Washers and being Gay

[robm]

This may be a controversial thread for some but it's something that intersts me.

I get the impression from the outside world that liking washers is thought to be a gay thing or effemminate. Thinking about it I can see the logic behind this. Although, society thinks of itself as more PC these days, the truth is that washing is generally thought of a a female pursuit. Scratch the surface and there are still a set of old fashioned ideals.

Of course a love a washing machines is anything but effeminate as it primarily deals with science, technology and design. (Although, camper elements can be fun).

However, on coming to this site is struck me how many gay men there are here. I must add at this point that I am gay but never thought of this as a gay hobby. Interestingly my gran said when I came out that, it was because my mother had allowed me to do the vacumming and washing?? Bizarre!!

This is not a coming out thread but more of an interest in your views on this subject.

Rob

 

[aquarius1984]

Well my parents have always suspected I was and have been interrogated so many times over me being gay.
I dont see what odds it makes, And im not admitting to being straight or gay in one of their "tell us" sessions.

I like a scrupulously clean house, clean clothes etc etc

Because i almost got married to a female they backed well off and think im just too meticulous.

But lets just say at the minute im keeping my options open as to what sexuality I am. I have certain issues which im exploring and like all things it takes time to settle.

Well for such a short post that was quite hard to put.

Nick

You guys know before my folks, but then you guys probably understand more.
They just freak at the idea of homosexuality. Stuck in the dark ages or what!

 

[gansky1]

I remember too, being ridiculed for my interests in appliances and housekeeping tasks at an early age. I think much of it comes from fear - people have a tendency to mock what they don't understand, especially if it defies traditional gender roles in society. I put a lot of my interests aside for many years but then I discovered the tiny group of people in a Yahoo! group that shared similar life experiences and interests. I have always felt that how each person lives their daily lives, openly and without fear, being who they want to be will eventually break down some of these societal barriers and over time, people will come to accept that everyone is different and just because a child shows an interest in vacuum cleaners, washing machines, irons or ice makers, doesn't mean they need psychological therapy and prescription medication. Hold those agitators high guys and gals, we're slowly changing the world!!

You think people there are stuck in the dark ages over there, I fear they may start lynching gays and lesbians here sometimes. You wouldn't believe some of the rhetoric we here almsot daily from the religious fanatics who assume that our Constitution and Bill of Rights are written as a suggestive addendum to their Bible. I don't know what the full scope of the civil rights laws are there, but here, we can be fired from our jobs, denied housing, have children taken away and/or be refused adoption rights, denied survivor benefits and estate transfer, let alone have the right to make medical decisions for hospitalized partners. I think it's a healthy discussion to have, I really think many don't realize the full scope and breadth of the discrimination that goes on daily in the U.S.

 

[jasonl]

Yeah, and I'm str8

I think it goes back to a having a strong bond with our mothers and being interested in home appliances rather than the ultra-macho thing of being interested in sports, cars and motorcycles. Having a gay lifestyle lends itself to being interested in different gender roles and washer collecting is definitely a niche in the gay community.

And there are a few of us str8 guys here that enjoy being the "housewife" every now and then. Actually, Helen loves the fact that I sometimes cook, clean, wash dishes (in the DW of course) and do the laundry. Gives her more time to watch FOOTBALL (talk about gender switching there).

I've always been fascinated with washers because of my mom, but also the noise, water splashing, mechanical action, the smells of the detergent and fabric softener. All that rolled into one belt-driven grind-click-clunking euphoric experience.

 

[lederstiefel1]

the situation in America / US

Yes, I do agree with you Gansky1....
Lots of people believe here in Germany that in several states of the US (middle and south) people are even more "behind the moon" than in Germany! This is the crazy fact: in some areas people think very open minded and in some areas they still live in the middle-ages!
But I'm not sure wether it has something to do with being gay if you are interested in washing-machines. None of our gay-friends has any interest in washing-machines or other house-hold appliances like me, nor can they understand my hobby....
And also there are hundreds of straight men who have to be interested in washers as they built them, repair them or sell them....
Ralf

 

[robm]

The situation in the UK and Gay views on washers

Gansky1 the situation in the UK does not sound as grave as the US at the moment. In fact it is almost positively fashionable to have gay friends in the UK. We also have a tradition of "Gay Celebrities" in the UK, which although can be negative are also visible. Having said this though there is still a lot of predjudice about and gay people still get a hard time of it. Particularly in schools.

JasonL thanks for your comments as a straight man. To be honest I've never thought of this hobby as being attractive to gay men. If I were to mention it on a gay forum I think they would think I had lost the plot.

I suppose I am far more in the closet about this pursuit than being gay. Bizarre or what??

 

[vivalalavatrice]

Helping with housekeeping...

Why would helpling in housekeeping have to be gay thing?

My grandfather helped my granmother in cooking and manage the kitchen...He was not gay AT ALL!!

My dad help my mother in everything at home...cleaning the bath, hanging out clothes on the linedry, cooking, tidying up... He's not gay AT ALL

And ME??? I do the laundry because I love washers, but I have not ever absolutely wonder if this mean to be gay or not...

I stil now don't know at the age of 23 years if I am gay or not... Should I wonder it??!?

Please, keep out our own sexuality habits and preferences from life habits!

Diomede

 

[tomturbomatic]

If it were car engines we were interested in and working on, there would be no question. I think everyone here has been interested in washing machines all of their lives. I certainly did not "learn" it, nor was it forced on me. It has just always been a part of my life. Maybe it goes along with borderline Asperger's in some cases. There are plenty of Gay men who are not interested in appliances at all and who do not do their own laundry. There are many heterosexual men who are not obsessed with their cars' performance. There are Gay men & heterosexual men & women who love cars and appliances. For me it was washers first, then dryers and dishwashers became objects of interest around age 6 or so and electric stoves around 11. I started noticing vacuum coffee makers around 7 when I saw one at the house of a friend of our family. I stayed fascinated with them. Even before that, beautiful cookware and pressure cookers caught my attention and have had it ever since.

 

[seeitrun2006]

Straight guy with Asperger

My obsession with washers comes from my brain being somewhat mis-wired from Aspergers. Which in my opinion makes me unique not weird. Being gay or straight in my opinion has nothing to do with it what so ever.

My wife an I have had gay friends in the past and my wife's sister is gay. Non of them show any interest in appliances except when they broke down or needed replacing.

What I hate is when society classifies everyone into one group. They then shut out those who don't confirm to their high class way of thinking.

I have been put down, ostracize, bullied, made fun of all my life because my obsessions, Asperger and being a loner. But it has taken me 49.5 years to figure out why should I care what others think of me. I have a loving wife who loves me no matter what. One thing I have noticed over the years is that children love people no matter what. Just wish adults could be that way.

Peace!

 

[dalangdon]

I think people have interests in appliances for a variety of reasons: Many people enjoy the mechanical aspects of appliances, others enjoy industrial design, still others have an interest in housekeeping.

Personally, I like both the industrial design of the post-war stuff, as well as the sheer "campiness" of some of the marketing, accessories, and obscure features.

But I don't think it has anything to do with a person's sexual identity, which I think is overemphasized anyway. Too many people, on both sides of the issue, trying to pigeonhole people when I think that sexuality is too individualized and nuanced for that kind of classification.

If we would just get over that whole hang up, and minded our own business, there would be a whole less heartache in the world, and a lot fewer people with sexual problems.

 

[rp2813]

I think the interest in old appliances cuts a pretty wide swath across various sexual preferences. My partner was fascinated by the changing colors on the dial of his mom's GE washer back in the early 50's when he was a few years old. For me, it's an interest in old technology and mechanical things and keeping them working.

While I'm mechanically inclined I don't have any formal education on appliance repair; I do what I can by figuring out the logic of the mechanics and if it's too much for me to tackle, then that's that. I've probably damaged as many things as I've fixed. It's just satisfying to me to keep things going that are still viable. Probably a trait I got from my parents who both went through the depression and never threw anything away, and also never had a lot of money to spare. My dad could fix almost anything and this is why my mom's first and only stove, a 1949 Westinghouse, is still in use at her house. For me, I think its' a sense of satisfaction in being able to keep an appliance going. Maybe it's a Virgo thing. But I don't think it's a gay thing.

