In the rich and expressive world of kink, communication doesn’t always happen through words. For decades, kinksters have used visual symbols—colours, clothing styles, emojis, and flags—to signal their desires, limits, and roles. From handkerchief codes to pup hoods and Twitter bios, flagging is still very much alive. Whether you’re new to the scene or deep into the lifestyle, understanding these symbols can unlock more meaningful connections—and help you find exactly what (or who) you’re looking for.

A History of Handkerchiefs: The Roots of Flagging

Flagging began in the 1970s gay leather community, where coloured handkerchiefs were worn in back pockets to signal sexual interests. The left pocket usually meant you were a top or dominant, while the right signalled bottom or submissive. Each colour represented a different kink—light blue for oral sex, grey for bondage, red for fisting, and so on.

Though the original code was extensive, many people now use a more simplified or personalised version. Some kinksters wear colours that match their personality or identity, even if they stray from traditional meanings.

🧠 Want to dive deeper into kink history? Check out our post: Femdom Through the Ages: A Historical Look at Female Domination

Modern Day Flagging: Accessories, Apparel & Signals

The language of flagging has evolved with fashion and tech. These days, people flag using a combination of:

• Bandanas or handkerchiefs
• Coloured harnesses
• Leather and latex gear
• Pup hoods or tails (often in identifying colours)
• Jewellery (collars, chains, rings)
• Fetish pride flags (like the leather, rubber, or puppy play flags)

Each item can carry meaning, whether it’s the bright yellow of watersports or a black collar indicating D/s dynamics. Wearing gear to clubs, fetish nights, or even in selfies online can be a way to flag desire to others in-the-know.

Digital Flagging: Emojis & Online Codes

In the age of OnlyFans, Fetlife, and platforms like Domin8trix, digital flagging is just as crucial.

Here are common ways kinksters signal desires online:

• Emojis: 🍒 = virginity/innocence play, 💦 = cum play, 🐶 = puppy play, 🧷 = pain, 🔗 = bondage
• Hashtags: #submissive #FemDom #kinktok
• Profile bios: Clearly list kinks, roles, and soft/hard limits
• Usernames: Many incorporate FetLife roles like “Sir”, “Domme”, or “pup_”

Platforms like Domin8trix offer cam models and viewers the opportunity to showcase their fetishes visually, with custom tags and bios that make desire explicit and navigable.

✅ Pro Tip: Be clear but creative—symbols offer mystery, but they shouldn’t replace consent-based communication. Always clarify intentions before play.

A side-by-side visual guide to four key fetish pride flags used in the kink community.

Flagging Fetish Pride: The Flags That Fly

Just as LGBTQ+ communities have pride flags, so do fetish communities. These flags are displayed at events, in social media banners, and even as fashion accessories. Some popular examples include:

• Leather Pride Flag: Black, blue, white stripes with a red heart – general leather/kink identity
• Pup Play Flag: Blue/white/black with a bone – for pups and handlers
• Rubber Pride Flag: Black, red, yellow with a kinked stripe – rubber/latex lovers
• Master/slave Flag: Black with a red stripe and BDSM triskelion

Wearing or displaying these flags shows pride in your kink identity and signals solidarity within the community.

Why Symbols Matter in Kink Culture

Symbols provide more than just sexy hints—they build visibility, inclusion, and consent into everyday life. They’re tools of self-expression, connection, and safety.

For newcomers, symbols can help decode a room full of strangers. For seasoned kinksters, they can affirm identity and help find compatible partners or audiences—especially online. Domin8trix encourages users to explore these expressions fully, whether you’re looking to broadcast a fetish on cam, find fans who share your taste, or discover new turn-ons in a safe, visible way.