Left carabiner meaning 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. [body. Here, we take a look at the tools gay men have historically used to determine who is into what. Here’s a quick guide on when to use locking carabiners and when a regular non-locker will do. Better to just ask. May 5, 2017 · Carabiner how to guide: choosing and using the right carabiner When using equipment to belay or to maneuver, carabiners are a vital link in the safety chain. The handkerchief code (also known as the hanky / hankie code, the bandana / bandanna 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. Mine aren't on a carabiner anymore, sadly, but when they were it was some pot metal piece of garbage from an amusement park with a nylon strap or something. Oct 16, 2022 · Though the importance of carabiners in lesbian culture is clear, the origins of the accessory aren’t, as it’s impossible to know exactly when carabiners were invented. The Golden Origins: From the Gold Rush to the Dance Floor The inception of the Handkerchief Code traces back to the gold rush settlers in mid-19th century San Francisco. Feb 2, 2025 · Carabiners have different strength ratings. They all mean pretty much the same thing: creating an obstruction on one strand of your rappel rope, that cannot be pulled through the anchor master point. In this video, Nick Bonner goes in-depth with many of the carabiners found on TreeStuff. 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. Two feats that can, at times, feel equally challenging. e. 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. offset, or curved to one side. 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. It is also known as flagging. Mar 17, 2025 · While originally a coded term for gay men, derived from The Wizard Of Oz, Shannon Beveridge has reimagined it, expanding its meaning to allow individuals across the LGBTQIA spectrum to signal their belonging to the community. Define carabiner. This article features a breakdown of the parts of a carabiner and how to select the right carabiner for the river and rescue situations. Anyone can wear a carabiner regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Jul 21, 2016 · Back-clipping can result in the quickdraw coming unclipped during a fall, and it happens when you clip the rope so it’s running through the carabiner incorrectly. Let's take a closer look at this old-school technique that newer climbers may not yet know. Shirts for Women, Men, Non-binary. It's perfect for single pitch cragging and gym climbing. Keywords: carabiner coding tips, carabiner left or right meaning, significance of carabiner placement, unique carabiner uses, belt carabiner benefits, cool carabiners for outdoors, outdoor gear organization, carabiner usage guide, best practices for carabiners, functional carabiner tips Keywords: carabiner placement explanation, carabiner left or right meaning, understanding carabiner coding, carabiner side meaning, carabiner keychain usage, hanky code significance, carabiner code explained, carabiner meanings in context, carabiner positioning tips, understanding carabiner codes Jan 25, 2018 · One scientific and one mental, ”says KP. Aug 18, 2023 · The carabiner was once a subtle signifier of someone’s sexuality — particularly among lesbian or bisexual women — but has now been spread amongst the masses. Apr 23, 2025 · Lesbian Carabiner Code Explained Lesbians often wear a carabiner to indicate their sexuality to other lesbians. Clipping a carabiner to your belt or bag can indicate you're part of the queer community, and, like the key code, side placement matters—left for more dominant or top, right for more submissive or bottom. To avoid the risk of breaking or accidentally opening a carabiner, it is important to know how to choose and use them. i'm curious about why carabiners are so important to lesbians and what your thoughts are on people who are not lesbians wearing them. com. HMS is also considered short for the German word, "Halbmastwurfsicherung", a knot which is called the Munter Hitch in English. Tomboy We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. This guide is designed to help the reader understand which carabiner is best suited to which application and to help them make an informed purchase. Top row: offset D wiregate, offset D bent gate, offset D straight gate, offset D screw gate, offset oval screw gate, and offset oval twist lock. They are small metal loops with a spring-loaded gate. So, flagging is a way of telling other lgbtq people your gay without telling them. Dec 18, 2017 · Climbing carabiners are engineered to handle the loads commonly experienced while engaged in climbing activities. In a time where a discreet means of finding other queers and a means of quickly identifying interests was needed, bandanas or hankies which were readily available in a variety of colours and Nov 18, 2022 · Though the importance of carabiners in lesbian culture is clear, the origins of the accessory aren’t, as it’s impossible to know exactly when carabiners were invented. But there Dec 18, 2012 · The Petzl Pirana snugly attaches to a carabiner by design, making it quite difficult to lose the device when doing a floating disconnect. Mar 13, 2025 · What do carabiners signal to other lesbians? At the intersection of fashion and function is the trusty carabiner, which has been doing double duty as a lesbian flagging device ever since. Unisex. Having your keys easily accessible without requiring pockets or a purse is simply functional. Reason: if you fall, the force goes against the strongest part of the carabiner; the spine, not the gate. child format, for example [body. A secret code or dog whistle if you will. "The scientific reason is that you should hang the quickdraw so that