Carabiner code colors meaning. They come in different shapes, sizes, and colors, have sp...
Carabiner code colors meaning. They come in different shapes, sizes, and colors, have special features, and excel in certain . Lesbians and wlw used carabiners as a type of flag code back the the old days to signal to other wlw. Why are carabiners the unofficial accessory of every sapphic night out? Today, for many queer women, wearing a carabiner isn't just about holding keys - it's a nod to history, a statement of identity, and a way to connect with others in the know. Racking carabiners available today are used because they are generally small, lightweight and come in a variety colors, enabling easy identification of the size/color of your protection A secret code or dog whistle if you will. Nov 28, 2000 · It’s all related to the hanky codes (one such list is here, although different lists have slight variations - even on this one, keys meant something specific, not just gay/top or gay/bottom) - depending on the color of the hanky and in which pocket you wear it meant different things. Watch short videos about carabiners meaning from people around the world. Wearing one’s keys on a chain or carabiner was just another way of letting people know what you like. Nov 18, 2022 · There’s also a suggestion that carabiners formed a lesbian alternative to the hanky code, whereby gay men would flag their sexual preferences to each other by tucking a coloured bandana into the Sep 29, 2023 · For sapphics, one of the most common coding or flagging items is a carabiner typically holding keys or other utilitarian tools worn on a belt loop, with left and right holding the same meanings from the original hanky code. Sep 30, 2009 · Today we offer a post to try to clear up some of the confusion surrounding carabiners, and what that kN thing means. Carabiners are as diverse and specialized for climbers as the baits and lures fishermen employ. The form and feel of a carabiner should also be considered: how the carabiner subjectively feels in your hand and if it is comfortable to open and close. Also listed in the guides was the handkerchief code. The loss of the sexual code within carabiner wearing can be seen to be tied more broadly to the integration of the carabiner within mainstream (non-queer) fashion and trends, leading to the deradicialisation of the accessory itself. Learn how this simple item represents strength, resilience, and identity today. Dec 30, 2024 · With that in mind, flagging (signaling your queerness using some form of code) has become a vital part of both queer fashion and queer communication. However, to the climber, all carabiners are very different. ) Carabiners are important for outdoor enthusiasts for utility purposes. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. The first is the EN 12275:2013 rating and a CE marking, with a code for the lab that produced the test. So you visited someone in jail and saw other folks in custody in a variety of shirt colors and with certain coded wristbands? Maybe the person you visited was wearing a different shirt color than the others and had a special letter on his wristband and you felt awkward asking what these colors and codes meant. Mar 13, 2025 · Gay men have the hanky code, and lesbians have carabiners. com. Like many aspects of queer culture, flagging has only expanded into online spaces, meaning many more colors have been added to the code. Hanky Code Introduction Concept The Hanky Code is a longstanding tradition and means of communication within the LGBT community. The problem with flagging, (as it is generally called) is that it can out you in unsafe locations and anyone can buy a handkerchief or carabiner or any colour; which could lead to embarrassing presumptions. Left Side Carabiner Meaning, Carabiner On Left Meaning, Carabiner Meaning Lgbt And More May 30, 2023 · Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, Orange – back right pocket, back left pocket; there was a bandana color and pocket placement for most sexual desires and fetishes. Explore the meaning behind hanky and carabiner codes in fashion culture. And much like the hanky code, which hip you wear your carabiner on can indicate your sexual preference. Sep 21, 2023 · So you've heard of a carabiner breaking in-use and want to know how to prevent it. In some lesbian circles, carabiners have worked like a hanky code - where placement matters. A guide to climbing carabiners: Find out more about types of carabiners, closure systems, load type & how to use them. In recent years, the carabiner has become a more mainstream fashion accessory. However, the accessory also has a history entangled with LGBTQ+ culture. I live in BC. Two feats that can, at times, feel equally challenging. First column specifies type designation according to standard CSN EN 12275. Find Gay Semiotics in our bookstore! Carabiners come in all shapes and sizes. Feb 8, 2022 · The Carabiner: Function as Code The carabiner is a more recent signal, emerging in the mid-twentieth century, and its logic is worth understanding because it reveals something important about how lesbian coded signals work, and why some eventually stop working. Queer coding refers to the subtle, often non-verbal ways LGBTQ+ individuals express or signify their identity, both to each other and to a wider audience. It's just one of the many ways we express ourselves in the world of flagging. There have been many different ways in which people have flagged their queerness over the decades, but one notable trend was the association of different types of flowers for queerness. In addition, the month and year of Why are carabiners the unofficial accessory for every lesbian night out – and what is their meaning for LGBT people? Today, for many queer women, wearing a carabiner isn’t just about holding Oct 24, 2017 · I wouldn't put nail polish on any moving piece of a carabiner. Mostly for convince and so I don't have to bring a bag or purse with me wherever I go. One thing is certain, you won’t get far without carabiners, but which carabiners should you use? Red, green, sliver, oval, pear-shaped, screwgate, double locking, triple locking – carabiners come in all shapes and colours. What do these all have in common? They are all used for flagging: the use of symbols, colors, clothing, and more to symbolize one’s LGBTQ+ identity or sexual preferences. They come in different shapes, sizes, material and serve multiple functions. Center is a standard carabiner rating. Dec 2, 2024 · From green carnations to carabiners, the language of queer coding has spoken volumes in silence for decades. Look closely and you’ll find three sets of numbers followed by “kN,” each representing a different strength rating. Learn about the hanky code and how to use a carabiner effectively! #Carabiner #HankyCode”. Gay men in the USA used to have "The Hanky code" but this is the first that I've heard of a carabiner code. While the full spectrum of colors can be extensive, we'll focus on the primary and most commonly recognized colors in the next section. But how relevant is it today? (ABC: Rachel Rasker/Luke Tribe) The hanky code or flagging process once went out of fashion, however, in recent history; likely because of the influx of social media, it has regained popularity. There is a wide selection of carabiners available, ranging from simple accessory carabiners to the complicated triple-action auto-locking gated DMM Revolver Rig Locksafe. While the color of your carabiner doesn’t mean anything, some lesbians use the position of their carabiner to indicate whether they’re a top or a bottom. They open and close, hold items, or attach one thing to the next. Styles can be murky to tease apart, as some carabiners have a blend of profiles, with different cross-sections along the carabiner body. Jun 2, 2015 · Racking carabiners available today are used because they are generally small, lightweight and come in a variety colors, enabling easy identification of the size/color of your protection note how each racking carabiner matches the cam sling color Most often, manufacturers consider their smallest and lightest carabiners as racking ‘biners. Oct 5, 2022 · Carabiners and the straights: The hetero-ification of the carabiner. Read on to find out if your carabiners are strong enough to climb on. It's also easier and safer to express queer identity than the 1970's or 80's, however, don't assume that everyone takes part in flagging. Carabiners (aka biners) are an essential component in every safety chain in mountain sports. On a lesbian woman, a carabineer clip indicates sapphic inclination, and in some instances, the placement indicates interest- ie left hip = submissive, right hip = dominant got that backwards. This is commonly referred to as the Anyone can wear them it just won’t have the same meaning. A helpful tutorial on carabiner strength ratings and why they are important. As with the Guardia di Finanza but in contrast to the Polizia di Stato, the Carabinieri are a military force. Learn more about how to choose the best carabiner for climbing. Useful for both climbing Everest and signalling your identity as a queer woman. This article also describes some basic differences between belay carabiners, locking carabiners, and non-locking carabiners Every carabiner certified by the UIAA or CE must be marked with the major axis, minor axis, and gate open kN minimum breaking strength statistically determin But what is the carabiner code and what’s the history behind this sapphic symbol? A carabiner is a small metal clip, usually made of aluminium or steel, with a spring-loaded gate, and is Oct 28, 2024 · How to tell others you’re queer without actually telling others you are queer. Apr 25, 2019 · The guides, called Bob Damron’s Address Book, featured various bars, bathhouses and “cruisy areas” in cities from all 50 states. It's so weird. Full story on PinkNews. Rappeling is coming down from the top of a wall. It's a good-natured stereotype that butch lesbians wear carabiners to carry their keys because they don't use purses. Nov 10, 2023 · Lesbian Carabiner Trend: History & Meaning Why do #lesbians wear carabiners? 