Queer secret messages to members of the community

The secret language that helped queer-owned businesses identify themselves to those in the know is known as "Polari." Polari is a form of slang used primarily by the British gay community in the mid-20th century. It allowed LGBTQ+ individuals to communicate discreetly in a time when homosexuality was illegal and heavily stigmatized. Here are some key aspects of Polari and how it functioned:

1. Origins and Development

• Historical Roots: Polari evolved from a variety of sources, including Italian, Romani, Yiddish, and Cockney rhyming slang. It was used by marginalized groups, including actors, circus performers, and sailors, before being adopted by the gay community.
• 20th Century Usage: By the mid-20th century, Polari had become a vibrant and complex lexicon used by gay men in Britain to communicate and identify each other in a hostile society.

2. Vocabulary and Structure

• Word Composition: Polari includes a mix of borrowed words, coded phrases, and invented terms. Common Polari words include "bevvy" (drink), "butch" (masculine), "camp" (effeminate), "vada" (see), and "bona" (good).
• Sentence Construction: Polari could be mixed into regular English sentences, making it flexible and adaptable. For example, someone might say, "Let's vada the bona omis" (Let's see the good men).

3. Functions and Uses

• Safety and Discretion: Polari provided a way for gay individuals to communicate without outing themselves. This was especially important in public spaces where being openly gay could lead to arrest or violence.
• Community Building: The language fostered a sense of belonging and solidarity within the gay community. It was a shared secret that helped create a bond among its speakers.
• Identification of Safe Spaces: Polari was also used to identify gay-friendly businesses and individuals. For instance, a bar owner might use Polari to signal that their establishment was a safe space for gay patrons.

4. Cultural Significance

• Cultural References: Polari found its way into popular culture, notably through the BBC radio show "Round the Horne" in the 1960s, which featured characters Julian and Sandy who frequently used Polari. This exposure, while humorous, also helped normalize some aspects of gay culture.
• Decline and Legacy: With the decriminalization of homosexuality in the UK in 1967 and the gradual increase in social acceptance, the need for Polari diminished. However, it remains an important cultural artifact and is still celebrated and studied as a symbol of resistance and creativity.

5. Global Parallels

• Other Secret Languages: Similar secret languages have existed in other cultures, serving similar purposes of providing safety and community. For example, in the United States, the LGBTQ+ community has used various slang terms and codes, such as the use of "friend of Dorothy" to identify fellow gay individuals.

Polari was more than just a slang; it was a lifeline for many LGBTQ+ individuals during a time of persecution. By providing a way to communicate safely and build community, Polari played a crucial role in the survival and resilience of the British gay community. Its legacy continues to be honored and remembered as an ingenious response to oppression, showcasing the enduring power of language as a tool for both protection and connection.

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model