Something interesting came up in Kim du Toit’s reader mail section today:

Re:  The Pink Pistols

Kim,
Am curious about any past, present, or current commentaries available regarding these “Gun Totin’ Ferrets” ??? (GTFs).
“Thirty-one states allow all qualified citizens to carry concealed weapons.  In those states, homosexuals should embark on organized efforts to become comfortable with guns, learn to use them safely and carry them.  They should set up Pink Pistols task forces, sponsor shooting courses and help homosexuals get licensed to carry.  And they should do it in a way that gets as much publicity as possible.”

Bob B.

[I’m not sure what answer you want from me on this.  I’ve never commented on the Pink Pistols before, because they’re just another group which supports the Second Amendment, and therefore I’m supportive of them.
Your use of the word “ferrets” gives me a clue, however, so you may not like what I’m going to say next.  Of all people in the United States, homosexuals should be armed, because not only do they run the standard risks of being assaulted and robbed like the rest of us, they run the additional risk of being beaten up by some mindless asshole (or group thereof) because he’s afraid that he’ll get “contaminated by a queer”.  Queer-bashing has been a feature of life in almost every town and city in the United States, forever—and I, for one, would be the first to applaud if some homophobic fuckhead got wasted by a faggot under these circumstances.  Regardless of your opinions on homosexuality, this bullshit has no place in our society, and if it takes a few Darwin episodes to prove it, so much the better.]

Indeed.  I support the rights of all people to defend themselves (which reminds me to add the Pink Pistols to my links section).  No one has the right to use force against another based on that person’s sexual orientation, and it’s people like Bob B. who are the Pink Pistols reason for being.  Further, the self-defense issue is a good way to win GLBT people over on gun rights (and away from the left-wing positions that many in the GLBT community think that they are required to have).  Personally, I would like to see a day when this isn’t an issue (the same goes for race).

This reminds me that I’ve added a few blogs to my links as well:

• Mrs. du Toit—essays and a wealth of info on various topics
• Alphecca—self-described gay gun nut in Vermont
• IMAO—good rants
• GOCinAtlanta—emphasis on grouchy (in a good way)