Anyone remember Erin Davies? She's the Albany woman whose Volkswagen Beetle was defaced with "fag" and "u r gay," and instead of fixing her car - she decided to take action. She kept the slurs on the car as a way to start conversations and to raise awareness about queer issues and homophobia.
Well, it seems Davies' car has gotten a new look. Thanks to the folks at Volkswagen, Davies got her car an awesome new paint job. She now takes the Fag Bug across the country, keeping a blog.
Davies says, "Fag Bug has become much more than when it started. And to be able to transform it into something positive, rather than have people look at my car and be upset and hurt, I'd rather they look and see how bright the colors are, see something fun and playful instead of something hurtful." Davies is also has a book and movie in the works. Awesome!
Thanks to Rob for the link.
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I think I'm a little jealous that I don't have that paint job.
I'm in the market for a car. Probably used, but I was thinking of a VW. Now I'm certain I want one! Seriously, best car ever.
Three years ago someone painted "fat cunt"down the entire driver side of my red Volkswagen in white paint. Where's my movie?
Well, props to her, I guess. It takes a lot of creativity to parlay hateful vandalism that shitloads of people experience into book deals and Hollywood productions.
They're making a movie about this?
Theatrical Voiceover:
"...little did the homophobic graffiti artist know his next act of vandalism would make his intended victim rich and famous..."
Yeah, that'll be a blockbuster, all right.
As a member of that other college in Troy, NY, I'm very happy to hear this. Then again, what do you expect from a college founded by the widow of a man who felt women shouldn't go to school?
I like it!
Someone keyed my beautiful 1994 Ford Escort with the word BITCH several years back. Its still there...covered it up with some cheap paint from the hardware store. I don't know it reminds me everyday that powerful woman will always have barriers to break through and move through. Its like a mini mantra on my car.
Damn, ladies, you have some hateful neighbors in your parking lots!
Good for all of you, and nice idea, Ojibwayangel. It takes a strong person to smile everyday on the evidence of someone's hate.
That car looks familiar. I wonder if she's ever driven through Colorado at any point...hmmm...
that kind of response to ignorant homophobia shows a lot of thoughtfulness and spirit - exactly what everyone needs to overcome all this hatefulness.
Cool paint job, with much better visisbility for the driver than the original vandalism. :)
Also, I saw the comments on one of the articles at http://www.topix.net/forum/source/wnyt-albany/TTIGR5A3B4DMU3M7K . When I checked there were 14 and all were positive about Davies and/or complaining about some website technicality. :)
I truly admire what she’s doing. I find her action rather brave. There are a lot of haters and I’m glad she’s putting her word out there. Who gives a fuck what they say?!
And I’m loving the colors!
Yes Okra...
It is important to transform all hate into love. I believe I have that power. I am not sure who did this but I think I have an idea. I was standing up for a team mate in college whose boyfriend had cheated on her with three other girls. Once I stood up for her it was viewed as if I was the bad person. Interesting, eh? I don't contribute to hate in the world. I only contribute to love and unity of all people.
As we all know here on Feministing, a strong woman, a woman who uses her voice and a woman who uses her power in a beautiful way is often labeled with words like this. It just makes me more of feminist!