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Leather Bar Hanky Code

This page is dedicated to clay of Austin.

For decades, hankies (bandanas) have been worn -- in the left or right back pocket -- at Gay leather bars and runs to signal interest or specialization in particular sexual practices. It's also been adopted by gay leather women and some heterosexuals in the BDSM scene. But I caution against investing too much in the study of hankies. In Ask Larry Larry Townsend explains:

The wearing of colors (hankies) to display one's interest has been the subject for much tongue-in-cheek advise. Several of the most widely circulated lists have resulted from a couple of guys sitting down and trying to tag every conceivable activity with the most outlandish hue imaginable. (p.60-61)

Also understand that there are multiple versions of the hanky code -- mostly determined by region. Most likely over time the symbolism will codify as one version of the code will predominate over the Internet and become the most widely accepted. (Such is the nature of our wired world.)

For you convenience and amusement, here is one such "Hanky Code":

Further Reading on Etiquette and Protocol in a BDSM and Leather Context

• The Manners and Traditions Section of "Ambrosio's BDSM Site" at http://www.EvilMonk.org/A/manners.cfm
• "Play Nice: Some Notes on Scene Etiquette and Leather Protocol" by Ambrosio at http://www.EvilMonk.org/A/protocol.cfm
• Part 1: General Principles
• Part 2: More Specific Guidelines
• Part 3: Cruising With Class
• Part 4: Play Parties
• Part 5: Flagging, Symbols, and Rituals
• Part 6: A Few Notes on High Protocol
• Part 7: In Closing
• The Entire Article on a Single Page
• "Etiquette for the Scene" by Rose at http://www.EvilMonk.org/A/etiquette.cfm
• "Civility and Incivility in the Scene" by Chris M [Black Rose of Washington DC] at http://www.EvilMonk.org/A/chrism01.cfm
• "A Proposed 'Pansexual Protocol'" by Ambrosio at http://www.EvilMonk.org/A/ppp.cfm
• "To Share or Not to Share?" by Rowan Ste. Julian at http://www.EvilMonk.org/A/share.cfm
• "Commandments: Ten Rules for Dominants / Ten Rules for Submissives" (from the SOJ) at http://www.EvilMonk.org/A/t10c.cfm
• For further reading, there is an etiquette guide for alternative sexuality and lifestyle situtations including but not limited to BDSM: Campbell, Drew, The Bride Wore Black Leather ... and he looked fabulous!   Greenery Press: Emeryville, 2000.

Links About "Old Guard" Leather

Further Reading on Etiquette in General

• Etiquette by Emily Post: This is an online republication of the 1922 edition of Emily Post's 627-page first edition Etiquette in Society, in Business, in Politics and at Home (The 1922 edition is the most highly recommended book for High Procotol.)
• U. S. Flag Protocol (Title 4)
• George Washington's "Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour In Company and Conversation"
• Cardinal Newman On Being a Gentleman
• Passage from Jane Austen's Northhanger Abbey

Further Etiquette and Protocol Links

• Additional links in the "Manners and Traditions" section at http://www.EvilMonk.org/A/manners.cfm