[Graham]

Agfest is Tasmania's largest agricultural show. We spent the day there today along with thousands of others. We saw everything from Alpaca garments to huge tractors.

At one point I paused to consider that here was I, the ONLY person there, in this vast show covering acres and acres.......in a kilt!

I mean, this place is Akubra Central, the compulsory dress code is Akubra hats, Blundstone boots, jeans and oilskin coats!
I got a lot of stares, a few smiles, and only one comment - sadly from a couple of young thugs who waited until they were past me and bravely called out to my back "POOFTA" (a derogatory term applied to one of homosexual persuasion).
My first thought was to chase them down and throttle them, I decided to walk on as if I never heard them.

I wore the newer of my two black hemp RKilts.
I did get a broad grin as I approached a tent selling woolen products, it was called "Highland Cottage Industries". The owners were Campbells, as I approached I explained that a kilted man really must check out their wares with a name like "Highland etc".

For sure I was the most comfortable man in the place. wearing the kilt is a joy and a pride!

[GMan]

Sure is nice to hear that you always seem to have fun Graham. And of course knowing that Kilted gentleman always take the high road when slurs are thrown at them.

[Graham]

Thanks Glen, good to hear from you. Men in Kilts always have fun!!

[Tartan Hiker]

There's been so much discussion here lately from the newly kilted and their anxiety. Beginners -- listen to what Graham is saying! It is OK to be the only kilted person in the place! Think of yourself as an explorer, looking out at a grand vista never before seen by humans, or a biologist discovering a new form of life. In what other way can such a simple act, that of being confident enough to step out of the norm, bring enlightenment to so many. Think of the discussions you will precipitate....no doubt many that will cause people to call into question their own perceptions of what is "normal" and appropriate. Think of the folks who will decide that they have been hiding long enough and will now embark on their own journey of self-discovery. You will be aware of only about 1% of the people that experience personal revelations like these because most people, when confronted with a situation that calls their own assumptions into question, will remain silent. No matter where you go, the number of people who receive "benefits" from your action will vastly outnumber the numpties who think or blurt out derisions and disapproval. If the opinions of others matter to you at all (we are social animals, and this is a normal, natural feeling), these facts should provide you with the confidence you need to get over your apprehension.


And don't forget that your own pesonal pleasure, comfort, and satisfaction are paramount, regardless of the ultimate reasons that you don the kilt.

[gilmore]

Originally Posted by Graham

... I got a lot of stares, a few smiles, and only one comment - sadly from a couple of young thugs who waited until they were past me and bravely called out to my back "POOFTA" (a derogatory term applied to one of homosexual persuasion). ...

So, in Tasmania it's "poofta," the original Yiddish which entered English via Cockney, rather than "poof" as it is now in the UK?

Does it often happen that other words are used in archaic forms in Tasmania?

[Riverkilt]

People are so lazy...easier to catogorize and put down than to inquire.

A coworker recently told me that "everyone" thought I was gay because I wore kilts. That would sure surprise my lady. And, like I care what they think. I happen to be supportive of FREEDOM and that makes me gay friendly I guess...or as the bumper sticker says, "Straight, but not narrow."

What other people think of me is just plain none of my business.

Congrats on walking tall and representing a proud heritage Graham.

Ron

[cessna152towser]

bravely called out to my back "POOFTA"

A pair of sad inadequate insecure individuals who were jealous of you because you have the balls to wear a comfortable kilt.
When I was young, adolescent lads here in Scotland would often yell "poof" or "poofter" at any young man with a girl on his arm - partly because they were jealous and partly because they knew they'd get away with it because the young man wouldn't want to start a scrap while he was with his lass.

[McMurdo]

Great story Graham, glad to see you are having such a good time with it, so how do you like the RKilt?

[Graham]

Tartan Hiker: what you say is true, and this kilted life is a wonderful journey that I am glad to be on, even if I am a pioneer.

Gilmore: Thanks for the language lesson! Australians borrow from other languages and add their own flair. Much is borrowed from cockney (as my London-born father found when he brought us here).

Riverkilt: thanks for the encouragement. These lads were clearly not thinking right, I too was with my lady, my wife. They just reacted at what they don't understand. What annoyed me was their disrespect for others. They will improve with age or end up in prison.

McMurdo: I love my RKilt enormously. There was a time some years ago I would never ever consider a non-tartan. Robert converted me. His hemp kilts are far and away the most comfortable and hard wearing work kilts I have ever seen.