The handkerchief code (also known as the hanky / hankie code, the bandana / bandanna code, and flagging) [1] is a system of color-coded cloth handkerchief or bandanas for non-verbally communicating one's interests in sexual activities and fetishes. Ever noticed someone with a brightly colored bandana in their back pocket in a gay bar or at a Pride festival and wondered if it had a hidden meaning?
Welcome to the world of the hanky code—a distinctive, non-verbal communication system that has played a significant role in LGBTQ+ history. A bandana worn on the left side signifies a ‘top’, dominant, or active partner, while the right indicates a ‘bottom’ or submissive partner. In a nutshell, it involves wearing different colors of bandanas in your pockets — left or right, respectively, to signal top/dom or bottom/submissive roles — to indicate different kinks, fantasies, and other sexual interests to the world.
One popular theory suggests that the code evolved from the Gold Rush era practice of wearing bandanas to signal whether someone was looking for a dance partner. In the absence of women, men would wear red or blue bandanas to indicate whether they wanted to take the "female" or "male" role in a dance.
If your chair has push handles why not tie it on there?
Even the surgical masks found at most drugstores are better than cloth alone. Although my handkerchief has butterflies on it so who knows what that comes off as.
Why limit yourself! N95 masks or KN95 found at most hardware and home improvement stores are excellent in reducing your risk of covid. Modern With the advent of the internet, people were better able to connect and explore, express and discover new or existing fetishes. Hankies were worn tied around the arm, tucked into the belt or the back pocket.
Which bullshit are you willing to live with? Featured were bathhouses, cruising spots, and gay bars in all 50 states. Symbolic Interaction is defined by applying meaning and value to people, places or things. Post by Thijs ThePackUnderwear. Photographers like Hal Fischer have documented the use of the code in gay communities, while others have created visual art that plays with the colors and symbolism of the handkerchiefs.
In the absence of women, men would wear red or blue bandanas to indicate whether they wanted to take the "female" or "male" role in a dance. I think what I adore about flagging red is that it takes the pressure off fisting to be something emotional and intense.
Appreciate being enlightened! At the same time, the pocket in which the handkerchief is worn indicates whether the wearer is a "top" dominant or active partner or a "bottom" submissive or receptive partner. This can be a fun thing to flag at any sort of orgy setting! This was particularly important during times when being openly gay could result in discrimination, violence, or legal consequences.
Blue, reminiscent of denim, is another standard color in the hanky code. Apparently lavender is the color for cross dressers and drag queens. Loading Comments Hanky Code in Popular Culture. The prevalence of blue jeans in everyday wear means that not every blue handkerchief is necessarily a part of the code; context is critical. Many pride events and queer spaces still incorporate elements of the code, either as a nod to history or as a playful form of self-expression.
Worn on the right means you want to put on a show. Each color represents a specific sexual interest or practice. It just so happens that I was in a local bookstore last evening, and noticed on the counter a small pile of pamphlets with your article on flagging.
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