Historical Homos The Hanky Code: A Quickie History
Welcome to The Hanky Code, aka Grindr for Boomers.
Following on from our cruise through history last week, we've delved deeper into the notorious handkerchief code.
The code was a form of flagging, which used different coloured bandanas to signal sexual / kink preferences.
In this bonus Quickie episode, Bash unpacks the extremely colourful history of flagging—from gay Gold Rush cowboys to scrappy leather entrepreneurs in San Francisco.
Along the way, we learn:
- How a 1923 law in New York basically criminalized the gayest activity in history (loitering)
- The surprising role of the BDSM community and their business cards in spreading the code
- Inventive twists and additions for the lesbians (white lace for Victorian kink , anyone?).
- And just how absurdly complicated it got—aka how to distinguish lemon from mustard yellow at 1AM in Central Park?
Spoiler alert: you can't.
The hanky code wasn’t just about getting off—it was about queer ingenuity, solidarity, and desire in a hostile world.
Today it may be more relic than reality, but it still reminds us of the brilliant, horny creativity of our queer elders.
We'll be back on September 4 with our next full episode on the history of Queer Georgian homemakers. So stay tuned!
Till then, enjoy this bonus episode and get ready for some exciting announcements from us when we all go back to school...
🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you pod. Fluid-stained bandanas sold separately.
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Episode Credits
Written and hosted by Bash.
Edited by Alex Toskas.
Produced by Dani Henion.