TW: Mention of war
For centuries, fashion has been a method for artistic expression. The fluidity of fashion and sexuality often merged as LGBTQQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning sexuality or gender, and more) people needed discreet ways to signal to each other.
Sapphics have Doc Martens, thumb rings, button-down shirts, short hair, long hair. Sapphic fashion is diverse, endless, and disgustingly imaginative as displayed by another Sapphic item: carabiners. Carabiners, often used for holding keys, are a multifaceted accessory hooked in Sapphic culture.
Thank you to German Otto Herzog who invented the modern version for hiking! During World War II, the male workforce declined greatly, and women replaced them to uphold the economy. Masculine Sapphics were chased out of stereotypically feminine jobs, like seamstresses and secretaries, because of their appearance. They typically had blue-collar jobs and needed carabiners for work. From this, it evolved into a discreet lesbian sign.
It is similar to the hanky code, where gay men wore a colored bandana in their pocket.
Carabiners create affinity between past and present Sapphics and this link gives Junior Katherine Ziemeski a valuable reminder.
She said, “Even though in the past I have been confused, it’s completely normal the feelings that I am feeling and always felt.”
Many Sapphics at Los Osos said they discovered carabiners through social media, where users can anonymously bond with LGBTQQ+ content creators.
Senior Rosalina Bonilla Galmarini was introduced to carabiners through skiing- she used them to hold items like her gloves, helmet, and goggles. Her dad tethered it to a life lesson.
She said, “I grew this attachment whenever I use a carabiner and I attach it to myself, it’s something I want to stay with me. It’s something that’s important to me.”
The symbolism of carabiners is mighty. Throughout history, there have always been little signs for LGBTQQ+ people to find one another. Going from clothes, slang, haircuts, even to shoelaces. These signs are small but noticeable and treasured in the community. In a way, all of these signs are responses to the homophobia towards Sapphics in society. It is a statement that we exist. We are here and proud and those signs prove the power of that.
Sapphics likely had to fight a bittersweet battle with internalized homophobia, exploration, and discrimination to proclaim their sexuality proudly. A physical manifestation honoring and enhancing the journey is monumental.
A junior who wished to be anonymous said, “My first time embracing my sexuality was so fun because I finally knew that part of myself..”
Unfortunately, the popularization of carabiners among non-Sapphics has presented problems for her. She said, “I have hesitated getting one because [I am] unsure who knows, it can be nerve-racking. I don’t want it to be too obvious.”
She also expressed frustration at non-Sapphics wearing carabiners and depriving Sapphics of their identification methods.
Within the community, Sapphics have ingeniously decorated these sentimental accessories. They can be massive, fish-shaped, full of stickers. Senior Adrienne Magno has two car keys, two New York City keychains, two keychains from their girlfriend, a Legoland lanyard, and a Smiski attached to their carabiner. It is a literal ball of joy.
When asked about their carabiner Magno said, “I like how I could show off my keychains and how it helped me accessorize my outfit. I think that wearing my carabiner has helped me stay organized as well as helping me queer code through fashion!”
Carabiners are not the only source of identification for Sapphics. Senior Christine Smith likes to express her sexuality through fashion uniquely. She said, “I just dress in what I feel is comfortable and what I think is cool. I don’t follow many trends, I just wear what I think is interesting and what I feel connects to my personal identity.”
We implore Sapphics to ignore anything that does not feel right for them. Galmarini compared it to a salad.
She said, “You’re at a buffet, and you go to the salad bar. Every single type of vegetable is one stereotype. Are you just gonna grab lettuce and put it in the bowl? No, you’re gonna put a little bit of everything as well.”
Culture is not about all Sapphics being the same, it is about belonging. Identity involves personal style and sexuality, which can coalesce within a carabiner or whatever tool a Sapphic chooses; Sapphics belong in the community either way.
Galmarini also declared that LGBTQQ+ people often have the best fashion because they are less afraid to break societal norms.
The merge of expressing sexuality and expressing creativity shows how interconnected the two spheres are as they unite in a Sapphic and their carabiner. The brilliance, resilience, and overall spirit prove that Sapphics are UP!