Socially acceptable in the Inland Northwest?

[The Barry]

I think that even in a more conservative city such as Spokane you'll be just fine. Start out slow, dinners out on the weekends and such, and "ease" into it, as has been stated already.

And if that doesn't work out, email some of us rabble in Seattle, zip over, and we'll hit the town and grab pints all over the emerald city.

Seriously though, if you are apprehensive about wearing the kilt out in public, kilt nights are a great way to start, if none happen in Spokane, you can always start one!

[horseshoehank]

I really appreciate the replies so far. This helps temper the decision making process with regard to honing my anti-kilt radar...

Now for the next part of the question...

I work as a firefighter in Spokane, and am concerned as to how I go about "breaking the ice" with regards to wearing the kilt around a typically macho man bunch of guys. We have several pipers on the job, who wear kilts for performances, and I am in the local pipe band, which is known to a lot of my co-workers. Again, here is where my wife is concerned about repercussions across the job, because firefighters gossip more than a bunch of people around the water cooler...they aren't happy unless they are griping and gossiping...so she worries for me and my reputation on the job, whereas I am of the opinion that practicing my pipes in the firehouse is a pretty good icebreaker all on its own.

Are we both too far out on opposite ends of the spectrum on this?

Chuck

[Cavebear58]

...so she worries for me and my reputation on the job, whereas I am of the opinion that practicing my pipes in the firehouse is a pretty good icebreaker all on its own....

If there's several pipers too, why not organise a sponsored kilted car wash or the like for charity? Then you'll have plenty of opportunity to discuss the wearing of the kilt more regularly.

Just a thought
Graham.

[kiltimabar]

I work as a firefighter in Spokane, and am concerned as to how I go about "breaking the ice" with regards to wearing the kilt around a typically macho man bunch of guys. We have several pipers on the job, who wear kilts for performances, and I am in the local pipe band, which is known to a lot of my co-workers. Again, here is where my wife is concerned about repercussions across the job, because firefighters gossip more than a bunch of people around the water cooler...they aren't happy unless they are griping and gossiping...so she worries for me and my reputation on the job, whereas I am of the opinion that practicing my pipes in the firehouse is a pretty good icebreaker all on its own.

Considering the universal use of pipers to show last respects to a fallen firefighter (or police officer) I can't imagine anyone making any objection or rude behavior to pipe practice at appropriate times. And the kilt is simply part of the package. I'm certain that firefighters would understand that.

[Kiltedfirepiper]

I really appreciate the replies so far. This helps temper the decision making process with regard to honing my anti-kilt radar...

Now for the next part of the question...

I work as a firefighter in Spokane, and am concerned as to how I go about "breaking the ice" with regards to wearing the kilt around a typically macho man bunch of guys. We have several pipers on the job, who wear kilts for performances, and I am in the local pipe band, which is known to a lot of my co-workers. Again, here is where my wife is concerned about repercussions across the job, because firefighters gossip more than a bunch of people around the water cooler...they aren't happy unless they are griping and gossiping...so she worries for me and my reputation on the job, whereas I am of the opinion that practicing my pipes in the firehouse is a pretty good icebreaker all on its own.

Are we both too far out on opposite ends of the spectrum on this?

Chuck

theres gonna be a bit of everything at the station...( mind you I've been OTJ for 14 years....just 1 year at my present Dept.)
I have guys wanting to learn pipes, and buy kilts, and I have guys that ......shall we say wonder if my marriage is a "front" for my actual lifestyle. and honestly I dont give a rats AZZ what they think!
I still contend that one of the reasons i was hired is because I play pipes, and the chief wants a piper on the honor guard!

the ones who are most adamant about questioning my sexuality I turn it on them. usually with something like.
" you know when you automaticly jump to someone being gay because they dont like the same things as you, or wear something different than you would wear...it usually means you're not secure enough in your masculinity, and really need to look at wether or not you're are being overly "macho" to cover up inadicadicy(sp...what do ya expect? it's 1200Am?)in yourself.."

so far thats shut two of em up.

do what ya like...

KFP

[Jack Daw]

What sort of 'trouble' are you expecting? Wear it as you please; you won't get arrested!

[werewolves]

I'd give your co-workers some credit. I work with cops and jail deputies, and they've all thought it was cool so far. One even told me that he truly started respecting me the day he saw me in a kilt at the Metallica concert.

[Kiltman]

So I'm a quandry about wearing the kilt for daily wear in my hometown of Spokane, Washington. My wife is expressing concerns over how it will be recieved by the supposedly liberal, yet fairly conservative folk of the region...

Just do it, it's not a problem except at certain bars with drunks—just like in the rest of the world.

I am of the same mind as alot of you, wear what I like and the rest of them be damned, but...there seems to be alot of uninformed persons who might see it as a man in a skirt, and may want to cause a ruckus over it.

So my question is this: Should I just wear it because I like it, and not worry about problems until they arise, or do I limit myself to functions and events that are "appropriate" times to wear a "costume" or fancy dress? My wife is of the mindset that it is better to not rock the boat, and I have always followed my own piper(me!) when it comes to caring about what others think about me...

Hope I made some sort of sense in my ramblings....

Spokane is a great place to wear a kilt. It's amazing what and who responds positively. I know first hand as I live in Spokane too.

Chuck

[Makeitstop]

My mom lives in spokane, and she feels obligated to inform me every time she finds another man in a kilt. Apparently several of them go to her church too.

I would say this: Don't confuse "conservative" with "rude, loud mouthed and closed minded." I am kilted in a small college town, which gives me a pretty wide spectrum of people. The most conservative people (particularly the elderly) have been the most friendly and positive. I get funny looks occasionally from some of the people in town, but no more than on campus. And the only people who are truly rude are the random jack@$$es among the student population who act that way whether or not I'm kilted.

My point is that traditional conservative people ought to recognize the kilt for what it is, or at least have the respect and courtesy to stay out of matters that don't concern them. Anyone who gives people crap for wearing a kilt isn't doing so as a conservative, or liberal, but as a jerk.

[Woodsheal]

I would say this: Don't confuse "conservative" with "rude, loud mouthed and closed minded." I am kilted in a small college town, which gives me a pretty wide spectrum of people. The most conservative people (particularly the elderly) have been the most friendly and positive. I get funny looks occasionally from some of the people in town, but no more than on campus. And the only people who are truly rude are the random jack@$$es among the student population who act that way whether or not I'm kilted.

My point is that traditional conservative people ought to recognize the kilt for what it is, or at least have the respect and courtesy to stay out of matters that don't concern them. Anyone who gives people crap for wearing a kilt isn't doing so as a conservative, or liberal, but as a jerk.

Very well said...!