September Issue 2026- 2SLGBTQIA+ Standing together without rejection from our own The importance of community

By O aka Otoniel Trujilo 2ed 

Club Taurus

The Building was created in 1938. Smack dab in the city, heart of the slum downtown area. It had a Belltower on the top of the roof facing the street. It must've been an old church or firehouse. It's the first thing you'd see driving into the parking lot. There was no Quasimodo who tolled the bell at midnight. Here at Club Taurus we had the gorgeous bold blond Ken, the drunkard who would cautiously climbing from the outside up to the rooftop in order to get into the spa. He was told not to come in drunk when guests were here but after a night of heavy drinking Ken was allowed. Ken was Rick's boyfriend. Rick was the Gay bathouse owner of Club Taurus, who was also my dear grandpa looking boss. Club Taurus was a dance club on the weekends and a bathhouse 24/7. Three floors. Lambda report levels of sex, drugs and dancing debauchery. In the center of the entire building was a massive courtyard where men frolic in the sun or under the stars. The exterior was red brick. All the walls inside were solid what seemed like ten inch concrete. The first door in was the check-in desk. Through a pexie glass and microphone the big guy with a beard.
" Hi, I'm BigJohn, I.D. please....Thank you now sign this, it states we are not reliable if you are harmed or items stolen."
The horny guest quickly interjects. "Hmm one would think before but what the heck a night of naughtiness never hurt anyone "!
Half the members were either bisexual or straight gladly enjoying certain kinks that can only be facilitated at a place like a Gay Men's Bathouse. Each bathouse has it's own stories that each one of us can tell. Liberated by lust. It is then that we know this moment in time it was our slice of heaven full of little devils ready to play at any time. Consensual and just call it done. Call home and tell mom if you want. At 19 years old I started working at Club Taurus and when I applied for the job I didn't know such a place existed.

The summer of 1985 was unique. Something eerily erotic in the air of something ending and something big and bold beginning. My legal name is Octavos Holmes. I have been working at the men's club for two solid rock hard on years. At first here, on the job I was hired to do a 15 minute strip nude dance show. Right after the performance I would head home after 4am in the morning. At home i still lived with my parents Fortunately. I was asked to move out the house for being a cock sucking Lovin' homosexual standing on three legs. No problem I am old enough to be on my own. On forbidden territory called home I was gone in 24 hours after a long ass graduation at age 19. The club was a sex club but a safe zone for not just me a new orphan. But a whole buttload of men who had no one to call their own or was somehow alone in the world. Eventually promoted to front desk, I got first view of every dude coming in the building to the bathhouse. I felt like a DJ in control of the whole house rhythm.
The music was bumping "Push it" by Salt & Peppa when this tall white beard man walked in up to me completely nude with towel in hand. Behind the counter in the office I stare up and down his body making it fully apparent. Smiling like he knew me, he said.
" Are you go free later?"
I smiled and said , "I'll be around". He stuck his hand out to shake mine which was very butch of him I thought to do so. Hmm I like a real gentleman.
To my surprise he pulled me in and whispered in my ear, "If you're open to it I want to make you mine".
" Haha have fun mate let's catch up later. " In my head I thought what a nut job, cute, but probably just another horny man at the sex club trying to mark his territory. In the dim lit hallways he disappeared like a knight in shining armor off to battle. The night went on and on with men coming and going all night.

"If it feels good do it!" , was the neon sign that is hung on the wall walking in the lobby.

Somebody told me once, "How fancy to work at a bathhouse". I whispered back, "Yes and NO. Its a world of its own ". People come to the bathhouse to live out their fantasies. It's intimating if your not familiar with what you might see or be asked to experience. Every day 7 days a week you can meet people from all around the world.

On this Monday after midnight enters the man in red. Big Red. A red head I mean, with a full head of hair. Redhead and bright blue eyes with blond lashes walked into my glorious building. Oh my. Who is this?! Secretly suddenly, I had to have him! At my sign-in window he stood tall with a large tote bag. No metal detectors needed here, if anything he had a massive dildo in that tote bag ready for serious ass stretching.
" Hi I would like a room ". Very shy and politely, " the largest room please and can I pay for two nights " ?
" Well sir we go by 12 hours slots. You'd have to renew every 12 hours ".
" OK yes that's fine ".
" Great here sign here. Twenty for a room. Be sure to renew before your time expires to keep your room or you can change rooms if there's any available. There are 40 rooms here", on the wall outside the office I walk to point at a map... This is the building map if you get lost. It is a big place. Two floors and basically a giant circle that will lead to stairs and to the rooms. The locker room is upstairs next to the gym. Showers are downstairs. Everything is downstairs, basically besides the tv room for sports or the normal movies is upstairs. Any questions or needs don't be shy to ask me I'm here all night hosting the greedy gay graveyard shift ".
" I'm Crankshaft. I'm a vet. I was stationed in Germany. I was called Crankshaft after my Chevy 1968 step side short bed Oldsmobile 455 big block with crane high intensity camshaft edelbrock holly four barrel carbonator. And hooker headers.". So cute how he went into deep details.
" Hmmm very impressive and thank you for your service".
" You can thank me later . Which reminds me. I'm here for a week. I'd love to see you again " ?
"Yes you will mate. I work here. I'm the guy that changes the porn movies for each TV monitor in each private room ".
He steps forward, his bright white large hand slowing floats forward.
"Can I touch you "? The open palm connects with my shirt then slides up skin to my 21 year old six pack. I don't move. Every move he makes makes me tighten up. The harder I get. Hmmm this is odd it usually takes me a few rum and cokes to pop a boner.
"Buzz"., from the loud speakers. " House call...geta run Crankshaft!! "

