Gay flagging colors
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These aren’t set in stone either - you could have a Red Monday, a Purple Tuesday, and a Grey Wednesday if you’re a Virgo moon and like to plan accordingly. When worn tucked into the back right pocket it signals the bottom position. 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.
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. Sources differ on whether the lead wore a handkerchief on the left, or a blue handkerchief. By simply sneaking a glance at the booty, anyone who knows what’s up can either give you a knowing nod, a tight lipped smile, or come over and ask to buy you a drink.
As we continue to recognize and celebrate these unique practices, we also contribute to a more inclusive and understanding world.
Hanky Code Introduction
The Hanky Code is a longstanding tradition and means of communication within the LGBT community. The indication was blue for the lead designation and red for the follow designation.
Initially, the colors were limited to black, blue, yellow, red, and white - the colors most handkerchief companies produced. For example, a light blue handkerchief in the right pocket signals a preference for receiving oral sex. We love a versatile Queer fashion moment. Popularized in the 1970s it has evolved from wearing an exposed set of keys tucked within a pocket or worn on a belt loop into the various swatches and items that we see today.
Keys worn in the front signaled the top position, and keys worn in the back signaled the bottom position. 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.
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.
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. He also published one of the first Hanky Code guides. The dances were likely attributed to the scarcity of women in the area during these times.
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. In the modern context, the color system has extended beyond handkerchiefs to various accessories.
It's not uncommon to see harnesses, singlets, or leather items in a color derived from the hanky code to indicate a desired fetish or sexual interest.
The Digital Dating Scene: Grindr and Beyond
If you've ventured into the digital dating scene with apps like Grindr, Tinder, or Scruff, you'll notice that people are keen to ascertain your position, preferences, and interests.
Questions about whether you're a "top" or a "bottom" or if you're looking for "right now" are commonplace.
The hanky code became an established way of identifying, at a glance, compatibility and interest. Initially the colors were limited to black, blue, yellow, red and white, which were the colors that most handkerchief companies produced.
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. Long have these issues laid in the shadow of a second date - we’re flagging our baggage now bitches. 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.
During his travels to several gay bars across the United States beginning in 1964 he documented his findings in a color code chart within the text.
As of today, wearing a handkerchief or a particular item tucked into the back left pocket signals the top position. Similarly, we are not born with the knowledge that red can symbolize fisting.
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Jaime C.
Knight’s installation LA/ATX Pocket Expo: The New Rules of Flagging is a Texas based video and workshop installation as part of the Salvage Vanguard Theatre OUTsider Fest.