I have been aware of polari - a type of slang or coded language that was commonly used by LGBTQ+ people to discuss things in private - but I had never really thought about how members of the LGBTQ+ community who were deaf at a time when it was criminal to be gay communicated with another.

There’s a fascinating story on BBC News about two drag queens - Mary, 64, and Danielle, 18, - who are currently performing their show Deaffy Drag Queens: Glitter, Gags and GSV at this year’s Edinburgh Deaf Festival.

Both performers are deaf and are wanting to shine a spotlight on the deaf LGBTQ+ community whilst also keeping an almost-extinct type of sign language alive: GSV (also known as gay sign variant).

In the late 70s and early 80s, the variant became popular for those who wanted to speak about things without fear of getting ‘caught’, or met with abuse. With British Sign Language emerging at the same time as an accepted language, it often wasn’t safe to just sign.

Drag queen Mary said she first discovered GSV when she moved from Ireland in the 1980s and joined the London-based Brothers and Sisters Club, which has long been recognised as the first lesbian and gay deaf clubs in the country.

"So for example, for shop, we sign it like your handbag on your arm,” Mary told the BBC of some of the popular actions for GSV. “For shoes, we sign it as if we've got high heels on. It's more elaborate, more flamboyant and has more facial expressions."

Mary said the language became particularly important during the AIDS epidemic when people were struggling for correct information and seeking out advice without being ostracised by wider society.

But now, Mary says that - like Polari - the language doesn’t bear much use these days. She has been teaching young queen Danielle how to use GSV in the hope that it will continue on and not be forgotten.

Whilst these languages were born out on a necessity and in response to perceptions of the time, I think it’s wonderful that there are people still wanting to keep them going.

It’s history that could so easily be lost if it’s not for people like Mary and Danielle who not only continue to use it, but are wanting to teach others and spread awareness.

If it weren't for them, I would perhaps have never heard of it. If you’re around in Edinburgh, the two are performing their Deaffy Drag Queens shows until August 17 - with more details here.

Speaking about what audiences could be in store for, Mary explains: “Deaf gay Pride is something that should be celebrated and we will be doing that to the full.

“We’re not revealing what happens in the show – because that would spoil the surprise. But there will be lots of gags, lots of humour, some dancing and … it’ll be X-rated.”