That Nautical Star You’re Using May Not Mean What You Think It Means

This is going to be fun for some folks.
When I was a kid in the 1970's I got my ear pierced, but not before a HUGE debate over which side meant you were gay or straight (of course, in the 1970's if a guy got his ear pierced your dad thought you were gay no matter what). I don't think people give it any second thought at all now; people just do what they do and let it mean what it means to them.

This brings us to the nautical star.  Some say the nautical star has been around almost as long as tattooing itself. I had heard that over time, its meaning had changed. In the 1940's and 1950's some lesbians adopted a nautical star on their wrist (usually a blue one) as a sign to let their preference be known. They chose the wrist so it could be hidden with wristwatches, bracelets, and such.  Some people dispute this, but there's a lot of evidence that it was a thing.

I find it tremendously brave that these women chose to wear their sexuality in a place and at a time where it could ruin their lives. I also find it hilarious when politicians and places around here use the same design. Now to circle back, a symbol means to you what a symbol means to you and that's all it should ever mean, but I have a sneaking suspicion these people and places had no idea they were treading just a bit into gay history.  What I would question is, why are using a "nautical star" at all in dry-ass West Texas?

If a nautical star means "true north" or "lone star" as in "Lone Star State" to you, then so be it, but if you're getting a tattoo or using a piece of clipart, you might want to do just a touch of research or spring for an original design.