As a female who has a crazy passion for cars, I encounter discrimination and sexism rather frequently... which is the worst thing to realize.
I know I have been discriminated against more times than I can talk about. That in itself makes me realize how much things need to change. But for every bad experience, I have received some praise.
You hear so often in the car scene that you would make the 'perfect girlfriend' because you share the same passion and aren't afraid to get your hands dirty. I have dated guys with no passion in cars, and I have dated guys that their life revolves a lot around cars. The common factor was they didn't like my knowledge of cars, or hated that their friends could sit and talk to me for hours about engines, our favourite cars and car shows we have been to.
Going to an auto wreckers for parts can be a mission. They try tell you you're not looking for that part, or that something wont work. Or, you just get ignored. And god forbid I go in with a male! It's as though I turn invisible, or am just a floating pair of boobs. Even the generic auto parts places barely treat me like a human being, and a lot of the time they just employ people that interview well but have no knowledge of cars whatsoever.
I count myself lucky that my partner treats me like an equal. He has taught me a lot about metal work. I can sling a grinder and welder like anyone else that has been taught how, no matter whats between my legs. Though I still get told how to do things, and what to do to MY cars by guys that think they are helping. Sometimes I just want to throw a spanner at their head!
I have been told what I can and cant do to my cars, as though they have a say?! I was told to leave my Datsun as it was, so I don't wreck it.....
... they were met with a blank stare and I just walked away.
Dressing as a pinup, gorgeous circle skirt and petticoat with a cute top, people often think I am an air head or don't see past the outfit and overlook me. They see me as an object that can pose with their car like a hood ornament. Don't get me wrong, I will pose with a gorgeous car, and have many times. But I can then walk up to the owner and have a conversation about the restoration of their car. It throws a lot of them off.
I go to numerous car shows each year, from a minitruck show where there's airbagged and body dropped trucks left right and centre, to 50's style shows where you can see rows upon rows of Cadillac's, old Holdens and Fords, more obscure cars like Oldsmobiles and hot rods. Enough eye candy for a car lover to last a long while.
I do get lucky, and can have some great conversations about what our plans are next for our cars (as they are never truly finished). I love nothing more than sharing my passion for cars, and talking about Peggy Sue (my Datsun 1300 ute) and my partners Rodeo. Sometimes when my man and I are in the shed he will have a drink whilst I do some welding. He did let me learn on his Rodeo after all.
Here I am working on the new tub floor of my Datsun. We made it a lot stronger with some bead rolled/swaged panels and a second skin, as it only had the outside, so there were a few dings from things rolling around in the back. This is my happy place. With my man in the shed, work gear on and a tool in my hand.
Cars are my life. They have helped me to heal and all of my cars (I currently own four) are my family. In turn, my car club and the great people I see at events, and that talk to me about them and treat me as an equal are also like family.
I currently don't drive due to PTSD from a car accident, which resulted in a few injuries and a chronic illness that is with me for the rest of my life. When I have a welder or grinder in my hand and I am making something strong, that will last my lifetime, I transport to somewhere else. I can't help but talk excitedly to anyone that will listen about the modifications and the build process.
Car girls are real. We exist. Please treat us as equals and not as sex objects. Why is it okay to have a wall of pictures of hot girls posing with amazing cars, but it's not okay for us to get into the shed and work on cars? Your woman is not someone to feed you while you're in your 'man cave'. She is your queen. Your partner.
Thank you to @rambo @missy and @lyxzen for this topic. I've enjoyed reading everyones thougts on this, and am saddened to see so many instances of sexism, racism and homophobia. We can make a difference. We just need our voices heard. Now please enjoy some photos of me with cars, and of my beautiful vehicles.
