Design by Chyna Sudbury

"I’ve never really cared about hands before, but I’m obsessed with my girlfriend’s," says Honey, who messages me one afternoon over Instagram. "They’re so beautiful and sculptural, and she has really long fingers, which I find extremely hot for obvious reasons."

Lesbian hands have long been visual signifiers of eroticism. From the asymmetry of femme-coded talons (two short, eight long – duh) complete with maximalist and bejewelled nail art, perfectly manicured paws and fingers curated with glinting silver rings, the hands of sapphic women are masterpieces showcasing self-expression, sexual desire and intent. 

But how have hands become the objects of desire in the sapphic community? What is the alluring magic at play when women decorate and care for their mitts that makes them so arrestingly provocative?