Being an Ambassador
In the theatre department which I teach, we have been presenting the play "The Exonerated" for the last few weeks. Part of my duties are House Managing (helping audiences get from the box office to their seats). For many of the performances I was kilted (some nights in my 8 yard Scotland made, prince charlie etc., some nights in a casual vest, and my SWK nightstalker). I had a couple of great experiences.
1) I heard two teenagers whispering and pointing. Finally one walked up to me and asked "Where did you get your kilt? Its great!" I gave them Stillwater's web info, and when we discussed the cost the one said: "Wow that's the same cost as my jeans!"
2) One of the ushers told me of several audience members saying how classy it was to have a guy in a kilt in the lobby.
3) I had one audience member give me the information of the local scottish society. (I thanked her, but declined to explain that my celtic heritage comes from my husband and my local area is not the most glbt friendly place I've ever lived -- but its not the worst)
4) I had two audience members ask me details of the kilt I was wearing last night and we had a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of wool kilts vs. synthetic materials for kilts.
Over all, I heard one negative comment, and many positives. I hope two things: One, I hope I will inspire others to wear the kilts more, and two: I was a good ambassador, and will eventually have more people dressing stylishly the way they want not just confining themselves to society's narrow list of prescribed cloths. (With he minor fear of moving off topic, but my kilt wearing has inspired several of my students to wear cloths that celebrate their cultural heritage beyond jeans and t-shirts, and I am very proud of that, and one student told me how thrilled his dad was that my student has been wearing his cultural dress more often)
Cheers
Chris
I wish I had something funny or profound to put in a signature.
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