🤔 Learn about "The History of the Carabiner" 🏳️🌈, a film by @giannapizza in collaboration with @Nikon Europe, now available for free on #WaterBear! Over the past few decades, the carabiner has become a popular fashion statement. We’ve highlighted the main variations of climbing carabiners as well as what we feel the positives and negatives are. What does 22 kN mean? Jan 12, 2026 · Carabiners have a long history with lesbian culture, but they're also associated with climbing. The hanky code is a color-coded system in which an individual wears a specific colored handkerchief in their back pocket (s) to inform others of their sexual interests and roles. You can also use specialized rappel tools like a figure of eight. Carabiners can also be certified by the UIAA and show their mark. The word comes Jun 16, 2023 · The Gay Handkerchief Code is a color-coded system where an individual displays a specific colored handkerchief in their back pocket (s) to communicate their sexual interests and roles. For those who weren’t aware, the carabiner has a deep-rooted history as a symbol of lesbian identity. Second column specifies the designation used in mountaineering literature, which is in some cases different (watch for substitution of types D and B). grey for bondage, black for S&M, light blue for oral, and so on. But what is the ‘carabiner code’ and what’s the history behind this sapphic symbol? Let’s get into it. Apr 6, 2020 · A carabiner is a vital tool for any rock climber, fall protection and as you can see above be used in day to day activities. Jul 22, 2025 · Discover the best rappelling carabiners, including HMS and locking carabiners. Carabiners come in many shapes and sizes and are purpose built for many different climbing applications. You can use nail polish to mark your gear so you know that it's yours (and not your partner's). Conclusion In conclusion, understanding how does a carabiner work is fundamental for anyone involved in tactical activities, climbing, or outdoor adventures. So why do lesbians wear carabiners? To establish an industry accepted factor of safety, NFPA 1983 specifies a minimum performance standard for rescue equipment. A year or so ago I started to wear a carabiner clip on my right side with my keys on it. Dec 5, 2024 · These adorable enameled carabiners from Indian jewelry manufacturer Silver Jewelry King come in a number of color combinations, and a number of shapes to boot. Carabiners. Discover their significance in LGBTQ+ pride contexts! #wlw #pride Oct 25, 2023 · The hanky code, used predominantly by gay men in the 1970s and 80s, has become a legendary part of LGBTQ+ lore. While safe in terms of keeping a tarp secure, they aren’t safe enough to hold your body weight. The one potentially fatal flaw of the finger-flagging system is the two-toned approach to nails has become a larger, mainstream trend among straight women as well. Feb 2, 2025 · Carabiners have different strength ratings. Moved Permanently The document has moved here. Different colors represent a wide range of sexual interests, from vanilla practices to more specialized kinks. It is one of Italy's main law enforcement agencies, alongside the Polizia di Stato and the Guardia di Finanza. Dec 19, 2016 · We’ve put together a summary of the main climbing carabiner shapes and their uses to make your life a little easier the next time you’re in your local outdoor shop. May 27, 2022 · What Are Carabiner Safety Standards? CE / UIAA Markings Carabiners sold for climbing must have passed at least one of two sets of safety standards, and show the relevant marks. By grasping the mechanics, types, materials, and maintenance practices, you can confidently select and utilize carabiners to enhance your safety and efficiency. Here is a useful list of colors with color names and hex codes – the color dictionary! They are divided by color categories and listed alphabetically for quick navigation. Meanings traditionally parallel the traditional hanky code colors –- grey for bondage, black for S&M, blue for oral, purple for trans or non-binary, brown for scat, yellow for watersports, green for hustler, pink for dildo play, red for fisting, orange for adventurous, and so on. This means that the MBS is actually the mean breaking strength less 3 times the standard deviation (3σ). Plus, learn why the position of a carabiner can also symbolise sexual preference within the community. If you want to help keep r/lgbt as a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community on reddit please see here for more info I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically Nov 13, 2023 · The 4 main colors of safety signs—Red, Green, Yellow, and Blue—each signify actions or warnings like stop, safety, caution, and mandatory actions, enhancing workplace safety. Click the links below to… No ofc, I’m not saying that carabiners are completely unique to lesbians, there are other (not necessarily mutually exclusive) subcultures like climbers and skaters who use the carabiner functionally. Clipped on the left, they can signal someone being a “bottom”; on the right, a Nov 8, 2024 · A guide to carabiner kN ratings. For example, a General Use carabiner must have a 3σ MBS