Pragulic: Karel's Guide to 1990s Prague

On a walk through Prague, Karel tells the story of what it was like to grow up here in the '90s, experimenting with his sexuality and drugs, and discovering his different orientation. And how the party really kicks off once it comes to coming out… You might know the film Mandragora, which depicts child gay prostitution. Karel was growing up right in that era and personally knew some of the people the film's characters were based on. He even briefly appeared in the film as an extra. He knows how things worked back then — he shot gay porn himself. He knew the Oáza club, where Mandragora was filmed, very well.

During the walk, Karel will take you back to a time that's hard to grasp through today's lens. The tour starts at Karlák (Charles Square), which even today gets a bit wilder after dark. The route leads through the city center. Karel will show you the notorious '90s hangouts where clients were picked up, as well as Hlavák (the main train station), where the central plot of Mandragora unfolds.

Karel looks like an aging skater — hoodie, flat-brim cap, face full of deep wrinkles. He was born in Prague and just turned sixty this year. He grew up in a two-parent family, but his dad was an alcoholic, and as Karel says, he inherited the addiction gene from him. He finished high school, did two years of military service, and although he knew about his orientation the whole time, he only came out after the army. And because he wanted to enjoy life and loved sex, he went all in. Parties, occasional prostitution, drugs, booze — easily two liters of vodka a day. The court ordered him into rehab, but he couldn't handle the environment and left. Due to his addictions, he lost all his money and ended up on the street.

P.S.: During his walk, Karel talks about the Naděje day centers, which he uses a lot himself. The centers are currently short on seasonal men's clothing. So if you'd like, you can bring a few pieces of clothing with you and drop them off at the day center during the walk.

Meeting point is across from the main entrance of Faust House — across the street on the corner at the entrance to Karlovo náměstí park

Admission – 450 CZK

Accessibility – suitable for teens, dog-friendly

Vibe check – intimate event (up to about 30 people), outdoor space

Trigger warning – themes of drugs and prostitution

Organized by – Pragulic Pragulic is a social enterprise that has been changing perceptions of homelessness since 2012. It runs unconventional tours of Prague led by people with lived experience of life on the street. Through their authentic stories, visitors can see the city from a different perspective, understand the reality of life without a home, and look beyond the stereotypes often tied to the topic.