Gay flagging colors
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It is generally accepted that it either started in San Francisco in 1970 or in New York City in 1971. Most people are happy to enlighten you, and you never know - you might make a new friend (or a friend).
Here are the generally agreed upon colours:
- Black - S&M
- Grey - Bondage
- Orange - Anything goes
- Yellow - Watersports
- Red - Fisting
- Purple - Piercing
- Green - Hustling/Sex work
- Brown - Scat
- Light blue - Oral sex
- Dark blue - Anal sex
Larry Townsend's The Leatherman's Handbook II (2nd Ed.).
You can wear as many hankies as you like, or have a minimalist moment if you’d prefer.
It is not uncommon to have harnesses, singlets, or leather articles in a color derived from the hanky code to indicate a desirable fetish or sexual interest.
Sociological Aspect
The Hanky Code is a prime example of a theory in sociology called Symbolic Interaction (SI). Symbolic Interaction is defined by applying meaning and value to people, places or things.
Bob Damron’s Address Book (1980)
Bob Damron's Address Book (1980)
InGay Semiotics, Hal Fischer writes
In San Francisco, the signs began appearing around 1971. Also, wearing a leather harness or leather cuffs in or containing one of the solid colors holds the same meaning. However, as we moved into the 1980s, the Handkerchief Code expanded to include a broader spectrum of colors and materials.
- Red: Symbolizes fisting
- Yellow: Indicates watersports
- Light Blue: Stands for oral sex
- Dark Blue: Denotes anal sex
- Black: Represents S&M
- Brown: Signifies scat
The advent of the internet enabled people to explore, express, and discover new or existing fetishes.
The hanky Code evolved to encompass these fetishes, introducing new colors and even fabrics like leather or lace.
A scarcity of female dance partners led to men dancing together, using handkerchiefs to denote their dance role as lead or follow.
The handkerchiefs were worn around the arm, tucked into the belt, or the back pocket. As we continue to recognize and celebrate these unique practices, we also contribute to a more inclusive and understanding world.
How To Flag - The Hanky Code Explained
Do you know the Hanky Code?
The Hanky Code emerged in the USA in the 1970’s (some say New York on the East coast, some say San Francisco on the West coast) as a way to signal (using back pockets) to others in the Queer community just what exactly you’re into.
Wearing a jock strap or a jock brief, for example, in any of the solid colors conveys the preference that corresponds with the color in the chart. Placing a hanky in the left pocket indicates the wearer’s alignment with a top/dominant role, while a hanky in the right pocket indicates the wearer’s alignment with a bottom/submissive role.
The hanky code is thought to have originated with gold rush settlers in San Francisco in the mid-19th century.
We love a versatile Queer fashion moment. In either case, the use of placement and color to communicate roles and preferences form the basic aspects of the hanky code that is known today.
Late-20th Century
During the 1960s and 1970s, gay men wore hankies not only to signify their roles, but also their sexual preferences and fetishes.
That being said, perhaps one of the earliest references can be found in a book entitled "Bob Damron's Address Book" authored by businessman Bob Damron in 1980. Each color of the rainbow signifies a fetish or kink.
Colours of the Hanky Code are signals for what you’re yelling to all and sundry within sight. For example, a light blue handkerchief in the right pocket signals a preference for receiving oral sex.
The color system has also expanded beyond hankies to other accessories. Similarly, we are not born with the knowledge that red can symbolize fisting.
The nuances of color and placement used to communicate roles and preferences formed the foundation of today's Handkerchief Code.
The Modern Era
The 1960s and 1970s saw gay men using handkerchiefs not only to signify their roles but also their sexual preferences and fetishes. In contrast, the modern day hanky code with all of its colors, patterns and items has varying stories about where it originated.
The indication was blue for the lead designation and red for the follow designation.
The hanky code is a color-coded system in which an individual wears a specific colored handkerchief in their back pocket(s) to inform others of their sexual interests and roles. Once individuals understand the code, they can find a compatible partner with relative ease.
The Handkerchief Code Today
Despite a temporary decline in popularity, the Handkerchief Code has seen a resurgence in recent times.
The left side of the body signifies that you’re in a Top or Dominant role, while the right side of your body shows you’re a bottom or sub.