of at least 40 kN (8,992 lbf). Why are carabiners the unofficial accessory for every lesbian night out – and what is their meaning for LGBT people? Today, for many queer women, wearing a carabiner isn’t just about holding Aug 1, 2024 · The color of the handkerchief is where the actual complexity of the code comes into play. It is also known as flagging. Oct 16, 2022 · There’s also a suggestion that carabiners formed a lesbian alternative to the hanky code, whereby gay men would flag their sexual preferences to each other by tucking a coloured bandana into the Feb 14, 2018 · Meanings traditionally parallel the traditional hanky code colors –- i. So, how strong is your carabiner? Just look for the marking right on the product. Learn about carabiner strength, types, safety ratings, and when to use each in climbing and rigging. Jan 25, 2020 · These types of carabiners have what’s called an open-lock safety closure, meaning all you have to do is press on the straight edge of the carabiner to get it to open. Small carabiners are super lightweight, your keys will probably outweigh the carabiner itself. Nov 1, 2020 · The Trading Post, a department store specializing in erotic merchandise, began promoting handkerchiefs in the store andc printing cards with their meanings. In the 1980 film Cruising, an undercover cop (Al Pacino) investigating a serial killer in New York City’s leather scene has the code explained to him by a shopkeeper: put a bandana in your back pocket, and the color and position would indicate which sexual acts you were interested Sep 2, 2021 · Markings On each karabiner the following must be obligatorily marked: Manufacturer, carabiner category (except basic carabiner = gate), minimum strength values in kN (longitudinal direction with closed gate, longitudinal direction with open gate and cross direction), reference to the user manual as well as the CE marking with four-digit identification number. Meanings traditionally parallel the traditional hanky code colors –- i. The red and blue handkerchiefs and their significance were already in existence, and meanings were assigned to other colors as well. (At the time of writing, the heart shaped carabiners are about to sell out. As the fourth branch of the Italian Armed Forces, they Dec 18, 2017 · How do caribiners work, and which ones are best for your next day on the rock? Climbing guide Adrian Hurst breaks down the key types and features of biners. If you're curious about what's been happening in terms of our subreddit and the current API changes, please read this post to find out more. We are also always looking for new volunteers to join the r/lgbt moderator team. TikTok video from Ev 🍉🍉🍉 (@horsethey): “Explore the significance of carabiner positioning and its meanings. Nov 15, 2024 · Bandana code, colors and their meanings The bandana code, also known as the handkerchief code, is a way for queer folks to signal their desires and preferences using colorful bandanas. We'll also give you tips and tricks to help ensure a safe climbing experience. Nov 22, 2021 · How is a carabiner measured? A kiloNewton is the unit used to measure carabiner strength, and it can be tricky to understand in climbing scenarios because it’s not a static force. Nov 8, 2024 · Colored bandanas. Dec 20, 2024 · In this sense, the carabiner was the lesbian version of the hanky code, a system where gay men would communicate their sexual preferences by wearing a coloured bandana in the left or right back pocket. 177. 9K Likes, 1258 Comments. Rarely do modern carabiners use a consistent profile along the entire carabiner body, thanks to improvements in computer design, materials engineering and use of a hot-forge process. Types of carabiners Carabiner types and their required minimal static strength. Like the modern day equivalent of the 1970s ‘Hanky Code’ (which originated in San Francisco and was used between gay Dec 7, 2014 · Many carabiner manufacturers state that they use “3-sigma” to determine their MBS values. Convert kN to pounds, know major vs minor vs open-gate strength, and pick the right tool. Feb 28, 2023 · While these might be the “original” flagging colors, the hanky code has expanded well beyond these five, so feel free to have fun and figure out what hanky color ties into your particular niche kinks. Carabiners last a long time. TIL: That for the last 28 years, I've been inadvertently throwing off lesbian signals through my love of my carabiners and keys attached to my belt loop. If the carabiner is equipped with auto-lock no requirements are needed for the data All carabiners that are certified by CE or UIAA must include the statistically acceptable minimum breaking strength for loading along the major axis, the minor axis, and the major axis with the A carabiner is a small metal clip, usually made of aluminium or steel, with a spring-loaded gate, and is commonly used in activities such as rock climbing. In this video, Nick Bonner goes in-depth with many of the carabiners found on TreeStuff. Better to just ask. There are many different preferences for carabiners, and there are as many different shapes and sizes. In