Waking up each night before work I'd think about Mr. Shaft. Crankshaft, that is.
The concept of a bathhouses have been around for centuries. All encouraging good health and relaxation. Whatever that certain thing is to relax you in a bathhouse then could provide this want, need / comfort you're looking for. Fucks that turn into friends. Actually it's a hit or miss. You might find a fuck or just a kiss. Whatever relaxes you in the name good health, right.
The sign-in office was a triangle shape ironically. Big enough for just one person . One wall was the window you see entering. The adjacent wall was the key and towel exchange window. And lastly the checkout window or food eating area. Club Taurus is constantly busy. 1989 at its peak for business before the beast reared it's ugly head. In and out naked men of all ethnicities cumming from cites around the world to deliver their sperm to that unknown mysteriousness. This was definitely my once in a lifetime job.

Even during the day the place was always dark with light strips (only the 80's could provide) in all the hallways.
Midweek. Downstairs on my way down the hallway to the laundry room I turn the corner, Crankshaft wrapped up in a towel and barefoot. I force myself to stay cool and focused.
"Hey sexy can I help you with the laundry " ? With his deep voice.
"Haha yes please do "! I subconsciously respond with an eye wink.
"Hey sexy can I kiss you "? His voice gets softer.
"Haha yes please do...." At 4am our lips connect like planets colliding....

Three days pasted I didn't see him anywhere in the building. Noticing his room key was gone. Meaning he was still checked in but maybe stepped out for a tour of downtown. Why am I even counting the days? Why do I care where Crankshaft is? Hot and handsome. Mysterious and manly. Five days since we met and no man has waited to get at me sexually that long. Hmm he's not interested in me? Just then Crankshaft walks in the building...
"Hi I was just thinking about you gorgeous, I was checking out your big city ".
" Oh great, I wondered. Just because I need to keep an on your room and all ".
"Well I enjoyed the hot tub and steam room but not good sex yet....hmm I'm mind waiting for you" .
" Well I know bathhouses are meant for a fast fuck and that's it. Get used. Use someone to get off and love every guy that night for five minutes and go". I reflected.
Crankshaft with both hands grips my shoulders and looks directly in my eyes, "Not me. I play for keeps and like them one at a time. I been thinking about you and want you to stay the night with me tonight.?"

For many gay men, a bathhouse means freedom. Freedom to play with no strings attached. Yet rarely I've only seen it once where two can fall in love and move past bathhouse life or do they ever and just both enjoy by celebrating the luxuries where they met for the first time. The gay men's bathhouse. For generations gay men have known and created a place where they can go and meet and meat more like minded wild kinky individuals like myself, haha I mean themselves. Nudity was common but most nude men wore a towel around the waist so not to waste the big surprise wrapped up underneath. Love in other words, came in many forms at the bathhouse. The love of sex for one. The love of good conversation. The love of the unexpected. The love of group sex. A day after a hard labor job to come and jump in the hot tub then get blown is a recipe for good work performance. And don't forget mental clarity !! So then why am I so confused about this Crankshaft character ??

At the end of the week. Our regulars are always were here like clockwork. Weekends had it good in this hidden gem on the corner of 21st and Lawrence street. A small building from the outside then walking in, you could get lost. 40 private rooms with a TV monitor playing porn and a small mattress depending on the size of the room. Some rooms were doubles. Double size bed with a sling in the corner. A deluxe room had a X bondage rack you can tie up or handcuff your victim for the night. Group sex rooms. All of it consensual. Most of it sober. Club Taurus was a upstairs dance club bar that could fill up to a couple hundred. Which was great for both businesses. After dancing Friday night ( weekend nights) walk next door under the blue awning and come bust a nut.

"Oh hey Roth ".
"Hey I never told you my name".
"I know .I sign you in with your I.D. every weekend ' . So I know your name and address where you live. And age. By the way. You don't look 26 ".
Roth replies, "Yes the beard hides my baby face. I'm here again in search of nothing. The fun is just fun here but I haven't met anyone that can really make my heart skip a beat. I asked a few out to dinner. And most don't want to give their names out. Maybe they're in the closet. This place is for the men on the down low. Personally, I can't come out. I work for the city. I'm not out as a gay man at age 26. So every weekend I come to the bathhouse, the only place I know. A gay bar is not my style. I don't talk gay language nor dress gayish in any way".
"Hey Roth, mate I dig your style my handsome friend. You will find that someone special I know you will. You have a heart on after the hard on ".
"Your real name isn't Big John is it " ?
" No its Octaves Holmes. I don't tell anyone here my real name. OK?!"
" I like that name it fits you , I would tell the world ".
" Wow thanks I just might do that "!

