SMUT Press returns with Cruising Archaeology II: Eurotrash, mapping queer cruising spots across Europe
From poppers, used condoms, men’s underwear, socks and vapes, Cruising Archaeology II: Eurotrash transports the reader to the liberating scene itself
By Aaron Sugg
SMUT Press has announced Cruising Archaeology II: Eurotrash, a follow-up to its 2024 “cult bestseller”, mapping queer cruising spots across Europe.
Launching through a series of events across Europe, starting at MA1: Bunker in London, the project spans several European cities, including Berlin, Athens, Dublin, Barcelona and Paris.
The book combines scanned objects with critical writing drawn from salvaged materials across woodlands, public toilets, gardens, sex clubs and beaches.
From poppers, used condoms, men’s underwear, socks and vapes, Cruising Archaeology II: Eurotrash transports the reader to the liberating scene itself.
Who are the Cruising Archaeology II: Eurotrash contributors?
Alongside the visual material, the publication includes essays, interviews and contributions from multiple writers, including:
Marc Svensson (You Are Loved) – an interview exploring intimacy and consent in contemporary queer life.
Mati Klitgård (Gay Consent.Lab) – an interview offering perspectives on intimacy and consent in queer communities
Stav B – an essay addressing the erasure of lesbian cruising spaces
Jordan Tannahill – a piece recounting a night at famous UK cruising spot Hampstead Heath
Prem Sahib – an insert titled “Vape”, exploring the relationship between digital and physical queer experience
João Florêncio – opening essay “Fucking Ruins”, linking queerness with empire, history and decay
When is Cruising Archaeology II: Eurotrash released?
Slated for a 7 May release, the publication will launch through a series of events across Europe, including:
London – 7 May (invite only): MA1 Bunker, 217–221 City Rd, EC1V 1JN
Amsterdam – 16 May: workshop at Nieuwe Meer in partnership with No Limits! Arts Castle and BUTT
Berlin – 21 May: Keller Kreuzberg, Reichenberger Str. 48, 10999 Berlin
Dublin – 28 May (RSVP essential): The Boilerhouse, 12 Crane Ln, Temple Bar, D02 DR72
Paris – 5–7 June: Paris Ass Book Fair, Palais de Tokyo
London – 11 June (RSVP essential): Climax Books, 8a Herbal Hill, London, EC1R 5EJ, UK
What is cruising?
Cruising refers to seeking sexual encounters, often in public or semi-public spaces such as parks, typically for brief, one-off encounters.
Notable figures associated with cruising include George Michael, who, shortly after being caught engaging in a “lewd act” in a public toilet in Beverly Hills, came out as gay in 1998.
To read more about well-known gay cruisers, see Attitude’s round-up titled ‘6 men who famously went cruising for sex’ on our official website.
Cruising Archaeology II: Eurotrash is available to pre-order now
Published by SMUT Press and distributed by Public Knowledge Books, Cruising Archaeology II: Eurotrash is available to pre-ordered via the official website.