The Saint Foundation archives, we have the 1980 edition of Bob Damron’s Address Book, which explained the “color codes” from that year. The left pocket typically signifies a dominant or ‘top’ role, while the right pocket signals a submissive or ‘bottom’ role. Green carnations. Most people here are into outdoor activities and probably own some. I've literally never heard ineverydayy life outside of the internet that these are a lesbian thing. You may be able to find a multi-color scheme that indicates the carabiner's date, but generally that's not an issue (if it looks worn out, replace it). Joking: the only "code" I know is that lesbians who rock climb will be slightly judgemental if your carabiner isn't rated for climbing! Learn about carabiner jewelry in this complete guide, what it is, uses, materials, traits, cultural meanings, and why it’s so popular today! Jun 14, 2023 · From the outsider’s perspective, all climbing carabiners look the same. Jan 23, 2026 · The carabiner code is often compared to the hanky code, in which gay men indicate their sexual preferences based on the position and color of their hanky. May 9, 2023 · In this story from the spring issue of Highsnobiety Magazine, we delve deep into the enormous, richly detailed history of the carabiner. These codes are shaped by history, culture and a need for safety, and they take on unique forms in everything from fashion to film Nov 27, 2023 · From carabiners to the hanky code, queer people have subtly flagged who they are for decades. Jun 30, 2023 · Ah, the sturdy carabiner clip. Call us with any questions. It is pretty much a queer “secret code,” only able to be deciphered by other queer people who know Nov 7, 2024 · Any carabiner made for climbing will have a series of numbers and markings on the spine (the side opposite the gate). The post What is the lesbian carabiner code? appeared first on 300th. Learn the meaning of the symbols, diagrams and ratings shown on carabiners. Checklist included! As women’s job opportunities expanded, the carabiner remained, becoming a quiet symbol of queer resilience, butch style, and community within the wider WLW world. Monocles. A carabiner is a small metal clip It doesn't really symbolize anything that I'm aware of. The color of the handkerchief identifies a particular activity, and the pocket it is worn in (left or right) identifies the wearer's preferred role in that activity Jun 26, 2025 · What's the meaning of wearing a carabiner as an LGBT person? It's both a nod to history and a way to connect with others in the know. Reply reply lykanprince • May 20, 2022 · An HMS carabiner is the most common belay carabiner because of its wide, pear-like shape. I doubt half my province is lesbians. Lavender. These inspections should be performed every 3 months, and the tags that are placed on the equipment represent which quarter of the year the test was performed in. But carabiner keys has been a lesbian meme for a minute, and now it’s getting adopted into more ‘streetwear’ use (rather than utility use). #sherrilltree #petzel RGBY System: Lifting Equipment Inspection Tags Colour Code In order to operate safely, all lifting, rigging and hoisting equipment must be inspected and tagged periodically throughout the year. Again, you can rappel with just a couple of carabiners on their own but most people will use the same belay device to rappel down a rope. Using a carabiner to connect to a rope A carabiner or karabiner (/ ˌkærəˈbiːnər /), [1] often shortened to biner or to crab, colloquially known as a (climbing) clip, is a specialized type of shackle, a metal loop with a spring-loaded gate [2] used to quickly and reversibly connect components, most notably in safety-critical systems. The handkerchief code (also known as the hanky code, the bandana code, and flagging[1]) is a system of color-coded cloth handkerchief or bandanas for non-verbally communicating one's interests in sexual activities and fetishes. The Carabinieri[a] are the national gendarmerie of Italy who primarily carry out domestic and foreign policing duties. Instead, it means mass times acceleration, or how much weight is moving times the accelerating force of gravity. The meaning of CARABINER is a usually D-shaped or oblong metal ring with one spring-hinged side that is used especially in mountain climbing as a connector and to hold a freely running rope. e. For lesbians and queer women in general, the “key code,” was prevalent. The standard requires the manufacturer to label the product with either the specified MBS or any Apr 27, 2025 · Discover the fascinating history behind carabiners as a symbol in lesbian culture, tracing its roots to WWII and the use of keys. Here I thought it was just convenient, so I could stuff my wallet and phone in my front pockets. The carabiners referenced below are specifically for Have you ever wondered what the markings on your carabiner mean? Take a deep dive with Keith at the Petzl Technical Institute and learn all about carabiner strength ratings. Let us help you pick out the best carabiner for your needs. nthn wjhs dfio mnzh rowi phk doux wikgw dfxbd zqjbc
