LGBTQ group Pink Pistols wants to arm gay individuals with guns

I've got to say that this is quite disappointing. There is a growing community of gay individuals who are arming themselves for the purposes of self defense against gay bashers.

The website PinkPistols.org states that,

There are now over 45 Pink Pistols chapters nationwide, and more are starting up every day. We are dedicated to the legal, safe, and responsible use of firearms for self-defense of the sexual-minority community. We no longer believe it is the right of those who hate and fear gay, lesbian, bi, trans, or polyamorous persons to use us as targets for their rage. Self-defense is our RIGHT.

The Pink Pistols get together at least once a month at local firing ranges to practice shooting, and to acquaint people new to firearms with them. We will help you select a firearm, acquire a permit, and receive proper training in its safe and legal use for self-defense. The more people know that members of our community may be armed, the less likely they will be to single us out for attack. Join us today. It is your RIGHT.

According to the June, 2009 article in the Washington Post, some Senate Republicans are attempting to use the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act as a way to push the Second Amendment. While individuals do have the right to bear arms, the plan seems to be a suggested added amendment that would allow gun owners to carry their guns across state lines in accordance with concealed carry laws.

Jimmy LaSilva, executive director of conservative gay activist group GOproud has stated, “We support this because we think it’s advantageous to make it legal and relatively easy for gay people to arm themselves so they can protect themselves."

PinkPistol.org says that they promote safe gun use and even post links to firearm safety classes. In addition to their mentioning of the importance of safety they also sell t-shirts and posters that glorify the notion of revenge on gay bashers. Some of the slogans say things like "Bash this!" and "Pick on someone your own caliber".

I cannot say that I know how it feels to be verbally, emotionally, and/or physically abused for being gay as I am a heterosexual woman. Reglardless I do have empathy for those who have been brutalized or have suffered depression or even considered suicide. No one should have to experience such torment.

I simply do not understand the logic behind fighting fire with fire. If someone physically attacks you, of course defend yourself. But why behave in such a way that will only cause a deeper divide between the LGBTQ community and homophobic individuals?

Care to speak your mind about this issue? Thanks to Appetite For Equal Rights for providing contact information.

PinkPistols.org -admin@pinkpistols.org
GOProud - info@goproud.org