Read on Twitter
Y'all. Flagging (a.k.a. The hanky code) is not new...at all.
Gay men, especially in the leather/BDSM community, have been doing this for decades, going back as far as the 1950's. https://twitter.com/thegentledyke/status/1335148759823560706
Gay men, especially in the leather/BDSM community, have been doing this for decades, going back as far as the 1950's. https://twitter.com/thegentledyke/status/1335148759823560706
Granted, I do find it interesting that people are writing books about it today, when the original intent of flagging was specifically to be discreet and unnoticed.
Consider the historical context of homophobic anti-sodomy laws. Practices like flagging were a way around that.
Consider the historical context of homophobic anti-sodomy laws. Practices like flagging were a way around that.
Flagging continues today (again, mainly in leather/BDSM circles) as more of s novelty and way to quickly broadcast what you're looking for out in community spaces and functions (like gay/leather bars and conventions). It's just not as common now.
(Navy blue and hunter green were damn near permanently attached to my back right pocket for years back when I was more active in the leather community lol)
Anyway, this just underscores my belief that any LGBTQ history should absolutely be including Leather/BDSM history.
Not only are the two legit inseparable (much of the overall culture would not exist as we know it without leather)...but a lot of it is just fascinating IMO.
Not only are the two legit inseparable (much of the overall culture would not exist as we know it without leather)...but a lot of it is just fascinating IMO.
Also should be noted that, even though (tmk) it started with gay men, it's not just us who flag. Women (especially queer/lesbian), on top of just being integral to the leather community in general, have also been flagging: https://twitter.com/TomiYeyugo/status/1335320586277572609
