LGBTQ+ Secret Signaling

[Image of a name tag reading “Hello I am…. LGBTQ+”]

As many of us get back to work or school, or even just go about our day to day lives, we may want to connect with other LGBTQ+ people, but how do we find them? It’s not like our LGBTQ+ identities are typically something that can be seen simply by looking at us.

The need to safely navigate social situations has made it hard for many to simply be out. As a result, many LGBTQ+ individuals have developed subtle ways to communicate with others “in the know” via secret signals.

[image depicts a pastel coloured rainbow]

Clothing is often a secret signal, from red neckties to flannel shirts. Obviously that wouldn’t mean everyone wearing such a signal is LGBTQ+, but combined with other subtle signals it could be a way to identify each other. Much like clothing hairstyles have also been a way to subtly signal.

Some secret signals from the past used flowers. Violets as an expression of lesbianism, green carnations have been associated with gay men, and of course lavender has been one of the most associated flowers with the LGBTQ+ community, much like lavender the colour.

Modern signaling has often involved the use of rainbows in one form or another, or colours and representations from other less well known LGBTQ+ flags and symbols. Sometimes in the form of pins, jewelry, tattoos or other accessories.

Lastly things like mannerisms, hand gestures and language or slang can be used as forms of subtle signaling as well.

LGBTQ+ people have been trying to find ways to subtly self identify and connect for a very long time. Trying to say “I’m here” but only to the safe and accepting people around them who know what to look for, or who are bothering to look.

[Image depicting a few sprigs of lavender]

Some questions to discuss:

1. Signaling in this way has been important historically and in non-accepting societies, do you feel this is still the case today even in more accepting societies? Why or why not?

2. Can you think of any benefits or drawbacks to this kind of subtle signaling?

3. Do you know, or use any secret, or maybe not so secret, signals that you’d like to share?

Sources: https://www.lgbtculturalheritage.com/secret-symbols

https://splinternews.com/a-brief-history-of-gay-signaling-from-hanky-codes-to-t-1793847578

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