What exactly is the Hanky Code? Let's untuck its colorful, queer history!

First popularized in the '70s, the Hanky Code began as a sly way to showcase sexual preferences for a community still largely in the closet. Black, blue, red, purple, and many other colors of handkerchiefs found their way into the back pockets of the LGBTQ+ community. This was a rich tradition that helped bring people together during one of the darkest periods in our history and yet, the Hanky Code's legacy has been largely forgotten by today's young queers who find sex with a tap, click, and "send location."

Now, queer artist and activist Andy Simmonds of Hey Rooney is pledging to bring back the historic queer tradition and pay homage to the rainbow of hankies through his new 12-part illustration series.

"Connecting to my queer heritage is crucial," Simmonds told Out. "It is a terrible tragedy that there is an entire generation of LGBTQ+ people wiped out from HIV/AIDS who are not around now to impart their wisdom or help bridge the generational gap. I think a lot of us are feeling that disconnect, and we are finding ways to access our history. It's about more than sex. It's about sex positivity. It's about the ingenuity of queer people of other generations to navigate a climate where they could not live openly. It highlights our use of code, and causes us to consider the ways we use code today. If nothing else, it's an aesthetic treasure trove."

Scroll through Simmonds' illustrations to learn more about the many hanky meanings and find the hanky that best reflects your sexual interest and desires!

Black: S&M

Hunter green: daddy/daddy chaser

Lavender: drag queen/drag queen chaser

Light blue: oral

Light pink: dildo fucking

Lime green: looking for dinner/will buy dinner

Magenta: pits

Red: fisting

Red gingham: park sex

Silver: star/starfucker

White: J/O

Yellow: watersports/piss play