08-31-2012, 09:07 PM
I Have honestly never bought into the 'Lingo' or symbolism of the gay community. To me it is this sort of thing that tends to alienate from the generally community, and as a gay man I fit very comfortably in the general community without having to advertise any part of my life.
It's no secret that I am gay, but at the same time it isn't an advertised fact.
As for terminology like Dykes, there is a group of Lesbian women in Australia called 'Dykes on Bikes' who share their love of Harley's and motorbikes in general.
I personally don't find anything offensive about any terminology, until it is used in a derogatory manner. I'm often heard describing myself as a poofter, faggot, fudge packer, etc etc because I personally believe if you take ownership of these words they can't be used as a weapon against you. People in general have gotten far too sensitive about slang language and gone too far with political correctness and civil liberties and all that crap.
But to answer your question, the main symbols are the Raindow and the inverted triangle. There are probably loads of other symbols that are unique to different areas and cultures, as there would be with terminology.
An example 'Bumming' in Australia means nothing to do with sex, it mean's having a lazy day.
The hanky code was mentioned above, there is also a wrist band code which I think is similar to the hanky code.
It's no secret that I am gay, but at the same time it isn't an advertised fact.
As for terminology like Dykes, there is a group of Lesbian women in Australia called 'Dykes on Bikes' who share their love of Harley's and motorbikes in general.
I personally don't find anything offensive about any terminology, until it is used in a derogatory manner. I'm often heard describing myself as a poofter, faggot, fudge packer, etc etc because I personally believe if you take ownership of these words they can't be used as a weapon against you. People in general have gotten far too sensitive about slang language and gone too far with political correctness and civil liberties and all that crap.
But to answer your question, the main symbols are the Raindow and the inverted triangle. There are probably loads of other symbols that are unique to different areas and cultures, as there would be with terminology.
An example 'Bumming' in Australia means nothing to do with sex, it mean's having a lazy day.
The hanky code was mentioned above, there is also a wrist band code which I think is similar to the hanky code.
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