TAKE THE GLORY OUT OF THE HOLE
June 29, 2004

Gloryholes. If you're a gay man, then you have either heard of them, seen them, or used them. For those of you clueless... a gloryhole is a hole in a partition by which a man sticks his cock through to get sucked or to fuck. And these infamous spaces can be found in adult arcades, backrooms, college bathrooms, mall restrooms, club backrooms, or in someone's back porch. In some zip codes they are illegal, and are routinely covered in fear that these holes of pleasure help to increase the rate STDs are spread. But this post is not about how men use these small openings to access sex, but rather what the gloryhole represents.

On the most basic of levels, a gloryhole is a just a hole. It's placement on a stall partition and its subsequent use in regards to sex is what makes a normal hole into a gloryhole. When a hole becomes a passageway to more than just voyeurism (a peephole), it transcends into something of glory... thus the name. However, when all eyes (or mouths) are focused on the hole, it's the partition that actually defines the sex. The stall divide becomes a mental and emotional barrier. Nothing can permeate its thin wood or metal as only the sexual organs are exposed, and attachment beyond sex is almost impossible.

Is the act of sticking a hard cock through a hole to be sucked healthy? I am not one to say. I have not researched or studied the behaviors of men who continuously partake in this type of anonymous sex. It may be fun for some, or boring for others. It may be a stepping stone for a man confused about his sexuality to understand his sexual needs in an arena where he can analyze them without risk of being publicly exposed. The gloryhole, on some levels, could be considered the cornerstone by which many men come to know themselves, accept themselves, and out themselves into the world.

Even if you feel gloryholes are repulsive and should be covered in every restroom or arcade across the country, gloryholes will still exist. The proverbial gloryhole will reign king for thousands of years. What IS a proverbial gloryhole? Chances are you have stuck your own erect self through one of these holes, even if subconsciously. Have you ever met someone only to expose portions of yourself you thought they would deem attractive? Have you ever shielded your emotions from someone, but thrust your physical desires upon that person with disregard? Do you act different around certain friends in fear they would know the "real" you? If so, you have used a gloryhole.

Whenever we disable others from seeing us -- from REALLY seeing us as we are -- then we are choosing to participate in the gloryhole experience. And not all gloryholes are at crotch level. Your gloryhole may be at your eyes, as you only observe the world but never participate. Maybe your glory hole is at your feet. You walk around participating in clubs and charities, but you never really invest yourself into the mission of the charity. Perhaps your gloryhole is at your heart. You constantly expose your love, but you allow the rest of your self to be neglected -- your talent, your sexual needs, your dreams, your intellect.

In a perfect world, the partitions could be easily removed. However, there are great risks to consider before tearing down the divide. People don't forget and many judge harshly whenever truth is revealed. Friends can be lost. Family members may reject you. Careers could tumble. The trick is to create more holes within the barrier. No matter the circumstance, you can allow what is hidden to be seen with time. Let your blocked emotions flow through to the other side or allow your subdued talent to shine to the world. The more holes, the more you can show to others on the opposite side. The best part? With multiple holes, the "glory" of gloryhole is lost. The once powerful gloryhole has been reduced in rank to a mere simple circle.

It's difficult to drill a hole in the barriers we have built for years. Sometimes though, especially when have been hurt physically, emotionally, or verbally, the task of covering previous holes is easier. But in order to move on... in order to transition into a new stage of life... the holes must remain exposed, no matter how difficult or painful it may be. These small circular windows to your life are important... to all of us.