Is left or right earring gay

During a time when being openly gay was dangerous, subtle cues like an earring were used for identification. The recognition was often unspoken; a shared glance, a knowing nod, an instant connection born of mutual understanding and shared struggle. Over time, it became a kind of open secret that more and more non-gay people were becoming aware of.

It's important to note that the "gay earring" was only ever considered to be a signal for gay men.

It was purely an aesthetic decision, a declaration of style, rebellion, or simply following a trend. It wasn't until the 1970s, amidst the rise of hippie culture, the feminist movement, and the sexual revolution, that ear piercings started to gain mainstream acceptance. But wearing an earring on the right ear is still a popular choice. Whether delicate studs, intricate hoops, or elaborate arrangements, piercings serve as a personal declaration, allowing wearers to curate and project an image that resonates deeply with their inner self.

But you also shouldn't feel like you can only have your right ear pierced -- there's nothing wrong with piercing the left ear if you think that looks better!

Likewise, if you aren't gay, there's nothing wrong with piercing either your right or left ear. The idea of a "gay earring" based on which ear it's worn in is a stereotype that became popular in the 1980s and 1990s.

According to this outdated belief, wearing an earring in the right ear signified being gay, while the left ear was considered straight.

Wearing one on the right indicated the wearer was a bottom.

Should You Get a Gay Earring?

Le Gramme La 1.1g hoop earring $350, SHOP NOW.

Now that piercings have become much more mainstream, getting a piercing in the "gay ear" isn't the clear indicator that it once was. While some within the gay community might have used it as a subtle identifier, it was far from a secret, universally recognized code among all gay men.

This choice is deeply personal and can be a reflection of your inner self.

Making a Fashion Statement

What are you trying to say with your choice? The main downside is that they can be uncomfortable to sleep in!

Hoops - When you hear "hoops," you might picture large hoop earrings.

It serves not only as a nod to our collective history—a history rich with struggles and triumphs—but also as a beacon for our future directions.

When we choose to wear an earring on a particular side, or select a style that resonates with our identity, we’re engaging in an act of self-expression that’s deeply rooted in our community’s history.

Celebrities and musicians began embracing ear piercings into their looks, such as David Bowie, Elton John, and George Michael, which helped dismantle conservative attitudes around body modification.

Gay Ear Origins: Gay Signaling with Ear Piercings

The exact origin of the "gay ear" code is a bit murky and has yet to be credited to a specific person or group, likely emerging through word-of-mouth. 

The Meaning: Left Earring vs.

They allow us to share stories of personal and communal significance, connecting with others on levels that go beyond mere fashion.

In my view, gay earrings symbolize a journey. You can find different earring styles that appear to “drip” from the earlobe from droopy hoops to simpler studs. This era, rife with challenges and changes for the LGBTQ+ community, saw the earring evolve from mere fashion accessory to a powerful statement of resistance and recognition.

Historical Insights: The Right Ear’s Affiliation

The affiliation of the right ear with gay culture is not merely a result of chance.

Here are some of the most common high-quality materials:

Gold - Gold is a great material for earrings, but not by itself -- 100% gold is too soft and often too expensive. Generally, wearing it on the left often signaled an active, "top," or giver role, while wearing it on the right indicated a passive, "bottom," or receiver role.

This system was incredibly nuanced, allowing for a detailed and instantaneous form of communication in cruising areas, bars, and clubs.

By dismantling this one stereotype, we don’t just correct a piece of folklore; we uncover a rich and resilient cultural history that deserves to be remembered.

Today, the only thing an ear piercing signifies is what the wearer wants it to—and that freedom is a history worth celebrating.