The Hanky Code: A Guide to Understanding and Application

The Hanky Code is a method of expressing sexual orientation and preferences within the LGBTQ+ community. It originated in the gay scene in the 1970s and has evolved since then. In this guide, we will look at what the Hanky Code is, how it is used, and the meanings behind each color.

What is the Hanky Code?

The Hanky Code is a method of using certain colors of cloths or towels to indicate sexual orientation and preferences. There are no set rules as to which colors represent which meanings, so it varies from place to place and community to community. However, there are some commonly accepted meanings, which we will discuss below.

How is the Hanky Code used?

The Hanky Code is most commonly used in bars, clubs, and other gay venues. To apply it, a cloth or towel of the desired color is placed in the back pocket. This way, anyone who sees the cloth can tell the sexual orientation and preferences of the wearer.

There is also a variant where two cloths are used, one in the left and one in the right back pocket. In this case, the cloth in the left pocket represents sexual orientation and the cloth in the right pocket represents preferences.

Meanings behind the colors

  • Red: Signals a preference for SM or bondage
  • Pink: Signals a preference for oral sex
  • Orange: Signals a preference for anal sex
  • Yellow: Signals a preference for wax play
  • Green: Signals a preference for rimming (anilingus)
  • Blue: Signals a preference for Fisting
  • Black: Signals a preference for whipping or other forms of pain
  • White: Signals inexperience or curiosity
  • Purple: Signals a preference for transsexual partners

It is important to note that these meanings are not always consistent and may vary from place to place and community to community. Therefore, it is always best to ask beforehand or to inquire about the meanings in each setting.

Some examples:

  • A man wearing a red cloth in his left back pocket signals that he has a preference for S&M or bondage and is probably looking for someone with similar interests.
  • A man wearing a yellow cloth in his right back pocket signals that he has a preference for wax play and may be looking for someone with similar interests.
  • A man wearing a white cloth in his left back pocket signals that he is inexperienced or curious and may be looking for someone to expand his experience with.
  • It is important to note that the Hanky Code is not a must and not everyone in the LGBTQ+ community uses it. It is also important to respect other people's privacy and choices and not respond inappropriately to their sexual orientation or preferences.

    The Hanky Code is simply a way to facilitate communication within the community and support sexual self-determination.

Tags: Hanky Code, Gay
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  • Big errata - The Hanky Code

    the red hanky means fisting.

    here a checked list:

    Color Meaning
    Black S&M
    Dark Blue Anal sex
    Light Blue Oral sex
    Brown Scat
    Green Hustler/prostitution
    Grey Bondage
    Orange Anything goes
    Purple Piercing
    Red Fisting
    Yellow Pissing