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The Hanky Code is
a
traditional
form
of signaling
to others what your sexual preferences and interests are. For decades,
gay men have used this code to communicate with each other in the noisy
and distracting environment of gay bars, out on the streets, in pickup
places, shopping malls and cruising spots.
Its origins may
have
derived
from the
19th
Century practice of wearing colored carnations to subtly announce one's
homosexuality, just as today's society wears AIDS ribbons and rainbow
flag
items. It is believed by some that the term "GAY" as pertains to
homosexuals
was coined from the acronym for Green And Yellow... the colors of the
carnations
gay men wore as a covert signal in less permissive times.
Although not as
widely
used
these
days, the
hanky code is enjoying a renaissance in the leather community and has
grown
from a handful of colored hankies and scraps of cloth to a myriad of
colors,
materials and objects. The Hanky Code is still a worthwhile resource
and
is, among those who know, a great conversation starter.
What does it all
mean???
There are only two
rules for
the
hanky
code:
color and position. While each color (and/or fabric) indicates the
wearer's
sexual interests, the position tells you their preferred role. For
instance,
a hanky in your left pocket usually means you're a top or dominant,
while
a hanky in your right pocket usually means you're a bottom or in the
more
submissive role. And worn around your neck, a hanky usually means
versatility.
Signaling without
hankies
The Key Code has been around
for
decades
as
well, and may be the precursor to today's hanky code. Keys can be
substituted
for hankies when no particular sex act or fetish is desired. Hooking
your
keychain onto your rear left beltloop signals you are a top, hooked on
the middle rear beltloop signals versatility, and hooked on the right
rear
beltloop signals bottom.
Armbands worn on
the left
indicate a
more dominant
role and the submissive role is indicated by wearing an armband on the
right arm. To signal versatility with armbands, they should be worn on
both arms.
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