This Artist's Photo Series Is Teaching Us All About the Hanky Code

By Raffy ErmacApril 27 2020 / 3:03 PM

Raffy Ermac

Raffy is a Los Angeles-based writer, editor, video creator, critic, and digital director of Out Magazine. The former editor-in-chief of PRIDE, he is also a die-hard Rihanna and Sailor Moon stan who loves to write about all things pop culture, entertainment, and identities. Follow him on Instagram (@raffyermac) and Twitter (@byraffy), and subscribe to his YouTube channel.

See Full Bio

Brad Guy's latest photo series is teaching us all we need to know about the Hanky Code.

For those not in the know, many LGBTQ+ people in the '70s wore different-colored handkerchiefs on the back pockets of their pants to display to other queer people their sexual preferences. This system, now popularly known as the Hanky Code, was a great, non-verbal way for queer people to find each other while cruising and learn more about their sexualities and likes without ever having to say a word. But like a lot of things from the past, the Hanky Code is starting to become less and less familiar to people of newer, younger generations.

Through his new photo series where he serves up a ton of fierce, colorful looks, artist Brad Guy is paying homage to Hanky Code in an attempt to teach younger LGBTQ+ folks a little bit of queer history in a fun, visual way. We sat down with Brad and chatted about the origins of the project, the response he's gotten to his bright hankies, and more!

How long have you been taking photos & making art?

The past couple of years. It started out as a hobby but now I've found a new passion for photography and pulling looks together.

See on Instagram

How did you come up with the Hanky Code project?

I've known about the Hanky Code for a few years now after stumbling upon a YouTube video which dived into queer history and the meanings behind the colours of the hankies. I just thought it was so cool that there's this secret code that helped queer people identify with each other and connect. There's so much wisdom to learn from our elders and I wanted to pay homage to the older queers in my life who have inspired me to express myself.

See on Instagram

A lot of queer people in younger generations don't even know about the Hanky Code. Why was it important for you to take on a project like this?

Queer people come from such a long lineage of culture, art, and expression, even against continued oppression. We need to learn about our history and preserve that history as it'll help us be grateful for what we've achieved in terms of equality, but also encourage us to keep fighting for more. I'm also a big believer in sexual freedom and shaking off some of the shame we feel about our desires. Don't yuck someone's yum, we've all got tastes. Deep down everyone wears a coloured hanky of some sort, they just don't show it. There's no need to judge. Get your rocks off and have fun!

See on Instagram

What’s it like being a queer creator in a world that is still very straight/heteronormative?

Challenging. I've had several moments in my career where I've been told to tone down the gay. When I was a radio jock I literally had a senior manager tell me I was mentioning being gay too often and that the audience wouldn't be ready for it. And that was all because I told a story on air about my boyfriend and I being obsessed with IKEA. That's just one example of being openly gay in the media and there's plenty more. We have to play by their rules but they rarely play by ours and that's not fair. Even in the online space you just have to accept that you'll get toxic trolls spouting some homophobic bullshit at you. Not to mention platforms like YouTube and Instagram censoring/demonitising queer content that could actually be helping our community. I'm lucky I've got a thick skin but I feel sorry for these queer kids growing up that are trying to find validation or sanctuary online and have to see these harmful messages. That's why community is so important. Our queer spaces are so vital.

See on Instagram

What has the feedback been like since you started posting the photos? Do you ever experience backlash or homophobia because of your art? If so, how do you deal with it?

The feedback has been great! I was blown away! I think because it was super visual with some education thrown in helped it resonate with people. It's pushed me to keep on creating for sure.
When it comes to homophobia online, it's best not to engage. Honestly some of the comments are absolutely cooked but they come from warped people who don't even have the guts to share their name or photo. They just want a reaction. It's honestly embarrassing to be a homophobe in today's climate, it really is. So don't feed the trolls, because then they'll grow. But I've also worked on changing my mindset. If I'm getting a reaction from a bigot, then I'm doing something right. They've hated me so much that they'll waste their time consuming my content then writing me a comment just to tell me I'm an abomination. Thanks for the engagement! Also if someone so passionately believes you should burn in hell with Satan, that's kinda fierce. Own it.

See on Instagram

What’s your favorite thing about the Hanky Code project? And what do you hope people learn/take from your art?

I loved being able to showcase some cool queer history, but combine it with something I love which is fashion. I tried to do a variety of looks but I definitely kept to my own style, so there's a lot of sparkly spandex and bright colours! I hope people learn to embrace their kinks, respect their elders and express themselves. Share your gifts with the world!

See on Instagram