Editing Handkerchief code (section)

== Present day ==
The hanky code has recently undergone a revival and while the use of handkerchiefs may not be as prevalent, the hanky colors are a common consideration in the choice of leather and [[Fetish fashion|fetish gear]] color.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Networks|first=Hornet|date=2022-02-11|title=We're Loving the Push to Revive the Hanky Code for a New Queer Population|url=https://hornet.com/stories/new-hanky-code/|access-date=2022-02-18|website=Hornet|language=en}}</ref>
[[File:Red-Hanky-Handkerchief-Code.jpg|thumb|A red hanky signifies interest in fisting]]
According to the [[Schwules Museum]], the creation of the [[leather pride flag]] in 1989 marked "a turning point in the history of the mostly gay leather and BDSM movements: moving away from secret signs and symbols (hanky cloths, for example) to more obvious and public visibility, both in the gay scene and society in general."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Object of the Month May: Leather Pride Flag |url=https://www.schwulesmuseum.de/bibliothek-archiv/object-of-the-month-may-leather-pride-flag/?lang=en |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=[[Schwules Museum]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

Social media may have lessened the use of hankies in cruising areas by digitizing the process. By using online platforms, [[men who have sex with men]] (MSM) can eliminate harassment and violence that they may face in public.<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal|last1=Filice|first1=Eric|last2=Raffoul|first2=Amanda|last3=Meyer|first3=Samantha B.|last4=Neiterman|first4=Elena|date=2019-07-05|title=The Impact of Social Media on Body Image Perceptions and Bodily Practices among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Critical Review of the Literature and Extension of Theory|journal=Sex Roles|volume=82|issue=7–8|pages=387–410|language=en|doi=10.1007/s11199-019-01063-7|s2cid=198629523|issn=1573-2762|doi-access=free}}</ref> [[:Category:LGBTQ online dating services|Social networking services for MSM]] allow them to easily identify sexual interests without the need for physical apparel.<ref name=":1" />