Back when there was no dating apps, or even any sort of official gay establishments (like clubs, bars etc.), and when it was still a jail-able offence, how did gays find each other (well particularly the ones who didn't stand out - and I mean this in the most non-offensive way).

Does anyone have some tea on this? I thought it'd be interesting to see just what we take for granted & how gays hunted for the D amidst all those obstacles.

resrooms
I saw a documentary that there would be spots where they'd go hook up

like public park restrooms etc

Underground bars

I read an interview with a gay guy who was young during the communism period in my country, the 90s.

He said that there were meet-up points, like the public bathrooms at the train stations or something. They were going there at night. They would write phone numbers on the walls and such.

They were "cruising"

I imagine it must've been extremely lonely for LGBT in the past. Mainly by chance word of mouth, I guess?

Like how they still do somewhere in Russia, the Middle East or Africa I guess.

Bathrooms, public places etc. and didn't they have a hanky/cloth colour system? Or am I thinking of something else?

Designated restrooms, secret bars, lingo, marks/clothing modifications.

Internet?

bars, restrooms, just a simple glance will let you know..

They were marrying girls? IDK

It must be their feelings i guess.

Interesting , but at it being in restrooms. How can you even enjoy the D with all of that stank, not to mention hide both of your feet from view etc.

It's so fascinating though, and sad at the same time. I don't know how I'd be able to function in that time period given my paranoia and overthinking (which is thankfully starting to dissipate). I'd be highly scared to post my number on a wall so some prick could give it to the authorities or something.

Public cruising. Still happens today. Just look at your local Republican congressman

Well maybe they did not do it in the bathrooms, just use it as a meet up place than go to one's place idk.

And I assume if authorities got those phone numbers, the owners would just deny it and say someone pranked them? Idk I don't even want to think about it, those were scary times indeed for gay people.

So people were bent over in public bathrooms? How is that any different from now?