Calling all Sapphics! Daniella Parete Clarke (aka Sextras’ lesbian-editor-at-large) offers a round-up of our favourite carabiners for queer Valentine’s Day gifting

Gramicci/Esty/Heliot Emil/Chopova Lowena/Lovers Never Die/Sextras

In HBO’s Girls, Jessa – played by the perennially meme-able Jemima Kirke – says that she doesn’t go on dates “because they’re for lesbians”.

At Sextras HQ, we couldn’t agree more, and would go as far as to say that hearts, flowers, Valentine’s Day, Valentine’s Day gift guides and love itself are all, actually, for the girls only. And what better way to show your WLW lover how you feel about them on this romantic holiday than with the ultimate Sapphic-coded present, the humble carabiner?

Designed with functionality in mind, carabiners are used by rock climbers and manual labourers workers to keep ropes and tools handy, but have long been associated with lesbian culture. In Fun Home, Alison Bechdel writes about seeing a butch lesbian wearing a carabiner in the 1960s. Now, the increasingly mainstream accessory is celebrated in the fashion world and worn by many queer women as a way to identify themselves to potential partners, or to build community.

Versatile, available at different price points, and canonically queer, carabiners are ideal gifts. Below are some of our favourites, selected and approved by our in-house lesbian editors.

For the actual climbers

Black Diamond, Rock + Run, £11.95

Load-bearing, and designed to secure ropes – unlike fashion carabiners, which are designed to secure women – this Black Diamond Gridlock Screwgate is an excellent choice if your girlfriend happens to be both gay and into rock climbing (not an unlikely combo). Show her that you definitely care about her bouldering aspirations.

For the New Romantics

Gothic handmade, Etsy, £29.84

Ah, Etsy, the leading supplier of niche gifts for the LGBTQ+ community. This stainless-steel carabiner has a unique spiky design, perfect for the queer woman who wears predominantly black and likes to bring up Siouxsie and the Banshees unprompted.

For the chain wearers

Carabiner necklace, Etsy, £49.31

In search of something a bit different? This carabiner-inspired necklace is chunky, glitzy and a great conversation starter when you’re waiting for the bathroom at La Camionera.

You could even hand-make some custom charms if you’re feeling crafty – we hear the air-dry clay ones are currently charming (...) the youths of TikTok.

For the homebody

Hooded Sweatshirt, Gramicci, £65

Know a lesbian who looks for the remote more than for their keys? Spoil them with this 100% cotton hooded sweatshirt by Gramicci – their new comfortable essential. With a carabiner print emblazoned on the back, it says a lot without them having to do too much.

For the gold diggers

14k gold, Etsy, £9.29

A little representation for the staunch gold-jewellery wearers. If the lesbian in your life refuses to mix metals, get her a 14-carat gold key-holder that says “high class”… or perhaps, “high maintenance”.

For the U-haulers

“I’ll meet you in every life”, Lovers Never Die, $11.11

As aforementioned, romance is for lesbians, and lesbians love romance. This elegant carabiner with a sweet message engraved on both sides says: “Would you like to move in with me after the third date and raise a family of cats together?”

PS: this won’t get here in time for Valentine’s Day, but nothing says gay culture like being fashionably late.

For the lesbian who has everything

Personalised engraving, Etsy

Or, if you have your own inside joke or saucy message in mind, take matters into your own hands and personalise a carabiner with your quote of choice.

For the party femmes

Draped carabiner top and bag, Heliot Emil

If your girlfriend is a 365 party girl (bumpin’ that), I get the sense she would really appreciate this draped top and nylon bag, both featuring a sexy carabiner buckle, from Copenhagen-based brand Heliot Emil.

For the podcast enthusiast

Airpods carabiner case, Heliot Emil

From the same label, this AirPods case will come in handy when your wife is listening to Sextras episodes on the go. The space-agey design is crafted in genuine leather. Big Dune energy (I’ve never seen it).

For the fashion-forward

Carabiner mini skirt, Chopova Lowena

Finally, if you are in love with a skirt-wearing queer woman and have a spare £1,230 lying around, this Chopova Lowena kilt – made of Bulgarian aprons that are held together by carabiner clips – is a no brainer.

Carabiner gift ideas for lesbians