Ring Finger

[sunairco]

I'm wondering about something. Things have changed in recent years and now the "official" ring finger for L/G for marriage now that's it's becoming acceptable is the right hand and regular ring finger. If you search on the net, this is all you find.

Traditionally I've heard two Bat Signals that indicated you were gay or Bi. Right pinky if you were gay and right ring finger if you wore a wedding band on your left hand for Bi, both silver or stainless simple bands.

There was another standard wearing a ring on your dominant hand on your index finger as a consecrated bird finger to the conservative society if you were gay.

Marriage has clouded the issue as well as jewelry manufactures trying to cash in on g/l specific rings.

I'm wondering about the old standards. If you wanted to give a Bat Signal you were Bi or gay, what was the traditional ring fingers and types of rings pre-stonewall or as a historic subtle indication you weren't heteronormative.

While I'm never going to have my ears pierced, this has been another befuddling topic with a zillion different answers from signals you're a swinger, gay, or involved in a particular lifestyle that searching the net gives too many conflicting answers.

What were the old standards when everything was covert and you'd have to navigate society incognito, but put yourself out there like a secret handshake from a secret society?

One thing that I do know. I've worn a stainless band on my right pinky since undergrad as an engineer that's been mistaken as gay during the 70's and 80's. I don't even know if the old hanky code is still relevant.

Are there any other traditional Bat signals I'm overlooking? Today's world is in your face from purple rhinoceroses, triangles, and rainbows being out and proud. How about old school signalling?

I used to wear my belt buckle to the left during my teens and early 20's and wore my watch on my right hand for other reasons besides being left handed. Those in the know picked up on it and got it. The heamostats or feather/alligator clip were obvious on my jacket collar.

[bluesoul]

handkerchief code is still going on- though probably not as prevalent with the younger generation. colors tell you what the person does (fisting, rimming, watersports, s&m, oral etc) while the side you put it on tells whether you receive or give and with some, just watch (left is giver, right is receiver)
btw: there were also bandana's which were worn in the front pocket (i don't know what these meant, but indicating the wrong fetish usually would be frowned upon)

earring code used to be somewhat similar. if someone wore only one (1) earring on the right it meant he was gay. left meant he was straight whilst both ears meant he was bissexual or he didn't mind being top or bottom (usually it meant the latter although, wrongly, that's how most people defined bisexuals- as people that fucked women but also got fucked by men)

today, a combination of mannerisms, certain behavior and fashion is usually considered the indicator though, due to the inaccuracy of this technique combined with the politically correct climate is only shared and/or discussed with polite company

[sunairco]

Hanky code was used also by the straight swinger crowd. I remember it being discussed in the swinger rags of the early to mid 70's as the way to signal preferences at mixers and events hosted.

[Prospero]

what does a hankie worn this way signify?

[Jericho]

what does a hankie worn this way signify?

That you aint going to get laid!

[Jamie French]

It's 2014. You can just say you're gay without having to resort to silly codes. Gay bars also tend to weed out the gays from the straights... you know, because fuckin' GAY bar.

[giovanni_hotel]

LOL. So complicated. Sounds like a Cold War spy novel.

[sunairco]

Who is making a case about identity? I'm just hoping someone can chime in with what the old signals like ring placement were back in when it was illegal to be gay or even associate with each other. People tend to forget the way things were in a very short time.

It's 2014. You can just say you're gay without having to resort to silly codes. Gay bars also tend to weed out the gays from the straights... you know, because fuckin' GAY bar.

[Tapatio]

Who is making a case about identity? I'm just hoping someone can chime in with what the old signals like ring placement were back in when it was illegal to be gay or even associate with each other. People tend to forget the way things were in a very short time.

I find the signal thing interesting, too. It's like deciphering Masonic behavior.

But I'm also happy for people who can be who they are (for the most part, anyway) and not have to worry about this type of thing.

[Jamie French]

We tend to forget the Betamax's of the world when VCR's take their place and on down the line until we forget about physical media all together. Get with the times man. No one is gonna beat you up for the gay. Decoder rings are a thing of the past. Catch up guy, dudes are waiting for you.

Who is making a case about identity? I'm just hoping someone can chime in with what the old signals like ring placement were back in when it was illegal to be gay or even associate with each other. People tend to forget the way things were in a very short time.