the snap on the lower carabiner is pointing in the opposite direction to your climbing direction, right?" Loop in so that the snapper points to the left and thus the carabiner backs in my climbing direction. Dec 5, 2024 · Nowadays, the carabiner has come far from its working-class origins — every fashion girl you know likely covets a Chopova Lowena carabiner skirt, and even Carrie Bradshaw has worn a carabiner necklace in recent years. Apr 25, 2019 · Some may think that the gay community’s obsession with finding out the sexual proclivities of a potential partner is a trend of today. Feb 8, 2022 · Carabiners Although Carabiners have been a necessity for climbing enthusiasts, they have also been ingrained into the lesbian culture. Jun 27, 2023 · A twin-gate carabiner is the only single-action auto locker design currently on the market, meaning all you have to do is open a single gate to get things in or out of the carabiner. Learn how to choose carabiners for rock climbing, and the benefits of locking, nonlocking, wiregate, bent-gate and straight-gate carabiners. Traditionally, wearing one on your left side means you’re a top, and wearing one on the right means you’re a bottom. What does 22 kN mean? Basically it is a unit of FORCE not weight. Middle row: partial Oct 9, 2019 · Different carabiners serve different purposes, and depending on what you’re climbing (and how), you’ll need ‘biners for a variety of different applications. Meaning of carabiner. Tips for selecting carabiner shapes, locking mechanisms, and guidelines. Carabiners are tools for mountain climbing so how can a photographer use them? You'll be amazed at what you can do with a carabiner in your photo kit! Jun 5, 2024 · The Black Diamond Gridlock Screwgate carabiner eliminates any worries of having your belay carabiner and device not being properly oriented. Equal D-Shaped Carabiners The most popular carabiner you will find is a “D-Shaped” carabiner. So why do lesbians wear carabiners? Concept The Hanky Code is a longstanding tradition and means of communication within the LGBT community. A helpful tutorial on carabiner strength ratings and why they are important. Joking: the only "code" I know is that lesbians who rock climb will be slightly judgemental if your carabiner isn't rated for climbing! Jun 14, 2023 · A carabiner is one of the most important and versatile pieces of climbing gear. The Hanky Code The handkerchief comprehensive list of tattoos commonly associated with the queer community and their meanings. Small carabiners are super lightweight, your keys will probably outweigh the carabiner itself. Here I thought it was just convenient, so I could stuff my wallet and phone in my front pockets. 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 Dec 19, 2016 · Traditionally carabiners are manufactured using a section of alloy rod that is bent into the desired shape, then the nose and gate hinge are machined and gate added. An oblong metal ring with a hinged and spring-loaded gate, used in activities such as mountaineering to connect a running Carabiners, or ‘biners,’ are critical components in climbing, rigging, and safety equipment systems. An ATC locked into a D-type carabiner HMS: A special kind of carabiner is often used in rock climbing. This article also describes some basic differences between belay carabiners, locking carabiners, and non-locking carabiners To indicate sexual preferences women loving women have often worn keys or carabiners attached to their trousers. . CARABINER definition: 1. i. Feb 14, 2018 · The versatile bandana can be found in all the colours of the rainbow and years before Gilbert Baker designed the rainbow flag, the most recognised symbol of the queer community, some were already flagging. Useful for both climbing Everest and signalling your identity as a queer woman. _Atsco_ which side does the carabiner go- like my left/right or what other people would see as my left/right ? 😵💫 this may be silly but i got hella confused all of a sudden Oct 5, 2022 · After uncovering the history of carabiners, I became hungry to understand their present, so I took to the streets (Eastern Avenue), on a mission given to me by Sappho herself: to locate the campus carabiner queers, interview them, and maybe, just maybe, strengthen queer solidarity on campus. This also means only specific carabiners work with the Pirana: the Petzl Attache, Petzl William, and the Pirate carabiners from Rock Exotica are the common options. HMS = HeMi Spherical. Traditionally all gear was racked using whatever standard carabiners were available. 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). Guests collaborated with the brand to create their own accessories spelling out their desires and meeting like-minded people. Jun 30, 2016 · Carabiners are an important fundamental of rafting. Static block. Types of Carabiner Locking Carabiners: Locking carabiners have a failsafe mechanism to keep them closed—usually a metal tube you can twist to shield the gate from opening accidentally (the gate is the part of the carabiner that opens and closes). exterior. Dec 21, 2016 · The semiotics of the carabiner have largely been divorced from sex for today’s lesbian, but key clips are still reliable identity flagging implements. DO NOT go out and get carabiner like items from the hardware store and bring them out to a climbing site! Also if you have non-climbing type key chain carabiners around, never let these get mixed into your climbing equipment. A tongue-in-cheek historical documentary / fashion film hybrid that takes viewers on a journey through queer history to trace the origins of the carabiner as a lesbian symbol. Discover how to choose the right carabiner for climbing and outdoor adventures with Black Diamond's expert guidance. 