I used to work on my own cars but these days you need to own a shop and tons of special equipment so the only vehicle I work on now is my 57 year old GMC pickup. I personally hate musicals, show tunes and pretty much anything of a feminine nature and reject the part of gay male culture that celebrates femininity like drag queens--that is just not me and I refuse to be lumped in with that bunch--but hey, I respect their interests and simply say, to each his own. In reality there are probably far more "straight" men (I personally feel nobody is 100% straight) who are TV's than gay so go figure that one out. I consider myself a normal mainstream male who just happens to prefer sex with other men and I know that a large number of gay men are just like me in that respect. They don't buy into the whole gay scene and go about their suburban lives like all of their neighbors. So I don't see this as childhood interest in duties that were often performed by the woman of the house. It goes beyond that and I believe it was more of an interest around the mechanics and the operation of the various machines we grew up with rather than the mistakenly stereotypical assessment that we were more interested in girl things instead of boy things. That makes about as much sense as the notion that in a relationship between two men, one of them takes on the feminine role. Nothing could be further from the truth. We've got a very long way to go to dispell the "red state" type of ignorance and unfounded fear in this country. Guys like Mark Foley aren't helping matters any.

 

[mixfinder]

Clean, Gay and Washing

I am gay, but didn't come out until 52. My life was filled with internal choas and my brain spun like the most out of balance load ever loaded. Clean and orderly in the midst of all the noise, gave me comfort and still does. When the things I am responsible for are done to code, I can relax.

I also grew up poor, without running water. The sound of water moving, speaks to me. I like the sound of a sprinkler, rain, washing machines sloshing and the dishwashers slooshing. I like to clean with a sink or bucket full of creamy water, rich with suds and enjoy watching the clothes break through the foam during rollover.

I am beyond fascinated with machinary and it why I got involved with the tech side of food and manufacturing. Countertop appliances, ranges and washers had to perform flawlessly for me or they were booted to the curb. To know which ones I liked best, I have used and owned them all. Now in my 55 years of experience, I live and cook with the best of the best.

I did come out and the first thing I did was turn to the silent voice that road on my left shoulder dogging me incessently and said, "Go, to Hell. I outed myself so you are powerless!"

It cost a lot in money and some friends, but I live free now, in a quiet and peaceful mind with my two adopted sisters, Ease and Grace.

Kelly

 

[goatfarmer]

'nother str8 one....

My dad has repaired appliances since before I was thought of,I grew up in the business. I HATED it at the time,because it was something I was told to do. But even then(the 70's) I liked going to the local dealer,and rummaging through their trade in pile.
But later on in life,I really came to appreciate the older styles of refrigerators,washers,etc,and what made them tick. I guess that's one of the reasons I still an active in the business today.

kennyGF

 

[jonv112]

Well, I'm str8, but I was raised to help around with the chores, like do the dishes, sort out the clothes, pick up things off the floor to help with the vacuuming, that kind of thing. For some reason, I was always fascinated with water. Fountains, sprinklers, WMs, DWs, you name it. A couple of years ago when I was about 9, I realized that it wasn't the water that really got me into these things, it was the mechanics behind them. I wondered how the switches worked and the motors and everything. I am known to my friends to have "unique" interests, but none of them ever thought of me as homosexual. I still prefer to do the laundry, and load the dishwasher, because I am fascinated at how they work, and the more I observe, the more knowledge I gain.

I don't really care about what people think of me and what I do, as long as my friends and family accept me for who I am, which all of them do

 

[rp2813]

There seems to be a somewhat common thread here about the mechanical aspect of various appliances, not just washers. And also an interest in industrial design. We are not a gay island here. Look at the retro appliances on Rachael Ray's cooking show, and that Chambers range of hers looks vintage to me. There's an interest in industrial design being demonstrated that isn't exclusive to the gay community, but you know we gay guys tend to be the trend setters. Next thing you know a crew from HGTV is going to pay a visit to the Aberdeen Farm!

 

[58limited]

I am not gay, and I don't care what anyone's sexuality is. I am fascinated with American mid-20th century technology and ingenuity. My interests are not just appliances. I love cars, electronics, architecture. I bought a 1940s house which I am decorating in 1940's and 1950's styles. Some rooms and things are modern, but a lot is in the old style. I enjoy discussing my hobbies with people of similar interests, regardless of their background or sexuality. I am new to this group but I'm enjoying it so far, thanks to everyone who has offered me info and advice.

 

[oxydolfan1]

Well, I'm out, but am 40, and am still having problems relating to my "out-a-tude" with regards to my family (I love MANY of them dearly, but only they can make me feel like a militant at the dinner table, lol!)

To our European friends, just an observation: in North America, we pay a LOT more attention to sexual orientation, who is, who might or might not be, and sometimes how and why. Things are a lot more stratified here then anywhere else I've ever traveled. It's very much an American thing...a recent political scandal featured the media focusing on the orientation of a pedophiliac politician, rather than the pedophiliac aspect on its own. The issue permeates virtually every bit of our culture, and sometimes the most progressive places can be the most oppressive of all....in turn, we're sensitive to our place in the scheme of things.

I have a theory about having to have the whitest whites, the most space-age kitchen equipment, the shiniest floors....I believe it has less to do with sexuality itself, and more to do with the fact that we naturally overcompensate, to always put our best foot forward, a sort of gritty determination to not just succeed, but excel, in all of our endeavors. I come from what actually was, bizarrely, a typical, dysfunctional, abusive
working-class Brooklyn family, where every hoity-toity expenditure was scrutinized, and definitely commented upon...but for me, and IMHO for many of us, every dime spent was done to "bring ourselves up"...and materialistically and financially, many of us did. It was a way to distance ourselves from the hopelessness of the past....

I'm sorry, I don't usually get so psychobabbly, but this thread touched me!

I really enjoy most things related to the home (especially the tools, lol!)

 

[mulls]

Just good people

Im straight,never had any internal conflicts adout it,but had interest in cooking,appliances,etc from the beginning.Always helped Mom,partly out of duty but also enjoyed it,was always considered a little strange-although was a car fanatic too.Just did as I pleased and didnt worry about the rest.The bottom line is this-this group we are fortunate enough to belong to is as wonderful,giving,respectful as any group of people I have ever encountered.That is what matters.

 

[foraloysius]

Gays are often trensetters because they have more personal freedom. It's easier for gays to do something out of the normal. I think that is the reason it were gays who started to collect washers and other appliances. But others followed. Interest in washers isn't a gay thing I think. But doing something with it before it is considered normal is something gays will do easier.

Just my $0.02

 

[pturo]

Washer and Dryers and Gay Astrology, even?

I am an Aquarian, the water bearer, which is an air sign. I have always been facinated by washers, dishwashers, showers, faucets: things that bear water and and drain away in powerful forces. The dryer and furnace and air conditioning have always held facination as fire and air, or ice and air. I just love the way something mechanical blends with the physical elements of nature to serve us. I also like to restore old things. We throw out so much in this McDonalds cell phone instant gratification world. I dont know if that makes me gay or because I am gay I am drawn to it. A lot of people are really heavy into restoring cars, and I think I could go there too. I do think there is the expectation that gay men are chic, and they improve things, set trends and define retro, retro progessive, and what is to come in terms of fashionable collectibles and clothing trends, neighborhoods and antiques. If you had to ask God why he created gay people, his response would probably be "To teach straight people how to have good taste." Philip

 

[appnut]

Here her Ralph. Right on bro!!! My pals here do razz me about my disdain for ink appliances. I prefer the more masculine colors, except for turqoise, myself--coppertone, poppy, harvest gold, avocado. If my dream pair washer & dryer showed up in pnik, I at least know I could prolly trade it for even a white set around here. LOL

 

[brettsomers]

louis, i think you hit the nail on the head!

 

[oldwasherguy]

I like many types of vintage machinery,such as outboard motors antique shotguns,coleman camping equipment,as well as vintage washers.I love to cook,clean and do the laundry.And once in a while I go deer huntin and fishin. So I dont think its a gay hobby,just a rare one.Don

 

[abcomatic]

Great thread! I am "one of the boys" and have been doing laundry since I was 6 in 1955! My grandmother bought me a scrubboard and a galvaized bucket and I was scrubbing away, and loved it all! My dad(mr.hunting, let's go out and kill something) hated it! If I ever get the guts to scan a picture of me then, with my own ironing board and iron, you will all die laughing. I am a Pieces on March 1, so am into the water thing too! Have fun washing. Abcomatic

 

[washertalk]

The "Gays" are cool, I hope to be one when I grow

Pieces here, a significant interest in water and plumbing from early on. As a kid when visiting relatives and friends I always got into trouble rerouting down spouts or moving garden hoses around into different configurations. I mean they all had to connect even if the configuration wouldn't work right.
The frustration when someone didn't have rain gutters or they kept their garden hose in the garage. I was always interested in checking out peoples basements and yes the washer and other appliances.
I have to admit I don't know if I am gay or hetero. And why choose? As has been said, in America we seem to be so black or white, yes or no, right or wrong. (It is easier for advertising agencies to market to people this way) There is nothing wrong with the gray area. Embrace the gray. In fact I am painting my gray area a happy color, like pale tangerine or something, at least a lite beige. perhaps adding a nice border.

You just know that those people who hang out in "typical" sport and interest hobbies have their issues. How many people afraid to venture out of their shell have embraced nascar or baseball or.. ? Have you ever been a spectator at one of these "events"? Boring as all Hell.
If you are strong enough to seek out a group like OURS, you are special and strong whether gay or hetero. The fact that we can talk about this, even consider this is significant.

There are certain sexual connotations in the functionin of washers, dryers, dishwashers, and vacuums and even small appliances. That is obvious but they can't be labeled either gay or hetero.

I'm hoping I am not poking a stick at a lame stereotype in noticing (by names and topics discussed) that there are few women and probly fewer yet lesbians in this group. Not that woman aren't mechanically inclined just as men, but more because I would think they would see home appliances as a negative drag. Where as men would be more inclined to view home appliances as freedom (from dependance on women). Again though, not necessarily a gay or hetero thing?

 

[robm]

Great comments so far but where are the Brits?

Thank you to all of you who have so far contributed to this thread. I get an overwhelming sense (which I too agree with) that this hobby is not related to sexuality at all. I think, however, there is a blurring of gender roles, which is much healthier than yesteryear.

I do find it interesting that there are few women on here, I wonder what the reason for that is.

I also find it interesting being British, that bar one person no one from the UK has contributed. Perhaps, I'm over analysing here but I wonder if our American friends can talk more freely about these things than men in the UK. Just a thought!

But these thoughts are of course up for discussion and I have no conclusions as yet, so please don't have a go at me for having them.

Rob

 

[vivalalavatrice]

Whashers and being Gay...

Would it be a very interesting argument to discuss either on my tesi?

Yeah... I think it would be a very great act indeed... why not?
At the end even the "social" aspect of the Magnific Washers' World has to be faced.

THAKS ALL! Anoter prompt you gave me...)

Good Bye
Diomede

 

[brettsomers]

expanding on Louis Feenstra's comments: most HUMANS dont have the confidence/individuality to do anything that is different than what is around them. this includes clothes, music, food and ideas. if their circle likes country music, they wouldnt DARE consider anything else. if brand X clothes are the thing, they have to fit in. *out* gay people often have the courage to be themselves, and are indifferent to others judging. of course, there is a clone-like aspect to the gay community too.

 

[carlstock]

I'm a Brit!

Hi, all, and especially Rob!

I’m a Brit, and I am willing to talk! I’m not gay – I’m heterosexual – but I am certainly not homophobic either. I do not really like talking about myself – this is a British thing! ;-) – for fear of appearing

I think the problem is that men are ‘supposed’ to be tough and not to be seen to be interested in more ‘delicate’ things. However, my Dad was in the Army, and he is completely domesticated – he can use all of the kitchen appliances perfectly! His Dad was the same – very domesticated. In fact, my grandfather was more house-proud than his wife (my grandmother of course), and I can tell you that he was a softy underneath, but he was very tough on the outside.

Back to me: I have what has been called “gentle” and “sweet”, although I do have my fair share of strong views at times. I think it is more to do with one’s personality than one’s sexuality. Don’t forget that some gay people can be pretty aggressive and can seem, to a layman, macho! I think there’s a term for this.

In any case, what’s the difference between a washer that is made from chunks of metal and plastic… and a car, which is made from chunks of metal and plastic…? Whatever floats your boat/makes you tick…

Regards,

Carl

 

[carlstock]

Whoops! I left out a word!!! LOL

"I do not like talking about myself for fear of appearing like an attention seeker.”