Before doing this research, I thought that this practice would have roots in Greek or Roman civilizations, or other ancient cultures. Surprisingly, there are no historical records of it until 1968–1970, during the second sexual revolution. Even then, it was seen as a radical and extreme practice.
How did it start?
Remember how being attracted to the same gender was once heavily stigmatized? This social repression is exactly why many sexual practices began in secret clubs, where LGBTQ+ people could stop masking themselves and be who they really were. San Francisco became a central hub for this freedom—it was like the “Mausoleum at Halicarnassus” of sexual diversity. Many gay men moved there, creating a space where sexual exploration and expression could flourish.
At the same time, leather practices were rising in popularity, laying the groundwork for what today we call BDSM. Among these activities, one in particular—known by various names such as “handball” or “fistfucking”—was considered much dirtier than it is today.
Interestingly, people often complain today out of boredom, but back then, participants were more intense. It was said that “miners weren’t scared of mud,” so they often didn’t clean before practicing, and cleaning became a ritualistic part of the activity.
Europe?
In Europe, we also have this movement, and as mentioned by Knut Koch, fisting came to Europe with the introduction of slings in saunas. With this, many tourists from the U.S. influenced the spread of this subculture, leading to the appearance of new clubs, events, and communities.
Germany, in particular, played a major role in promoting leather clubs, fetish parties, and sexual events. Cities like Hamburg and Berlin became hubs for the leather and BDSM scenes, attracting both locals and international visitors. Events such as Easter Berlin, which began in the early 1970s, provided structured spaces where enthusiasts could meet, exchange practices, and explore their sexuality openly.
As a result, the subculture gradually expanded across Europe, not only through clubs and events but also through publications, personal networks, and shared aesthetics. The influence of American leather culture merged with local European expressions, helping establish a network of communities that maintained and evolved these practices over time.
The decline
Around the 1980s, society changed suddenly, and the emergence of HIV dealt a severe blow to the LGBTQ+ community, worsening how they were perceived by the public. For some, it was seen as God’s punishment; for others, a curse. The situation looked so dire that it felt like a step back into the past. Yet, within the community, instead of giving up, people resisted. They faced a challenge far stronger than public opinion: they adopted safe practices and emphasized hygiene, which allowed them to continue exploring and practicing their sexual activities despite widespread fear and stigma.
Actuallity
Nowadays, thanks to globalization, these practices are more accepted than in the past, although their social influence is not what it once was. Importantly, they are now much safer, with hygiene standards greatly improved.
The internet allows people to explore and enjoy these practices without needing to belong to any particular movement or worry about their sexual orientation. In the past, the scene was wilder but also more dangerous, with widespread chemsex and risky behaviors. Today, thanks to education and awareness, these risks have been significantly reduced. Social media platforms like Discord, X, and Reddit have also made it easier to connect with knowledgeable people. You don’t need to be an expert—just ask, and someone experienced will be happy to help you.
I would like to sincerely thank the Reddit community r/Gayfisting for being so kind and helpful—answering questions about lube, toy materials, and the best methods.
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