Decoding Sapphic Symbols: Our Secret (and Not-So-Secret) Language

Pondering those subtle (and often not-so-subtle) symbols we use to signal our sapphic status? Or, maybe you are just looking for a cool tattoo idea? Either works, dive with us into the colorful world sapphic symbols as we explore the obvious, historical, and obscure.

1. The Labrys 🪓

Picture this: a double-headed axe. Badass, right? The labrys has roots in ancient Minoan culture but was adopted by lesbian feminists in the 1970s. It screams "strong, independent woman who doesn't need a man (but might want a woman)."

2. Interlocking Venus Symbols ⚢

This one's pretty self-explanatory: two female symbols (♀) linked together. It's like the symbol is saying, "Yes, we're both ladies, and yes, we're together!" Simple, elegant, and to the point.

3. Black Triangle ▼

Originally used by Nazis to mark "asocial" women (including lesbians) in concentration camps, the black triangle was reclaimed by lesbian activists in the 1980s. It's a powerful symbol of turning oppression into pride.

4. Violets 🌺

Thanks to ancient Greek poet Sappho (the OG sapphic), violets have been associated with lesbian love for centuries. Sappho wrote about giving her lady loves garlands of violets. So next time you see a violet, give a little nod to our poetic ancestor!

5. Rainbow Flag 🏳️‍🌈

Okay, this one's for all of us in the LGBTQ+ community, but it's worth mentioning. Designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978, it's the ultimate symbol of queer pride and diversity.

6. Lesbian Pride Flag

There are several versions, but the most common one features stripes in shades of pink, white, and orange. It's like a sunset, but gayer.

7. Scissors ✂️

Yes, really. "Scissoring" became a sapphic innuendo, and now scissors are sometimes used as a cheeky symbol of lesbian sex.

8. The Pink Triangle 🔺

Like the black triangle, the pink triangle was reclaimed from its dark Nazi origins. While it's often associated with gay men, many lesbians and queer women use it too.

9. Thumb Rings 💍

Not exactly ancient, but definitely a modern sapphic signal! Thumb rings have become a subtle way for queer women to recognize each other in the wild.

10. Carabiner 🔗

This one is so good we made it our logo! Originally useful for rock climbing and also practical for carrying keys, it became associated with lesbian culture, particularly with more masculine-presenting women.

11. Celestial Symbols ☽

Moons, stars, and other celestial symbols are often used in sapphic imagery, possibly connected to goddess worship and feminist spirituality.

12. Purple Hand ✋

After a 1969 protest where gay activists used purple ink to leave handprints on buildings, the purple hand became a symbol of LGBTQ+ resistance.

13. The Color Purple 💜

Thanks in part to Alice Walker's novel, the color purple has become associated with sapphic love and resilience.

14. Two Interlocking Women

Whether it's stick figures or elaborate designs, tattoos depicting two women together have become a popular way to express sapphic identity.

Blast from the Past: Historical Sapphic Symbols

Okay, yeah a lot of those were obvious. Let's take a quick trip in our time machine and explore some lesser-known historical sapphic symbols:

15. Nautical Star ⚓️

Ahoy, sailors! The nautical star tattoo, often worn on the wrist or behind the ear, was a subtle signal used by lesbians in the mid-20th century. Originally a symbol to help sailors find their way home, it became a way for queer women to find each other. Talk about navigating the sapphic seas!

16. The Monocle 🧐

Who knew eyewear could be so gay? In the early 20th century, particularly in Berlin's lesbian subculture, monocles became associated with lesbian and bisexual women. It was a way to challenge gender norms and signal one's identity. So if you saw a lady rocking a monocle in 1920s Berlin, chances were she wasn't just into fashion!

17. Pine Cone 🌲

In some Native American cultures, pine cones were used to symbolize "two-spirit" individuals, who embodied both male and female spirits. While not exclusively a lesbian symbol, it has been adopted by some queer women to honor this tradition.

18. Flaming Chalice 🔥

Used by the Unitarian Universalist church, which has a long history of LGBTQ+ acceptance, the flaming chalice became a subtle symbol for some queer women, especially those involved in liberal religious communities.

19. Blue Feather

Another symbol borrowed from some Native American traditions, where "blue feather" was sometimes used to describe individuals we might now call LGBTQ+. Some queer women have adopted this as a subtle nod to their identity.

These historical symbols remind us that sapphic women have always found creative ways to recognize each other and express their identities, even in times when being out wasn't safe. They're a testament to our community's resilience, creativity, and enduring spirit. Remember, symbols are powerful, but they're also personal. You might resonate with all of these, some of them, or none at all – and that's totally okay! The most important things are being true to yourself and keeping our rich symbolic tradition alive and evolving. 🏳️‍🌈📚💖