Last semester, as part of an extra credit assignment for my film class, I attended a screening of Erin Davies’s moving documentary "Fagbug Nation", the sequel to "Fagbug." Before showing the film to the audience, Davies spent a good half hour discussing the idea of the “Fagbug” and how it originated. It all started on April 18, 2007, the 11th Annual National Day of Silence, when Davies unexpectedly became the victim of a hate crime in Albany, New York, simply for being a lesbian. Because Davies’s Volkswagen beetle sported a rainbow sticker in support of LGBT rights, somebody decided to vandalize it by spray-painting the words “FAG” and “U R GAY” on the driver’s side window and the hood of the car. The first film, "Fagbug", is Davies’s response to this terrible hate crime.
Although Davies was initially shocked by this malicious act, considering she had never been the victim of a hate crime, she chose to use it to her advantage. Interestingly enough, Davies kept the graffiti on her Volkswagen beetle in order to show a “digital example” of what homophobia looks like and to continue the conversation about homosexuality. After giving the car a stunning makeover, decorating it with large colorful stripes, Davies made it her personal mission to get the Fagbug to all 50 states in the country, including Hawaii and Alaska. Along the way, she interviewed over 1,000 people, all of whom initiated the conversation with her and spoke out against hate crimes. Her second film, "Fagbug Nation", illustrates this incredible journey.
Unlike most documentaries, this one surprisingly caught, and held, my attention. What I really enjoyed about "Fagbug Nation" is that it presented an honest, objective point of view. While Davies is obviously a woman who advocates for the LGBT community, she recognizes that many people do not necessarily share her beliefs and opinions. She recounted to the audience a tale of one man, in particular, who was driving in front of her one day and turned around to shake his head six, yes, you read that correctly, six different times in her direction. Instead of responding in a negative manner, Davies pulled up next to him and asked if she could interview him to try to understand his perspective. Her documentary, then, includes conversations with people who both support and oppose homosexuality, encompassing a wide range of viewpoints that forces the audience to consider the subject from multiple angles. Throughout her cross-country road trip, Davies is guided by her compassion for others and keeps an extremely open mind, which is what makes her so likeable and appealing to those she encounters along the way.
Many of the stories I heard from people who were interviewed by Davies in "Fagbug Nation", deeply moved me, particularly the ones that came from young children. One boy in the third grade mentioned that he is often bullied by his classmates for having homosexual thoughts. Another boy, no older than six or seven, said he is frequently teased because his favorite color is pink, a “girl color.” Perhaps the most tragic story of all was that of a little girl who saved her friend from committing suicide because he was gay and felt like no one was willing to accept him. I was absolutely astonished by how many young children in our generation feel so alone and helpless because of the refusal of others to accept their sexuality, to the point where they honestly believe that ending their own lives is the only possible option. It was refreshing to hear one mother tell the story of her son’s coming-out, and how she had responded by promising she would love and care for him no matter what his sexual orientation. This story, and countless others, brought tears to my eyes and made me realize how important it is that we do as much as we can to promote awareness and support of the LGBT community.
What struck me the most about this film is not only Davies’s ambition to achieve her goal of getting her car to all 50 states, but also her ability to find humor, even in the worst situations. Regardless of the ongoing controversy surrounding the Fagbug, she received 50 complaints the first day she drove it, Davies continues to use it as a means of educating others about homosexuality and LGBT rights. The fact that she has driven the car for 15 years now, despite its being egged, keyed, and spit on in the process, is truly admirable and says a great deal about her strong character.
Following the film screening, Davies told the audience that she makes it her mission to personally respond to every letter she receives, whether it is a positive or negative one. So far, she has replied to 30,000 of them, which I find absolutely amazing! I really enjoyed hearing Davies read some of those letters aloud during her presentation. She stated that one heterosexual male, e-mailed her after watching her documentary, to apologize for using ignorant slurs in the past to describe homosexuals. He said that, from now on, he would make sure to teach his children to be more understanding and accepting than he had been. Another letter came from a girl who had been depressed and was thinking about hurting herself when she happened upon the Fagbug and suddenly had a change of heart. Hearing real-life examples of how the Fagbug has encouraged tremendous change around the world was truly inspiring to me.
Now that her mission is over and her goal fulfilled, Davies serves as a motivational speaker, continuing her travels across the country with her rainbow Volkswagen beetle to tell her heart-wrenching story to those willing to listen. She has given presentations at over 300 schools and businesses. Her impact is long-lasting, as she encourages people nationwide to take a stand against hate crimes in order to promote equality, inclusion, and acceptance. Her website, www.fagbug.com, is often used by parents and teachers to educate children about homosexuality and its implications. Davies credits the Fagbug for teaching her about her strengths and capabilities. She now uses it as an example to others that they can achieve anything if they set their minds to it!
