USING THE POWER OF THE KILT TO FIGHT MALE-SPECIFIC CANCERS

Damn Near Kilt 'Em: You two are men of many talents and varied interests. Let's start with your charity. Give us the story.  

Jason: Kilted to Kick Cancer has been around since 2011. Justin and I were at the Highland Games nearly a decade ago and decided we needed a reason to wear kilts more often. Thus, Kilted to Kick Cancer was born. September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, so for the entire month of September we wear kilts.

Justin: Since we cofounded the charity, Kilted to Kick Cancer has raised over $60,000 for Prostate Cancer Research.

DNKE: That's incredible. Congratulations. But how does wearing a kilt play a role in the charity? 

Jason: I've discovered the kilt is an unparalleled conversation piece that naturally leads me to talk about the reason why I wear a kilt. Namely, to get men to pay attention and get their literal asses to the doctor and learn about their family history and risks for prostate and testicular cancer.

Justin: Kilts draw a lot of attention - it's a great way to turn an awkward stare into a pitch about reducing the risk of cancer.

In 2010 I was wearing a kilt in the Las Vegas airport, waiting for a flight. A woman in her 70's was looking me up and down, walking in a circle around me. She asked why I was in a kilt and I went into our usual tale about risk factors for cancer. Then this total stranger tells me her husband sometimes has some pretty serious symptoms, but he says it's normal. I assured her that her husband's symptoms are not normal but a risk for cancer and he should immediately call his doctor.

Had I been wearing pants we would not have had that conversation, and she may never have known.

Kilted dad-mode, engage

DNKE: Kilts definitely have a way of drawing people in. What sort of person is drawn to ditch the pants and don a kilt? 

Justin: You need an outgoing personality to kilt up, but I believe that everyone has that. If you've ever worn a suit and tie, you have what it takes to kilt up. Fat, thin, tall, short–the kilt is a mindset. Confidence follows you when girls look your way and smile at your kilt (and her fella gets embarrassed).

Jason: Who is drawn to the call of the kilt? The bravest of the brave...with just a hint of recklessness. We're a tight-knit bunch because we're all willing to quite literally put ourselves out there...at least in a stiff wind.

DNKE: What are some of the common misconceptions about rocking a kilt? 

Jason: That it's a skirt. I didn't cofound Skirted to Kick Cancer. 

"Confidence follows you when girls look and smile at your kilt." 

Justin: Underwear. It is literally Kilted to Kick Cancer policy that anything under a kilt makes it a skirt. To be clear, we're not anti-skirt, we're just traditionalists. 

And not all of us are tatted and bearded and drink micro brew. We actually only require 2 out of 3.

DNKE: But you do drink microbrews, right?

Jason: Yes. I enjoy kilts, sarcasm and the imbibing of frosty adult beverages. It's a thing. Look it up.

Justin: Home brewing is one of my superpowers. No hazy stuff, no sour, just good old fashioned ale or IPA.

DNKE: What is your kilt-of-choice at the moment? 

Justin: Gotta go with the Tactical. While my Highlander is a great everyday errand running kilt, the ability to add accessories to the kilt is essential. Being able to add accessories to the Tactical as needed is awesome.

Jason: I currently enjoy the Sport Utility. Nice all-around function and it's comfy as hell.

Jason Hoschouer answers the call of duty for Kilted to Kick Cancer

DNKE: Where can people go to get more information about Kilted to Kick Cancer? 

Jason: You can get more info and make donations at KiltedtoKickCancer.org.

Justin: And you can join the Kilted Army (and pick up a sweet shirt) at KiltedArmy.com. 

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