Back in 2006, I asked if gays should carry guns. The discussion was inspired by a blogger's response to a gay bashing episode on the now canceled show Noah's Arc.
Last week, in a historic decision, the U.S. Supreme Court reaffirmed an individual's constitutional right to carry a handgun. The ruling comes at an interesting time when we are continually reminded that violence does little but create grief and cost money that could be better allocated elsewhere. Still yet, there are pros and cons of gun ownership.
On one hand, I don't feel violence is the answer. On another, violence against gays is still very much a fact of life. Should aggression be combated with more aggression? Should gays carry guns for protection?
Image © David Hartman.
Please carry your handgun. Get licensed, get trained, get protected. Round out your options with pepper spray and a pocket knife. Remember this: gay bashers and other criminals are similar to schoolyard bullies; they will only harm those who can’t or refuse to fight back. In my home state, there are nasty stereotypes about gay men (lots of cash on hand, timid and fearful of confrontation, etc). People don’t talk about civilian gun possession because of controversy, but it has to addressed. In short, learn the law, be safe, and defend well!