I live in Northwest New Mexico, the land of Republicans and TEA Party enthusiasts. Redneckville.
Wow, nice stereotype. I find it humorously ironic that your thread is about fighting the stereotype of a guy in a kilt being thought a "fruit", yet you freely dispense your own stereotype of political beliefs with "rednecks". Do you not think that if stereotypes are to be defeated, it should go both ways?

That said, I do know where you're coming from. I'm in a similar situation, living in a very rural and conservative area of Texas. The usual first reaction to seeing a kilt around here is shock that someone has stepped out of the norm. But I'm finding that their reactions are not so much a function of what I'm wearing, but how I'm wearing it and how I present myself.

Confidence, presentation, and style go a long way. If you are wearing a non-traditional kilt and wearing it in, shall we say, a more "urban" style, rural folk may tend to view it negatively. Especially if you have a look of defiance about you, shooting challenging looks to everybody. But a friendly countenance, coupled with an air of self-confidence, can disarm their prejudices.

They may also be more accepting of a kilted fellow if they can identify it as something traditional, like a well put together authentic Scottish kilted outfit (complete with proper hose, sporran, etc.).

It's fun, in many ways, to experiment with different looks and gauge public reactions. Breaking down stereotypes and getting your community comfortable with seeing you in your kilt is something you just have to feel out yourself. All of us who are in similar situations are going through the same thing. So I wish you luck!