HOW THE YMCA BECAME GAY

The relationship between gay people and religion hasn't always been easy...Except at the YMCA!

Founded in the 1850's as the Young Man's Christian Association, it was a multinational organization that grew out of Christian desires to create a place where urban youth could get away from the dangers of alcohol and prostitution. The goal was to create a healthy mind, spirit, and body. And they did...

In the book, 'Take the Stranger by the Hand' author John Donald Gustav-Wrathall points out that the, 'sentiment was that one of the primary aims (in the 19th century) was to address the craving of young men for companionship with each other.' He goes on to say that many of the YMCA leaders were, 'life-long bachelors known for their intense love of men.'

By the 1930's women were starting to be allowed to get a YMCA membership in an attempt to stem the tide of the Y becoming a gay haven.

However, this institution will always have a special place in the hallowed halls of Gaydom...

It is interesting to not that prior to the 1960's most Y's had swimming (male only) au naturale. Although it seems strange today, the sentiment at the time was that chlorine and swimsuits don't mix: It was unhygienic.

I could get use to that...Swim class before the 60's must have been a lot of fun!