‘Queer flagging’ has been a practice in the LGBTQ+ community for decades, since the art of subtlety was a requirement in order to avoid being the victim of persecution.
It is when queer people use their clothes in order to signify their sexuality or gender identity to other people in the community.
We still see queer flagging in modern day. Although many people no longer face the same dangers they did in the past when they come out, it is still comforting to recognise other people in the queer community.
Another plus is that it helps when flirting with someone, as it can help you check out if you may have a chance with them!
If you’re interested in keeping the practice alive, there are many examples of historical queer flagging you could incorporate into your outfits. Pansies are one significant queer symbol.
Historically, ‘pansy’ was used as a derogatory term against gay men, calling them effeminate. In the 1970s, gay men reclaimed this word, wearing pansy flowers on their jacket to signify that they were homosexual, and proud to be so.
Rings are another historical flagging code. In the 20th century, gay men would wear a ring on their pinkie finger and gay women would wear a ring on their thumb. This is no longer a commonly used idea but has been replaced by other jewellery based queer flags such as earrings.
In the modern day, new methods of flagging have emerged, too: like Ace and Aro rings.
Ace rings are black, on the right middle finger showing the wearer is on the asexual spectrum. Aro rings are white, on the left middle finger showing the wearer is on the aromantic spectrum.
The instructions are specific so that the chance of someone dressing like this by accident is decreased, so intentional queer flagging can be recognised clearly.
A popular way of queer flagging is to wear the colours of your identity’s pride flag in your outfit or accessories. Pride flags are composed of curated symbolic colours, created to go with identity labels.
In a more obvious way of telling people your identity, some people wear a badge with their flag on – they can be easily attached to a lapel, bag or accessory!
Some have questioned whether queer flagging still ‘works’ in this day and age. On the one hand, queer flagging has stood the test of time, evolving to fit society. More people are aware of its codes than ever, due to easy access to queer spaces on social media.
However, because of this widespread knowledge, it is no longer the same ‘hidden’ system of communication between the LGBTQ+ community. For example, rainbow merchandise is often used by cisgender and heterosexual people to show their allyship.
Therefore, it might be harder to spot a genuine queer flag in modern day.
Many people may also no longer feel the need to use queer flagging codes, as they feel comfortable being loud and proud about their identity!
Image credit: Avery Hewitt
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