Gay bath house denver

We take it very seriously—we want all our guests to feel safe and comfortable here.”

Changing With the Times
The changes didn’t end with the clientele and policies.

Midtowne currently works with both Denver Public Health and HeyDenver!

“I’m working hard to make the next project updating the rooms,” Clarke said.

Although they don’t allow women in the club regularly, as long as your ID declares you male or you are male presenting, you are let into the spa. He worked hard to get the exterior painted to a more natural color rather than the “nasty green that they painted in the 40s,” and even harder to make sure the space inside the historic building was welcoming to anyone who entered.

He also added a TV lounge. “As long as you follow the rules, they are never going to turn anyone away.

After Denver Midtowne’s general manager left the chain, Clarke was offered the position.

But, Midtowne Spa started something unprecedented in 2017—the gay bathhouse opened its doors to the entire world.

Although his workforce changes came to a halt in 1996, Clarke was now in charge of something bigger—changing with the always-evolving culture that exists within the LGBTQ community. Clarke, who is always open for change, didn’t know how people would take this.

“At first, there was very clearly a divide. It’s through leadership and eye for detail that Midtowne Spa has outlasted most of its brethren.

They were next on the list. We’ve seen them before, and you’re not going to get away with anything in here,” he said. “Everyone who walks in knows what they are walking into. But that’s why I continually get tested, so I can treat it and prevent spreading it,” Alex said. The DPHE reported 25,569 cases of chlamydia, 5,975 cases of gonorrhea, and 524 cases of syphilis.

Again, after sleeping on the decision, he decided it was too good of money to pass up. The data showed that from 2013 to 2017, “increases in STD cases have continued for four consecutive years; syphilis cases nearly doubled, gonorrhea cases increased by 67 percent, and chlamydia remained at record highs.”

In addition, the CDC has determined that these statistics disproportionately affect men who have sex with men, since the reported incidence of many STDs is higher among this group than among women or men who have sex with women only.

“It’s not easy work,” Clarke said. “I’m going to continue using this resource as long as they provide it.”

For Clarke, preventing the spread of STDs in his establishment is only one of the battles he faces. Right from the beginning, Clarke noticed some things that needed to be changed. Every party has hit maximum capacity, forcing it to only take place in the summer months at Midtowne.