Locals in one of Britain’s wealthiest neighbourhoods have slammed parkgoers who use a ‘f**k tree’ as a meeting spot to have sex.
In response, dog walkers on Hampstead Heath have been labelled “homophobes” for attempting to stop gay men cruising in the area.
The popular London walking spot has become the centre of a heated dispute after residents erected signs to deter sexual encounters at locations near where children play.
The controversy has pitted local residents against LGBTQ+ activists defending what they call a historic cultural practice.
The popular London walking spot has become the centre of a heated dispute after residents erected signs to deter sexual encounters
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The signs put up by residents read: “Cruising for sex? Homosexuality is legal. Use a hook-up app like Grindr or Sniffies and get a room.”
They also featured a map highlighting areas with a red circle labelled: “This is not a cruising ground.”
The posters specifically targeted “the f*** tree” and other locations where children might be playing nearby.
Opponents of the posters have hit back, claiming they “embolden homophobia” and perpetuate “inaccurate stereotypes” about gay people.
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Dog walkers on Hampstead Heath have been labelled ‘homophobes’ for attempting to stop gay men cruising in the area (stock pic)
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Protesters argue that cruising is part of a wider cultural movement that occurs in only a small area of the heath.
They maintain the location has been a “special meeting place for over 200 years” for the LGBTQ+ community.
A video of the counter-protest showed four men exposing their bottoms as a blindfolded man squeezed their cheeks in a competition called “whose bum is it anyway?” while police officers watched.
Protesters held signs reading “This is a cruising ground, release the pups”, “let’s go outside” and “take me to the f*** tree”.
The event was organised by activist groups ACT UP London and This Is My Culture.
Protesters argue the location has been a ‘special meeting place for over 200 years’ for the LGBTQ+ community
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Hampstead Heath has been a popular cruising spot since Victorian times, with the practice continuing after homosexuality was decriminalised in 1967.
The encounters typically occur in woodland areas away from main footpaths, distanced from areas frequented by runners, families with buggies and picnickers.
While sexual meetings happen throughout the day, the area is usually busier at night.
Lola Pony, 34, described as a “performance trash artivist and music alchemist,” told The Telegraph the counter-protest was organised to counteract hate crime.
“The poster creates division, and because of the current global political climate, can incite hate crimes. We are a vulnerable community. Our action is protection and emphasises care and human connection,” she said.
Pony added that many locals she spoke with weren’t aware cruising occurred in the area.