The History of the Carabiner

In this engaging WaterBear Original documentary directed by Gianna Mazzeo and produced in partnership with Nikon, the carabiner's journey is vividly brought to life through a creative mix of mixed-media storytelling and captivating narration. The film delves into the lesser-known queer history of this seemingly ordinary piece of hardware, exploring how it has evolved over time as a symbol of identity, attraction, and fashion.With a perfect balance of humor, sass, and historical gravity, we are introduced to the carabiner's origins in 1911 climbing culture, thanks to Otto "Rambo" Herzog. As the years pass, the carabiner emerges as an empowering accessory for butch mechanics and postal workers in the '60s, serving as a powerful statement of self-expression during a time of societal change. The film then takes us through its transformation into an essential tool in the 1980s, where it became a potent symbol of attraction, much like modern dating apps such as Tinder, but with an intriguing hardware twist.Today, the carabiner continues to captivate audiences, this time as a fashion sensation on platforms like TikTok. This WaterBear Original documentary offers a fresh perspective on the history and cultural significance of an everyday object while highlighting its enduring appeal in various aspects of modern life.