New from North Carolina

**Soccerryle** · 5th August 10, 10:36 PM

Hello XMTS-Community. I'm an American, but my entire heritage is Scottish. I'm proud of this, and in my research for the culture, I stumbled upon this forum. I have never owned or worn a kilt, so I don't know how big of an asset I can be to the community, but I do plan on being active. Some time in the future, I do plan on purchasing a kilt.

I do however live in a small town, a very homophobic community. Even though I'm not gay nor would I be doing this as means of cross-dressing, in a small town where you know everybody, it's very awkward. So in the future when I move, is when I plan to try and go in public with my kilt, and my girlfriend.

So hello forums!

**Chas** · 6th August 10, 01:40 AM

Hello Soccerryle,

Welcome to XMarks from the other side of the Atlantic in Norfolk, England.

Regards

Chas

**McClef** · 6th August 10, 01:52 AM

from South Wales UK!

I am sorry that you feel your community should automatically link a kilt with being gay or with cross dressing - have they never heard of Scotland?

Being kilted in public for the first time is often a matter of confidence and without feeling the need to prove anything. We all had to take the plunge at some time and as you read these forums you will find that people's experiences of reactions are overwhelmingly positive ones.

**fluter** · 6th August 10, 03:43 AM

from famously hot Columbia.

Hopefully you'll find that most of North Carolina is well supplied with Scots heritage, either the Highlanders in the Cape Fear watershed, or the Scots-Irish in the up-country. You should find some kindred souls pretty soon!

**Mael Coluim** · 6th August 10, 04:31 AM

from the Old Dominion State!
There's AHs everywhere, and I'm sure you would receive many an admiring look from the fairer sex who like the kilt and a number of jealous glances from those without the gonads to wear it. Go for it and good luck!

**BLHS209** · 6th August 10, 05:13 AM

Welcome to the "X" from "upstate" NY.

**jeremy j starche** · 6th August 10, 06:13 AM

Welcome to the rabble!

While I've not spent much time in NC, it has been my experience that I get the best reactions to my kilt in small towns, while the only true homophobic reaction I got to the kilt was in Cleveland, Ohio when someone swerved up on the sidewalk to try to hit me with their car.

When you go with your first kilt, may I suggest that you look at getting one of the tartan kilts that keeps a very strong 'hey! I'm a kilt look' look about it, worn with the sporran, hose and flashes?

I almost hate to say 'follow the cookie cutter look' but I do know when I've introduced some of my friends to wearing the kilt, they felt the most comfortable dressed traditionally and anyone who didn't recognize the kilt was just ... uneducated.

(Depending on what you want to wear it for, you can get tartan kilts for anything from about $40 with shipping to as high as about $800. I own a range of kilts, worn based upon the circumstances.)

**Dr Mac** · 6th August 10, 06:50 AM

from Bryan/College Station!

**piperdbh** · 6th August 10, 07:06 AM

Welcome aboard form the Foothills. Where in the Old North State are you?

**dutchy kilted** · 6th August 10, 08:52 AM

Welcome from Lancaster County PA!
If I may make a suggestion, for your first kilt, go to a Scottish festival and find a kilt that is not too expensive (but one that still looks good) and change into it there. That way for your first kilted experience you will be among firends. Once you wear it you will feel your confidence swell.
I have never had a bad experience wearing a kilt, no matter where. I have had some REALLY good experiences though.