The Gay Handkerchief Code [Flagging / The Bandanna Code / The Hanky Code] is a way for gay men to signal to one another their particular sexual interests with a certain measure of discretion. Popularized in the 1970s it has evolved from wearing an exposed set of keys tucked within a pocket or worn on a belt loop into the various swatches and items that we see today. Keys worn in the front signaled the top position, and keys worn in the back signaled the bottom position. It is said, however, that the code actually holds its roots in the mid-19th century.

    Circa 1855 sometime after the San Francisco Gold Rush blue and red bandannas were worn to indicate the lead and follow designations during male on male square dancing. The indication was blue for the lead designation and red for the follow designation. The dances were likely attributed to the scarcity of women in the area during these times. In contrast, the modern day hanky code with all of its colors, patterns and items has varying stories about where it originated. It is generally accepted that it either started in San Francisco in 1970 or in New York City in 1971. That being said, perhaps one of the earliest references can be found in a book entitled "Bob Damron's Address Book" authored by businessman Bob Damron in 1980. During his travels to several gay bars across the United States beginning in 1964 he documented his findings in a color code chart within the text.

    As of today, wearing a handkerchief or a particular item tucked into the back left pocket signals the top position. When worn tucked into the back right pocket it signals the bottom position. Each color, pattern or item signifies a different preference as outlined in the chart on this page. There are alternatives though in the leather community where slight variations do exist. Wearing a jock strap or a jock brief, for example, in any of the solid colors conveys the preference that corresponds with the color in the chart. Also, wearing a leather harness or leather cuffs in or containing one of the solid colors holds the same meaning. Handkerchiefs are also worn tied around the arm or tucked beneath a belt.