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| Skoda Fabia (surprised us, too...) |
In America, things are very different. Subaru, for instance, actively targets the gay and lesbian community. Its Forester is regarded as the lesbian car of choice. Subaru even sponsors a gay credit card. Ex-Wimbledon champ Martina Navratilova is the face of the company's TV ads, too. "We are proud to be gay," says a spokesman for Subaru US. "And since 1995 we have marketed actively in the gay community. Then it was a relatively uncluttered. Now lots of manufacturers have joined [in the hunt for gay buyers]."
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| A classic Chevvy |
America also boasts the largest gay motoring clubs in the world. That makes Europeans such as Gray and Gillan very envious. "I love cars but I find it difficult to find anyone gay to talk to about cars," says Gray. "There are clubs for British gay car enthusiasts, like the Gay Classic Car Club and the Gay Camping and Caravanning Club. But they are quite specialist. I end up having to share my passion for cars with straight guys." Gillan too is hoping for a change in gear. Not just amongst British gay drivers' attitude towards motoring, but straight motorists' approach towards gay drivers.
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| The VW Beetle Cabriolet |
"Gay men are into cars mainly as fashion accessories, not because they like cars. Cars are like clothes for gay guys. And one follows the other," says Gillan. "It is just what a single gay guy needs about town. There are downsides to driving a car so obvious, though. I get homophobic jibes and anti-gay road rage if you like. Mainly from hirsute men in white vans! But I think a bit of danger is worth it for the attraction it draws."
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