You’ve probably seen someone rocking a brightly colored handkerchief or bandana tucked in their pocket, hanging from their belt loop, or even tied around their wrist. But did you know that these colors aren’t just about fashion? There’s actually a little sex code behind the choice of colors in the world of colored handkerchief code, especially in the LGBTQ culture.
Let’s break it down and explore what the colored handkerchief / bandana code is all about!
A quick history lesson
The handkerchief / bandana code, also called the “hanky code,” popped up in the 1970s in the LGBTQ community in San Francisco. It started as a fun (and discreet) way for gay men to signal their sexual preferences or interests to others. Instead of saying outright, “Hey, this is what I’m into,” they’d use different colored handkerchiefs to signal different things. Think of it as a subtle, non-verbal way to communicate sexual desires or interests. It makes it easier to meet like-minded queer people.
While the code originally started in the gay community, it spread to other communities and subcultures. So now, people from all walks of life can use the hanky code.
So, what do the colors mean?
The meaning behind the color of a handkerchief can change depending on where it’s worn (left or right pocket) and the community you’re in, but here’s a general breakdown of some of the most common sexual meanings:
- Red: Usually, red bandanas signal a desire for a passionate, fiery connection. It can mean you like fisting or someone who enjoys a hot, intense gay sex time.
Hanky Code Red 24ml + Bandana
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- Yellow: Represents water sports, aka urination sex play. If you’re wearing yellow, it’s signaling an interest in that kink.
Hanky Code Yellow 24ml + Bandana
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€13.90
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- Light Blue: This one’s about oral sex. Whether it’s giving or receiving, blue is a popular color for signaling that.
- Dark Blue: You can wear this color if you particularly like anal gay sex.
Hanky Code Blue 24ml + Bandana
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€13.90
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- Black: Signals an interest in sadomasochism (S&M). It’s all about power play and enjoying a bit of pain or domination with a touch of leather and BDSM poppers for more fun.
Hanky Code Black 24ml + Bandana
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- Orange: Anything goes.
- Grey: This one is for bondage lovers, who loves to tie up, or get tied!
Hanky Code Grey 24ml + Bandana
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€13.90
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There are a ton more colors, but these are some of the main ones to know if you’re dipping your toes into the world of handkerchief codes.
The right placement
The placement of the handkerchief / bandana is also a big deal. It’s not just about the color, it’s where it is worn. Here’s a quick rundown:
Left Side: Signals you’re the more dominant or active sexual participant.
Right Side: Indicates you’re into being the more passive or submissive partner.
Front Pocket: Some say this can indicate you’re looking for a more casual connection or you’re just not looking to get too serious.
Back Pocket: This is typically reserved for the more traditional “top/bottom” roles.
Is the hanky code still a thing?
While it may have started as an underground code, the hanky code is still around today. People still use it, especially at LGBTQ events, gay pride parades, or within certain kink and leather communities. However, in today’s digital age, it’s less about secret codes and more about self-expression. Queer people don’t always need a hanky to send a message. It’s about finding others with similar interests, no matter the medium.
That said, it’s still fun and exciting for gay people to pull out a brightly colored handkerchief as a subtle nod to the kinkier or more adventurous parts of their personalities. Whether it’s a fashion statement, a different way to meet new people, or an inside joke, the colored hanky code is still hanging around.
The colored handkerchief code might have started as a subculture secret, but it’s become a fun, quirky way for gay men to express a wide variety of interests. From anal to BDSM to kinkier things, each color has its own vibe and is a way to subtly signal your desires or boundaries without saying a word.
So, next time you spot someone with a handkerchief tucked somewhere on their outfit, know there could be a whole hidden world behind that color – or it might just be for the aesthetic. It’s an interesting piece of history in the LGBTQ and kink community, adding a little flair to everyday life.
