The rise of hookup apps like Grindr have provided other avenues for encounters besides outdoor cruising, significantly reduced the number arrests for public sex. The Washington Post describes Meridian Hill Park as a 'gathering place for all of the District's disparate tribes: black and white, rich and poor, young and old, immigrant and local, gay and straight, boring and bizarre.' It's also long been considered cruising spot for gay men of color.Ĭruising typically occurs late at night in heavily wooded or otherwise secluded areas, participants told the Blade.Habitués typically return to their homes for sexual encounters, as opposed to engaging publicly. Sargeant Delgado was unable to confirm whether the arrests were at the hands of uniformed or plainclothes officers. The tactics used in these cases just fly in the face of proper police work and should be exposed.' ' reminiscent of the Stonewall days when gay men were often the target of police discrimination. This raises serious doubts about whether the government can prove criminal intent.'Īlbanes said he found the situation 'extremely disturbing.' 'The target is deceived into thinking that what he is about to do is wanted. 'The officers are posing as willing participants in a consensual encounter between adults,' he told the Blade.
But defense attorney John Albanes alleges that several of the men arrested were propositioned by undercover police officers.
