To sign this word, form an 'L' handshape with your dominant hand by extending your index finger straight up and your thumb out to the side. Bring your hand to your face and gently tap the tip of your thumb against your chin. Your palm should be facing sideways. Note that this is the exact same sign used for the word 'lesbian' in ASL.
Sign 'she', 'proud', and then use the 'L' handshape on the chin for 'dyke'.
Sign 'you', 'go', 'dyke', and 'march', making sure to raise your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.
Sign 'many', 'dyke', 'attend', and 'festival' to express this sentence clearly.
Sign 'she', 'proud', and then use the 'L' handshape on the chin for 'dyke'.
Sign 'you', 'go', 'dyke', and 'march', making sure to raise your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.
Sign 'many', 'dyke', 'attend', and 'festival' to express this sentence clearly.
Yes, in ASL, the standard sign for 'lesbian' is typically used to mean 'dyke' as well. If a signer wants to emphasize the specific English word, they might choose to fingerspell D-Y-K-E instead.
The sign itself is the standard, neutral ASL word for 'lesbian'. However, because the English word 'dyke' has a complex history, you should be mindful of the context and the preferences of the people you are signing with.
Yes! Tapping the chin with the tip of the index finger (while keeping the 'L' shape) is a very common and respectful variation of this sign that many signers prefer.
