A Brief Rant About Homophobia In The Car Community

27 Jul 2017

Last month, during the celebration of Pride Month, my hometown decided to paint a few downtown crosswalks in the colours of the Pride flag. It was supposed to be a symbol of support and solidarity towards the LGBTQ+ community. But, thanks to one misguided individual, it ended up putting a literal black mark on the reputation of the car community.

Simply put, someone did a burnout on the painted crosswalk and left tire marks all over it. Although the kid that did this didn’t know that the rainbow crosswalk was a symbol of Pride, it was seen as an act of hatred towards the LGBTQ2+ community. Since the population at large tends to associate burnouts with car enthusiasts, this gave local petrolheads a bad name for quite some time.

I’d like to say that it was an isolated incident, but it isn’t. In fact, these acts of vandalism have occurred across the world with much more malicious intent. Obviously, this is not representative of the majority of people within the car community. Yet, it’s not the only way in which petrolheads have been associated with homophobia.

It’s no secret that a few superstars of the car world have made statements that many in the LGBTQ2+ community have taken objection to. Whether it be the above prank played on Jeremy Clarkson while he slept on an airplane, or Richard Hammond’s confusing statement of avoiding ice cream because he wasn’t gay, some of the world’s most popular car enthusiasts have made comments that could be interpreted as homophobic.

I’m not trying to be self-righteous, but I am disappointed with the amount of homophobia that I have experienced within the car community. I’ve really noticed this after buying my NA MX-5, as if someone thought that it would be an insult to call me gay because I drive a Miata. In fact, it’s common for people to express contempt towards certain vehicles (and their owners) by trying to attach them to homosexuality.

Sometimes, the hate is even more blatant. On many occasions, I have been told by car fans that they do not feel comfortable with being a part of the car community because of their sexuality. These people don’t make a dog-and-pony show of their orientation, but are legitimately fearful for the safety of themselves and their cars should they ever be outed at a car meet.

At Car Throttle, we have made it very clear that homophobia will not be tolerated in our community. It is my personal view that everyone should be able to feel safe in the car community, both online and at the local Cars and Coffee. I don’t care what car you drive, what colour your skin is, what your gender is, or who you want to love. Everyone deserves the chance to be welcomed, accepted, and respected. We’re all friends because we share a common interest—cars. We are not a community of jerks and bigots, and we need to make sure that the rest of the world sees us in that same way.

So here’s something that I think we can all do to make a real difference to both the automotive and LGBTQ2+ communities. Before you show up to the car meet or log on to an online forum, leave your prejudices at the door. Leave all the hate there, too. It’s as simple as treating everyone with respect. If you’re like me, the car community is more than just a group of people who like cars. It’s a group of people who share a common understanding and a way of life. Many of us know what it’s like to be alienated, for one reason or another, and it’s not very fun. Let’s do our best to make sure that no other petrolhead feels that way.

Comments

You cant nessecarily generalize the gear head community. I know that you werent really doing that just putting it out there. Next in the case of the pic of jeremy clarkson and richard hammond, their just messing with each other. I feel like you preach censorship which is ok but using the word gay towards an individual does not meen they dislike guys. These guys mess with many different groups and culture. Its what makes them funny. Without the bbc censoring squad i feel like they can stetch their matgins.

You’re right: making that generalization is wrong, but there is still a problem with this in general throughout the community.

And your second point is also good—context is crucial, and I don’t think they meant any harm. However, it still throws fuel on the fire when homophobics put it in the wrong context to reinforce their prejudices. I know you can’t really control that.

The main point is that we (as a whole) can all do a little bit better to help out the LGBTQ+ community. I’m definitely not trying to pander to them, but I do think that we could do more to make that community feel like they are welcome.

Btw there are ONLY 2 genders
I just wanted to put that out there

I don’t get how people don’t get this XD

so many people becoming gay, soon there will be straight people pride jesus

We have this community to talk about our mutual love for hunks of metal that go fast. Not to discriminate people.

Oh $H|T the world is becoming too much G@¥ , more girls for me…

Oh ok , sorry my english is not perfect at all ,so i struggle to understand sometime
Yeah i can totally understand why some people can find it offensive , but i have to admit im tired of seeing crybaby everywhere (not on this case but even dumber one)
And thats just my opinion but to me a burnt flag is just a burn flag , nothing to be upset about , but i can understand if people find that offensive

LGBTQHGFH&-%?

Some friends and are starting a group that focuses on our shared passions and not the disgusting and silly hatred people feel simply because of another’s skin color. We want to sell stickers and donate some profits to families who have been victimized by racist acts.
I drive a miata and hear gay jokes all the time.
If you like cars and I like cars then are we that different?????

I must be very lucky but the car scenes I frequent in both Michigan and Ohio as they have been fan-f**tastically supportive. In our groups if you drive a Miata the only stereotypes applied are that you autocross or track race, and kick everyone’s @ss.

I know homophobia exist but these communities here seem do stamp it out hardcore along with racism and other hate that is not welcomed.

It’s funny really… I have never felt so accepted in my life than I do in the car scenes, which gave me the courage to be out, and proud.

And I have heard this story from so many other lgbt tuners and car scenes goers. Perhaps these is a maturity gap with the haves (people who actually own and work on their babies) and the wannabes (people who say they own something but are lying through their keyboard and never been to a meet as a participant but as an onlooker).

I am a petrol head and I’m Gay. I have raced as an amateur and a pro. I have worked in the auto industry most of my life. Most peoples behavior is due to ignorance and non exposure to actual Gay people. I dont fault most people for not being exposed to the community. I do fault people for not thinking on thier own. Gay is not a choice ( look to self for that one…are you actually attracted to the opposite sex or is that a choice you could make). I’m lucky I’m pretty good at my sport as it shows who you love should not determine who you can and can not be. If anyone has questions about this let me know I will answer all relevant questions. Trolls go away.