In times of oppression and discrimination, marginalized communities often develop their own secret languages as a way to connect, communicate, and thrive. One such language that emerged in the LGBTQ+ community in the mid-20th century is Polari.

Polari, also known as Palare or Palari, was a form of slang used primarily among gay men in Britain. It was a mixture of Italian, Romani, Yiddish, Cockney Rhyming Slang, Thieves’ Cant, and other languages spoken by marginalized groups. Polari was used as a way for gay men to identify each other and communicate without being understood by outsiders, particularly in a time when homosexuality was criminalized and heavily stigmatized.

One of the key reasons Polari became so prevalent in the LGBTQ+ community was due to the hostile environment of the times. Homosexuality was not decriminalized in England until 1967, and even then, discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals continued. Polari provided a way for gay men to communicate safely and build a sense of community in a world that often sought to silence and isolate them.

Polari was not just a means of communication, but also a way for LGBTQ+ individuals to assert their identity and resist the dominant culture’s attempts to erase or suppress their existence. The language was filled with camp humor, innuendo, and coded references to gay culture, allowing its speakers to express themselves authentically and celebrate their identities in a society that deemed them deviant.

While Polari fell out of widespread use in the 1970s as LGBTQ+ rights began to improve and queer culture became more visible, its legacy lives on in the LGBTQ+ community. Many words and phrases from Polari have entered mainstream slang, and its influence can still be seen in the camp aesthetic and humor that pervades queer culture.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Polari as LGBTQ+ individuals seek to reconnect with their history and reclaim their language. LGBT history organizations, drag performers, and academics have all worked to preserve and revitalize Polari as a symbol of resilience and resistance in the face of oppression.

Polari serves as a reminder of the power of language in shaping identity and community. In times of hostility and discrimination, marginalized groups often find strength and solidarity in their shared language and culture. The LGBTQ+ community’s use of Polari is a testament to the resilience and creativity of queer individuals in the face of adversity, and a reminder of the importance of preserving and honoring our unique histories and traditions.