189. The Hanky Code aka "How Did Gay People Meet Before Grindr?"

E189 - 189. The Hanky Code aka "How Did Gay People Meet Before Grindr?"

Published: June 15, 2026

Duration: 41:26

A rainbow of secrets. A coded language. And a hidden world built for survival.


Long before Grindr, Scruff, Sniffies, or social media, queer men relied on an intricate system of colored bandanas to communicate desires, identities, and interests in a world where being yourself could be dangerous. In this Pride Month episode, Jordi and Brad dive into the fascinating history of the Hanky Code, exploring its disputed origins, ties to leather culture, and how this colorful piece of queer history became one of the community’s most iconic symbols. Then, things take a hilarious turn as Br...