Homophobia in trucking

[Tobin S.]

I've been wanting to write about this for a long time, but every time I sit down to do it I run into a mental block. I think a part of it is that it's hard for me to relate how terribly homophobic truckers can be. I'm a trucker and I like truckers for the most part, but there are a lot of ignorant truckers out there when it comes to this subject. I've actually heard truckers seriously say that they think that all gay people should be killed. Most of them aren't that bad, but enough of them are bad enough that gay truckers must feel shunned.

I think a lot of the ignorance is due to most truckers not having much in the way of an advanced education. I've got two years of college education and I'm probably a rarity as far as truckers go. I've run across a lot of truckers who didn't make it out of high school. You have to be smart to be a good trucker. A lot of people don't know that. But I don't think that a lot of truckers have been exposed to different subcultures. Most of them are straight white men and I get the impression that many of them think that they are superior because of that.

And now I have run into that road block. I'm going to try to keep going here, but if I don't make much sense you'll know why.

There are a lot of complex problems in the world. But I've often thought that many of them have simple solutions if people would just set their differences aside and recognize that we are all human. If you are open enough to listen to people you will find that each of us can be a source of enlightenment. You also have to be open enough to consider that you can be wrong. Are you seeing what's real in people or are you seeing a reflection of your own bigotry that you've projected onto someone?

You have to be tough to make it in trucking; no matter your gender, sexual orientation, and race. For those who are not straight, white men, you have to be even tougher. I've talked to female, gay, black, and latino truckers and they are always surprised to find that I'm open to really listening and talking to them. That's disheartening to me. It says that I'm not very common. At the same time, I live for that connection. The moment when someone who is in a minority drops their guard and realizes that I'm cool with them I think gives them a little hope and it also lets me see who they really are. Yes, there are straight, white dudes out there who get it. In a field of work plagued by homophobia, sexism, and racism, a lot of drivers might not think that guys like me are a reality. But we're out here and we're fighting the good fight the best we can and in our own ways.

My heart goes out to all of my LGBT friends out there. I know what you are dealing with on the most basic, raw, and fundamental level. You are in a struggle to win your humanity and the majority of people in this country are against you, not to mention a bunch of truckers.

[Crystal Clarity]

1. Sounds a bit like a 'good ole boys' club

I'm glad that you take the time to interact with folks who might otherwise feel ignored or excluded. Hopefully you can lead by example to some of the guys who doing the shunning.

I dated a truck driver many years ago and went with him on a few trips. Granted, he wasn't a long haul trucker like you, so this may be a very different thing, I don't know... but I noticed the genuine friendships and respect for each other among them. They'd get on their radios and warn other truckers about traffic or treacherous driving conditions, cops up ahead or whatever. Sometimes they'd just 'shoot the shit' with each other to pass the time I guess. And it didn't seem to matter if they worked for different logging companies... if someone had an issue, they were there for each other. I was impressed by that. They'd even cooperate with the French Canadian guys despite language barriers and underlying rivalries.

It seems to me, from my small glimpse of trucker life, that interacting and cooperating with others within your field of work is an important part of what you guys do. Am I right? If so, it must really be a long hard day for folks who are left out of the loop.

So Thank You on behalf of the people who are being discriminated against for whatever reason. And again, I hope you get opportunities from time to time to lead some of the others by example.

[Kali]

4. I know this is true in a number of blue collar "worlds"

and probably too many white collar ones as well - as mentioned above just more muted. Always nice to find the real thinking, tolerant, and compassionate gems in a group that tends to overtly reject those traits.

oops put this in the wrong place - oh well point remains:crazy:

[Tobin S.]

11. Truckers aren't all bad

and it just may be a very vocal minority that makes homophobia in trucking seem like a bigger problem than it is to me. But even those who are bigoted have people depending on them and I recognize their basic humanity, too, although it may be hard to see sometimes.

But you are right in that there is comradery amongst truckers to a certain extent. When I was broke down on the side of the road the other day a trucker stopped to see if I was ok and if he could help. But I hear from the old timers that the comradery among drivers used to be much stronger. The disipation of that feeling might just be due to advancments in communication with regards to satellite communications, cell phones, and computers. When someone is broke down now it is not nearly as dangerous a situation as it used to be. Just hop on the phone and call someone out to fix you up.

[Brickbat]

2. I'd guess they're no more or less homophobic than any other segment of the population;

they're just not afraid to say it. I've heard crap coming out of people's mouths in a "liberal" newsroom that was comparable to what you'd hear at a construction site or a shop floor -- it was just muttered, instead of said outright.

[elleng]

3. You are tough!

and thoughtful and kind.

And glad you 'checked in;' looking and looking for you yesterday!

[david13]

5. I had to laugh at your title. I think they had established a co relation

between education and narrow mindedness long ago.
And generally truckers would not be at a higher education level, generally not college grad, etc.
But Tobin seems to be a real exception there, and that I think is why we look forward to his reports. An open and enthusiastic mind.
I think Crystal makes a good point, too. There are good features and bad about any group, or work force.
The truckers are loyal to their fellows and helpful.
Maybe similar to the Harley bikers, the 'lifestyle' bikers. They may have their prejudices and bigotries, and drink and fight, but if you are broke down at the side of the road, they stop and help.
I have had a number of them stop to help when I was on the side of the road. But I ride a BMW, I was not broke down, only resting or getting some water.
Who is it that always says Keep on Truckin'.
dc

[rrneck]

6. Well said.

:thumbsup:

[mike_c]

7. what an awesome post....

:thumbsup:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

8. Well said, my dear Tobin...

I think you did get past that road block...

And as have others have said here, I'm so pleased that you're setting the example for others with your tolerance and openness. We should do what we can...and you are.

Wish I could rec your thread!

Enjoy your day...

:hug:

[Deep13]

9. Good on yah, mate.

:thumbsup:

[KamaAina]

10. Seriesly, dude, you need to start blogging from the road

Why should just us Evil DU'ers get to hear these tales from the left lane of the Great American Road? :yourock:

[MajorChode]

12. There's plenty of homophobes that have ample education

They just generally do a better job of concealing their bigotries, which makes them more dangerous in some ways.

[femmocrat]

13. Would K&R if I could!

When you publish that book, Tobin, I hope you will autograph my copy. :hug: