It's Finally Happened

[Inchessi]

I am disappointed to hear about this indecent. I have had the opposite occurrence, many people have approached me to praise my kilt. I was concerned when we had a joint service with another church, but many of them also took the time to chat about wearing a kilt.

Kilt on!

[kennethrmc]

Highland Max,

I want to commend you for handling this whole matter appropriately, from start to finish. By inquiring with church authorities you had 100% approval where-it-matters, before any issue arose.

Over the years, both at church and at work, I've dealt with similar issues of gossip. I have found that in majority of cases, the one person reporting what "people" are saying---is the only person who's actually upset. That person lacks the guts to tell you what he really think so he puts words in the mouths of imaginary opponents.

I think your step of addressing the choir was wise and well done. And I'm proud of you for sticking with your church and not letting this get the better of you.

For the record, I am an ordained minister with my own congregation, and I wear kilts to church on occasion, mostly when there are Celtic-themed events. It's become a tradition for me to be kilted on the Christmas Eve candlelight service, and I've had requests to perform weddings wearing the kilt.

Most people think the kilt is really neat, both in terms of heritage and aesthetics. Yes, there are occasional hecklers, but my basic response is, "Anyone who thinks that is a woman's garment is sadly ignorant," and I think privately, "Do not answer a fool according to his folly."

Peace be on You. Keep up the good work

[Joe Cabaup]

A kilt is an item of men's clothing. A cross dresser wears clothing designed for the opposite sex.

[Tobus]

A kilt is an item of men's clothing. A cross dresser wears clothing designed for the opposite sex.

This is true, everybody here knows it, and we all agree on that point. The problem is, the ignorant masses don't understand.

HighlandMax, I think you have handled this very well.

On the subject of the wearing of a kilt being confused with cross-dressing, if people in your area are prone to confuse the two, you may want to ramp up the "manly Scottish" factor in your kilted wardrobe. I have a very hard time believing that anyone would think you're cross-dressing if you wear an Argyll jacket, shirt and tie, horse hair sporran, and diced hose. The total look is so stereotypically Scottish (especially the horse hair sporran) that surely it will jog anyone's memory that it's Scottish men's attire.

Of course, it may just be that your "friend" is the only one with a problem and is lying to you. But in general, I have started to think that peoples' reactions to the kilt will be much more positive if they see it presented in a very authentic Scottish manner. They immediately identify it as what it is, instead of thinking of it as "a guy in a skirt".

[sorcererdale]

When I started wearing my kilt to the original church we went to for many years, there were a few questions and comments, but nothing too worry about. Later we switched churches as my wife became the organist there and it was just easier to be members there and attend services (Lutheran) than keep our membership at the other church and never attend. I'm even the communion assistant at times and wear a kilt then, too.

At this second church, I was surprised, there were no comments, no teasing by the kids, and nothing really said at all, except by one person we knew, and his comments were just funny, because that is how he is. But when I didn't wear the kilt, then I had questions of where is your kilt. There were a couple ladies who always came up to me when I wore the kilt and they said that was one of the reasons they were anxious to come to church, to see which kilt I would wear.

Then just last week, our substitute pastor who is there quite often as we don't have a full time pastor right now, said he was disappointed that I didn't wear my kilt one Sunday as his daughter's friend couldn't believe I wore a kilt and came to see for her self. Well that was the day for some reason I didn't wear one.

DALE.

[wnjguy]

Must admit that I've heard some comments from the rednecks in my neighborhood when I wear my Utilikilt, but never a word when I wear the tartan. Summer is a bit warm for all that wool, so let 'em talk.