sex toy. ### Voyeurism and Exhibitionism In porn, viewers enjoy watching someone exposed while staying unseen themselves. In real life, the act often takes place in communal booths or rooms, adding a sense of public sex and being watched. ### How to Find a Gloryhole If you’re looking for a gloryhole, there are a few different ways to find one. While there are still some legit adult venues that offer them, many others are underground or DIY. Here’s where to look: - Local adult venues: Glory holes can still be found at adult bookstores, video arcades, bathhouses, sex clubs, and fetish dungeons. - Online resources: Cruising directories, FetLife, and Reddit threads may be able to provide options near you. - Swinger/BDSM communities: Local events may include gloryhole action, so check with people in your community who organize these events or browse event listings. ### Misconceptions About Gloryholes Gloryhole play is broader than many people think. Here are a few common misconceptions. “It’s always public.” Glory hole play can happen in public spaces, but many setups are private (homes, parties, clubs). “It’s always anonymous.” Some people use it for anonymity, but others pre-negotiate partners and simply use the setup for the experience. “It’s only for gay men.” While it likely has its roots in gay cruising culture, people of many genders and orientations engage in gloryhole play. “There’s no communication.” Communication may be minimal, but signals, rules, or prior agreements are usually in place. ### Safety and Consent Because gloryholes mix anonymity, multiple partners, and sometimes public settings, safety and consent are essential. Condoms, dental dams, and gloves can be used to protect against STIs. Most paid venues provide these things, but participants may want to carry their own just in case. Also note that public gloryholes present legal risk as exposure and sexual activity is illegal in most public spaces. While communication is often limited, it’s important to respect limits and not push for more than is offered through the hole. Gloryholes actually have a complete etiquette, which may vary by location. But it could looks something like this: - Signal clearly: Gesture when ready. Wait until the other person is engaged; don’t shove through uninvited. - Respect signals: If the other person blocks the hole or avoids contact, leave them alone. Watch for clear cues before proceeding. - Take it step by step: Start with light contact; let them invite full entry. Don’t force, surprise, or sandbag. - Honor pauses: If contact stops, wait. They may switch, signal, or move on. - Communicate endings: Knock or signal before you climax so your partner can choose how to receive. - Keep it moving: Don’t linger after finishing if others are waiting. ### Related Activities - Free Use - Objectification - Voyeurism - Public Play