A grassroots group called the "Pink Pistols" is teaching gays and lesbians how to defend themselves with firearms.
The Washington Post reports that the Pennsylvania-based organization — the motto of which is "Pick on Someone Your Own Caliber" — encourages members of the LGBT community to carry concealed weapons.
Founder Tom Nelson, a 71-year-old retiree who packs a .40-caliber Glock, says he's seen a dramatic uptick in interest since 49 people were shot dead at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, this month. The group now has 45 chapters nationwide.
"We've been very good as a community with candlelight vigils, but not so good at doing what it takes to prevent them from happening," Nelson told The Post.
Members of the group are trained by certified instructors in the proper use of firearms at local gun ranges.
The group's
website states: "We teach queers to shoot. Then we teach others that we have done so. Armed queers don't get bashed."
© 2024 Newsmax. All rights reserved.