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. 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. Carabiners are not just simple metal clips; they are vital components of tactical and outdoor gear that require a deep understanding of their design and functionality. Left side = top Right side = bottom It’s a subtle form of communication — a wink to those who know — that adds another layer of connection and self Carabiner, a full history Navigation Vertical caving terminology and methods > General hardware Carabiner, karabiner, crab, krab (sometimes "snap-link", "locker", "biner" or "clip" in USA) Many different designs of carabiners. Wearing one’s keys on a chain or carabiner was just another way of letting people know what you like. But what is the ‘carabiner code’ and what’s the history behind this sapphic symbol? Let’s get into it. What does carabiner mean? Information and translations of carabiner in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. Placing a hanky in the left pocket indicates the wearer’s alignment with a top 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. By simply sneaking a glance at the booty, anyone who knows what’s up can either give you a knowing nod, a tight lipped smile, or come over and ask to buy you We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. an object used for attaching two things, for example by a climber for attaching a rope to a…. Jun 17, 2023 · Rope block. Nov 28, 2000 · Never heard of it. For those who weren’t aware, the carabiner has a deep-rooted history as a symbol of lesbian identity. carabiner also kar·a·bi·ner n. The special offset shape of the HMS carabiner allows a climber to use the Munter Hitch for belaying without Dec 20, 2024 · Carabiner on the left means you're a top, Carabiner on the right means you're a bottom, and if on the middle, you're a switch. May 9, 2020 · Carabiner How To Guide for rigging and rescue. Some carabiners are built for very specific uses, while others are geared toward general use. To clip on the left or to clip on the right? Nov 27, 2023 · From carabiners to the hanky code, queer people have subtly flagged who they are for decades. But even as the mainstream catches onto carabiners, they remain an essential queer accessory. Dec 2, 2024 · Cuffed jeans and carabiners: A look at how subtle signals have helped LGBTQ+ individuals navigate history, media and modern life. A locking carabiner (left) and a non-locking carabiner (right) 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. River rescue carabiners are brought over from climbing, however rafting carabiners require different maintenance and selection criteria. There’s one correct way to set it up and several wrong ways, as well as a method to substitute three standard carabiners for two locking carabiners. Instead, it means mass times acceleration, or how much weight is moving times the accelerating force of gravity. In some cases, the side of your pants that you wear your carabiner on indicates whether you’re a top or bottom. Discover how to choose a carabiner with Crate Club—your ultimate source for premium tactical, survival, and self-defense gear. left] markings are readable when viewing the spine on edge, and reads correct when the gate is facing left (markings would be upside down if the gate was facing right). left] would refer to the spine of the carabiner as the gate is facing to the left. Get expert tips, guides, and tools to stay prepared for every mission and challenge. With the number of carabiners on the market these days, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed about picking the right one for your needs. Carabiners are strongest when stressed on their major axises meaning directly in line, vertically, along the spine. May 30, 2024 · Carabiners have a long history with lesbian culture, but they're also associated with climbing. The rope can slide freely in ONE direction, but not in the other. Our simple guide to choosing carabiners (part 1) should help you choose the correct type for different climbing applications. Quality shirts for everyBODY - 31 sizes & shapes per design. They are the go-to tool for quickdraws, locking anchor points, and clipping into protection. CARABINER meaning: 1. In climbing terms, it can be looked In such high-stakes situations, understanding how does a carabiner work can mean the difference between safety and peril. But questions like “into” and “looking for” have been around a lot longer than the dating apps we use today to ask them. No one ever assumed I was gay (I’m not) because of it. But how relevant is it today? (ABC: Rachel Rasker/Luke Tribe) Nov 15, 2024 · For lesbians, bisexual women, and non-binary people, carabiners have become a popular and low-key way to signal community membership. The correct way is to have the rope coming up from behind (between carabiner and wall), through the carabiner and out, away from the wall and then to your harness. Jul 1, 2020 · Rigging two standard carabiners opposite and opposed can replace one locker. 