Gay beat

In Australia, the term beat is used to refer to an area frequented by gay men, where sexual acts occur.

Although little is known about beats in the early colonial and Federation periods, it is known that specific areas in larger cities, such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have recorded histories of use for this purpose through the 20th century to the present (Moore 1995).

Due to the casual nature and anonymity of most of the encounters, beats have been identified as areas of high risk for the transmission of HIV, syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections.

[1][2] Engaging in sexual activity in a public place is against the law in all states and territories in Australia.

Police have been criticised for excessive patrolling of known beats, and the defence of entrapment is commonly used by those caught when charged.