Gay Hanky Code / Gay Bandanas

Even back in the days of famous gay writer Oscar Wilde, special codes were used by gays to identify one another. Back the the famous blue carnation was place in the lapel of a jacket. It was a sort of secret handshake that would later evolve into a more complex series of codes and understandings.

Today Handkerchiefs placed in the back right or left pocket are used to identify not only gay men but also their sexual preferences and roles. a handkerchief in the left pocket usually represents a Top, Dom, Giver; while a handkerchief in the right pocket represents a Bottom, Submissive, Taker. The colors of the hanky symbolizes the type of sexual activity desired by the barer. In recent years the hanky was replaced by colored stripes (piping) on leather and rubber chaps and on cod pieces.

The following is a partial list of the gay hanky code meanings. The reason it is partial is because there are many obscure colors that are not commonly found. If you feel left out or would like me to add more, please email me and I would be happy to add your gay hanky code. Also please remember that just because someone has a hanky in his pocket it does not mean that he is gay.