We, Roth and I had played a few times in the dark spots hidden fuck coves, the one with a high mattress for legs up action or face down standing spreading legs as if your being arrested and bent over the hood of the cop car. If we fuck, in my book we are friends. I might not remember or even know your name. It's more like from the waist down is how I know men from the bathhouse. Faces or a simple kiss are hard to find. Here in 1989.

A new night. Saturday night, down in the basement cleaning rooms. Like a bolt of lighting he grabbed me as I was passing his room.

"Hi what ya doing?" All night I'd run up and down the stairs if and when a room needed cleaning and bed sheets changed.
Out of breath I answer, "Changing bed sheets ".
Bare chested and wrapped in his white Club Taurus towel. The muscles were everywhere. Semi wet curly medium long red hair sitting on his wise shoulders. I froze. The acted in pure delight...
"... come with me "!
".... where "?
" Shhh to this room I need your help with something ". As I got to the room I opened it with the key. Cranker was five steps behind me. I kept the light off in the small room playing porn on its TV monitor on. He pokes his head in. I pulled him in the private room wearing my usual white crop tank, white EVERFAST jockstrap. White top tennis shoes. One bandana wrapped around my wrist. Silver rings on my fingers. He quickly over powers me to the bed with one arm. Nothing mattered at this moment.
"Do it do me now!" I tell him.
"Are you clean "? He asks without missing a beat off. "I can use a condom if you want me to ".
"Ok yes please do ". Wow no one has asked that before . In and out like porn stars. I need to get back upstairs.
"Say goodbye before you leave town tomorrow". A quick kiss with both eyes open and I got up the stairs just in time as somebody was standing at the food window asking for change so he could get a snack from the vending machine.

Next day. Final day.

Third shift always meant a different kind of crowd. Every weekend. Next door, the party guys usually would pop in to sober up. Club Taurus, a only men's spa had a 12 hour limit. Every other bathhouse had an eight hour limits. Maybe 40-50 men a shift. When I had a chance during off hours or just by chance I would play spontaneously without the boss knowing. It was accepted and expected that most men working here played here in some form or another played at the establishment. Hot tub or a steam I see you but I never did a coworker just club members who were there to play. I didn't count how many I had sex with. How could i? I lost count after 50. I didn't count on having sex there at all.
Daydreaming at my desk...
I hear foot steps heavy like boots walking this way. It's Crankshaft with a travel tote  bag in hand. He walks up gracefully like he is in slow motion.

"Hi Crankshaft. Are you checking out?"
" Unfortunately I am and its been a total pleasure meeting you mi amor ".
" Where are you going next "? I ask.
" I'm from Chicago I haven't been there in about ten years or maybe Switzerland, I love that place ".
I reply, " Wow wish I could go with you opps did I say that out loud ".
"Haha yes you did. I might be back to Colorado one day but until then take care. Play safe "!

I stepped out of the office to give him a hug and felt like my heart was leaving. Chest to chest we hugged for maybe a minute. It was as if he,....both of us couldn't let go. Neither one of us wanted to pull away. I had to have more of him. Keep your mouth shut and head up honey be professional. Say goodbye. Step back. Let go and smile. He winked and walked out of the building.

Two weeks went by. The sex club job didn't feel the same.

Monday night.
" Hey Roth, how's it going I haven't seen you in awhile "?!.
"Yeah kind of gave up the same routine. I want something more. I want a real relationship that can't be broken. Not only that I fear I might catch something. I have been tested and I'm good. I want to keep it that way by finding a husband".
" Well that sounds like a perfect plan. I never heard of that! I didn't know men could live together "?
" Haha yes they can" . Roth giggled.
"Really? In a house with a dog? I'm actually truly amazed at the reality ".
"Yes and with a King size waterbed! Move in with me Octivus!? I want to take you out of this place and let you start living the real life beyond these slut walls of greedy lustful men as you call it".
Jokingly I joyfully say, Well sense you put it that way I just might stay ".

In a deep breath. Exhale. "Yes I will. I'd love to be with ".
"Great I just bought a house. Let's do it in a month or so "!

As fairy tales go. I seen Crankshaft 16 years later. I ran into him at PRIDEFEST on the dancefloor. Instantly we recognized each other in an ocean of people and loud pounding music. I was not gonna go to Pride because four months earlier Roth had passed away of AIDS. He was 42. Pride morning. He spoke to me. He told me to go to PRIDE. I listen to the loving spirit.

His mouth to my ear Crankshaft held me and whispered, "I'm here for good. I came back hoping I'd find you. I never forgot about you ".. Loud music. Body bumping around us dancing. In the sunlight on the dancefloor we made love. The day turned to night and all the men got closer. Tall with one arm around me pulling me close, He whispers in my ear under the stars, " I love you Octavius Holmes", and The night turned into years.

+ O + aka Otoniel J Trujillo II