Your Intro to Glory Holes: History, Mystery, and Why They’re Still Hot
Film still from Magic Gloryhole. Screening as part of the Spring 2026 lineup.
Glory holes tend to live at the intersection of taboo and curiosity. They’ve been joked about, fetishized, and misunderstood, but they’re also a long-standing sexual practice with deep roots in queer history and anonymous sex culture.
And they’re still incredibly popular (although maybe even more mysterious for those not in the know) to this day.
We’re taking a look at the history of glory holes, what makes up their mysterious allure, and diving into some practical tips for those looking to experience the magic of anonymous hookups at the divine altar of the glory hole.
What Is a Glory Hole?
At its most basic level, a glory hole is an opening (a hole in a wall, a part in a curtain, and many other creative renditions) that allows for anonymous hookups between people. Typically, a glory hole will allow just enough access for two people to hookup without being able to fully identify each other. Access can allow oral, handjobs, penetration; if you can dream it at the glory hole, you can do it at the glory hole.
Glory holes exist because they fulfill specific desires: discretion, reduced social pressure, and a focus on in-the-moment connection rather than personal details. Modern glory holes can be found in more maintained settings, such as adult video stores and theaters, sex shops, or sex clubs, or found through apps and sites like Sniffies, Grindr, Scruff, or Fetlife.
A Brief History of Glory Holes & Anonymous Sex
Glory holes are most often associated with an era of gay cruising culture that took place during a time when desire for anonymity wasn’t just a want, it was a need. Being openly gay was dangerous, criminalized, and could result in isolation and abandonment from your community, friends, and family.
Because of this, many gay people relied on the practice of cruising in order to connect with each other. In a time when people could be criminalized for having same-sex hookups, where it was still illegal to “drink while gay,” gay people relied on word-of-mouth, underground, and “in the know” spaces to meet other gay people for sex.
While the first mention of a glory hole comes from an 18th-century court case in London, glory holes found their peak popularity during the 19th and 20th centuries in response to the growing underground gay scene. The anonymity of glory holes allowed those in the gay and queer community to access desire, connection (or just get off!) without putting their identity at risk.
Glory holes, amongst other cruising spots, gay bars, and bathhouses, provided a safe outlet that could be otherwise hard to find in a time when being gay was criminalized.
Why Glory Holes Are Still Popular Today
While glory holes may feel like a forgotten relic of gay history to some, our post-pandemic world and the growing popularity of cruising and hookup apps have ushered in a new era of glory hole aficionados. They reached a larger mainstream audience, especially after the New York Health Department suggested during the COVID-19 pandemic that people utilize them for safer hookups (yes, they genuinely suggested that).
And their resurgence isn’t just amongst gay men. With many glory holes being placed in adult video stores or sex clubs, for those in the know, anonymous hookups have become much easier to find.
Glory holes appeal to people for a large number of reasons.
The lure of anonymity.
The reduced expectations that come from clearly defined hookup spaces.
Voyeurism and exhibitionism
Power dynamics.
The ease of getting off or getting someone else off.
Whatever the reason, glory holes offer a unique “portal” to sexual contact and hookups. When asked why they used or enjoyed a glory hole, many people spoke to the freedom of not having to perform for anyone, the lack of shame in being able to experiment with anonymity, the connection experienced at the glory hole, and an overall sense of exploration without judgment.
Glory Hole Safety: How to Play Responsibly
The first step to playing, sucking, and fucking at a glory hole is to find one! Google, cruising apps, BDSM sites, word of mouth, sex clubs, and adult video stores are all great starting points for visiting a glory hole.
Many people’s largest concerns focus on personal safety and safe-sex practices. As with any sexual act, you’ll have to decide your own boundaries and risk profile. Decide ahead of time if you’ll wear or want others to wear protection for oral or penetrative sex, look into maintaining your own STI testing schedule, and remember that preventative drugs such as PreP exist to help limit risk in your sex life.
When it comes to picking a location, ask yourself the following questions:
Do you want to go somewhere public?
Do you want to go to someone’s home where they have a private glory hole?
Would you rather coordinate something official where you can decide ahead of time with a group?
And, practically, as Boomer Banks recently noted in an interview with hookup app Sniffies, “Fresh breath is amazing—because you’re using your mouth. I'm not gonna go suck a dick in a bathroom when I’ve just had a pasta dinner with a lot of garlic. Just be aware of your body.”
Find a glory hole, set your boundaries ahead of time, engage in safer-sex practices, and be aware of your body.
Most importantly, have fun, you slut!
Film still from Magic Gloryhole. Screening as part of the Spring 2026 lineup.
Spotlight Film: Magic Glory Hole, Sex-Positive, Safer Glory Hole Play On Screen
HUMP!’s film Magic Glory Hole offers a rare example of glory hole porn that centers both pleasure and safer-sex practices, and offers a unique insight into the experience of women at glory holes.
Magic Glory Hole is “a short film about female pleasure, oral fixation, queerness, and the thrill of anonymous encounters. It follows a woman as she encounters a magic glory hole in a void of pink fluffiness that provides anything her eager, longing mouth desires.”
Often, the risk of glory holes is part of the thrill, but in Magic Glory Hole, we get to live out the fantasy of a glory hole made just for us, with immense consideration given to safety, pleasure, and being in control of your own sexual experience.
Whether it’s the thrill of being anonymous, the need for a low-pressure way to connect sexually, the lack of pressure to perform, or the love of exhibitionism, the glory hole is there for you. You just have to find it.
FAQ About Glory Holes
What is a glory hole?
A glory hole is an opening in a wall or partition that allows for anonymous sexual contact between people on opposite sides, emphasizing discretion and physical sensation over identity.
Why are glory holes associated with anonymity?
Glory holes developed as a way for people, especially within queer communities, to explore desire while protecting their privacy during times when being openly queer was unsafe or criminalized.
Are glory holes only part of gay culture?
While glory holes have deep roots in gay cruising history, they are used by people of many genders and orientations and exist today in a variety of settings.
Why are glory holes still popular?
Their appeal comes from anonymity, reduced social pressure, clearly defined expectations, power dynamics, and the freedom to focus on physical sensation without judgment.
Where are glory holes typically found today?
Modern glory holes may be found in adult video stores, sex clubs, private homes, or coordinated through apps and online communities.
Where can I find a glory hole?
You can find glory holes at adult bookstores, video stores, porn theaters, sex shops, sex clubs, etc. Google, FetLife, or hookup apps such as Sniffies, Scruff, or Grindr can help you discover glory holes near you.
Are glory holes safe?
Glory holes can be visited responsibly when participants use barrier protection, communicate boundaries, maintain STI awareness, and choose locations and participants thoughtfully.
What safer sex practices apply to glory holes?
Common harm-reduction practices include condoms or gloves, regular STI testing, clear consent, hygiene, and knowing personal risk boundaries.
Where can I watch some really good glory hole porn?
We’ve got you covered. Get tickets now to our Spring 2026 tour!
Author: Allie Huska