The Hanky Code: Flirting from Afar

Before Grindr, Gay.com, and before Craigslist Personals, there was the Hanky code. It was actually first started back in the Gold Rush days of San Francisco among cowboys, engineers, and miners. With a shortage of women for square dancing, these men would place a red or blue handkerchief in their back pocket, hanging from their belt, or on their arm to have a code for whether they were dancing the male or female part.

The modern hanky code developed sometime in the 1970's and it is still debated on exactly where it originated. Gay and bisexual men had been in the habit of wearing their keys on the left or right side of their body in order to indicate whether they were a top or a bottom. When the hanky code was introduced, they could convey this information, as well as which sexual practices and proclivities they enjoyed.

The hanky code is now embraced by much of the Leather Community regardless of sexual orientation and they use these colors and patterns on shoelaces, piping on vests and chaps, as well as armbands, wrist cuffs and more in order to indicate what they are interested in.