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. Technically, racking carabiners can be any carabiner you have – they become a racking carabiner when they start holding, or “racking” your gear. Reepschnur. But what is the ‘carabiner code’ and what’s the history behind this sapphic symbol? Let Definition of carabiner in the Definitions. Lets take a look at the styles, but first some basics. carabiner synonyms, carabiner pronunciation, carabiner translation, English dictionary definition of carabiner. A carabiner is a small metal clip Dec 30, 2024 · Fashion in the queer community has had a long and storied history, much longer than that of the modern queer movement. Do you need an auto-locking carabiner or a non-locking carabiner? How much weight does your carabiner need to support? What shape carabiner is right for you? All these questions play a vital role in your selection. These carabiners are cheaper to make but are also heavier. History and Evolution The carabiner, derived from the German word Karabinerhaken (meaning “hook for a carbine”), has military origins Jul 13, 2020 · The shape impacts the carabiner’s core characteristics, such as the gate opening, load positioning on the body, strength, and ergonomics. For lesbians and queer women in general, the “key code,” was prevalent. These designs have served as symbols of identity, pride, solidarity, and resistance. Mar 29, 2013 · To clarify, cross-loading happens when a carabiner is stressed horizontally on its minor axis: On one side the rope stresses horizontally against the gate, nose, or locking sleeve and center of the spine. User safety often relies on a single carabiner. Knot block. Learn more about how to choose the best carabiner for climbing. Center is a standard carabiner rating. 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 2,277 likes, 21 comments - pinknews on June 17, 2025: "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. Jan 23, 2019 · Meaning, if the route heads to the right, the gate on the bottom carabiner should face to the left. Carabiner block. H It doesn't really symbolize anything that I'm aware of. Androgynous Style. Often, people who have recently discovered their sapphic identity and are searching for ways to express it will learn that the carabiner is a universal symbol for to women loving women. Androgyny has also been an important part of this history — gay men frequently wear outfits seen as more effeminate and lesbians may dress in more traditionally masculine clothes. It's a good-natured stereotype that butch lesbians wear carabiners to carry their keys because they don't use purses. Jun 16, 2023 · The left pocket typically signifies a dominant or ‘top’ role, while the right pocket signals a submissive or ‘bottom’ role. Forging a carabiner, either using hot or cold methods can produce much more elaborate shapes. Common Jun 30, 2023 · Ah, the sturdy carabiner clip. spine. The word comes Apr 27, 2025 · ⚡ Carabiners and Community Signals While the colour of your carabiner doesn’t typically carry a special meaning, placement can be a quiet indicator within the modern lesbian community. Gay men in the USA used to have "The Hanky code" but this is the first that I've heard of a carabiner code. This format uses the a parent. 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. There are many types of carabiners, so it's important to Feb 1, 2022 · Carabiners come in a variety of shapes and sizes, are designed for different purposes and have become very specialized over recent years. Read on and learn how to choose carabiners. Like the modern day equivalent of the 1970s ‘Hanky Code’ (which originated in San Francisco and was used between gay 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. net dictionary. 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. Button up shirts designed with a gender neutral style. The Hanky Code emerged in the USA in the 1970’s (some say New York on the East coast, some say San Francisco on the West coast) as a way to signal (using back pockets) to others in the Queer community just what exactly you’re into. Carabiners are an important piece of climbing equipment. Main climbing application: it Keywords: queer culture significance of carabiner placement, wearing carabiners in LGBTQ+ community, left vs right carabiner meaning, queer identity expressions, sapphic representation through accessories, LGBTQ+ fashion symbols, understanding queer history, carabiner styles in bi community, symbols of belonging in LGBTQ+ culture, interpreting Oct 25, 2023 · On February 13, 2023, Feeld hosted an event with Susan Alexandra in New York City. Each aspect, from their historical development to the materials they are made of, plays a role in their functionality and suitability for various tasks. They’re ideal for building anchors, rappelling, belaying, and any other situation where accidentally unclipping could put your life in danger Mar 13, 2020 · There's a wide variety of carabiners available on the market. I used to wear my keys on a carabiner attached to a belt loop because I didn’t like them poking me in the thigh when they were in my pocket. i'm not lesbian and want to start using a carabiner so i'm curious on what the discourse is regarding them. It's likely to have started as a trend in the mid-20th century, as a symbol for butch and masc-presenting women working blue collar jobs. In recent years, the carabiner has become a more mainstream fashion accessory. Doing this lets you rappel a single strand on the “fixed” strand of rope. There is a wide variety of uses for carabiners, and the type will determine the use it is best fit for. 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 determined for that carabiner design. 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. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. Left hip = top, Right hip Definition of carabiner noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Basic keys, car, apartment, mailbox, bike lock, gun safe, parents' house that i never visit anymore, and a keychain with the Bulbasaur evolutionary line on it and a pokeball. This merchandise also features the iconic carabiner, a definite lesbian signal. BUT, anyone can wear a carabiner since it's for practical use. Learn more. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. In honor of the event, Feeld is looking back at the rich histories of queer flagging. yce tiaivv xxqqu gyur ulxkyj jime gnyia gpq tnyf qcmjup ltbxfh ialwa rrvyt xda yhtlbca