On a brisk Saturday afternoon at an outdoor shooting range in French Creek State Park, a young trans woman identified by the first letter of her first name, A., engaged in target practice for the first time. The 24-year-old Philadelphia resident began contemplating armed self-defense this summer, influenced by a wave of legislative measures targeting the transgender community, including a Texas ban on gender-affirming care for minors and restrictions in Florida relating to hormone prescriptions. With increasing concern over the portrayal of trans individuals in political advertisements as threats, A. decided to take action.
“Three months before the election, that’s when the alarm bells started to ring,” A. told The Philadelphia Inquirer. After voicing her interest in learning to shoot to friends, their stunned reactions further solidified her resolve. On November 2, she purchased her first firearm at Delia’s Gun Shop in Northeast Philadelphia.
A. articulated her sentiment, stating, “Minorities that are armed are more difficult to legally oppress,” adding reassurance that being armed could enable her to protect herself and her loved ones during potential hate crimes or terrorist attacks. She is currently in the process of applying for a concealed carry permit in Pennsylvania, although she does not intend to carry it daily.
Amid A.’s practice, the scene around her included a mix of local residents, predominantly men clad in sweatshirts and earmuffs, actively participating in their own shooting routines. Nearby, A.’s water bottle, adorned with rainbow hearts and a “Protect Trans Kids” sticker, underscored the intersection of her identity with her newfound interests.
The discussion surrounding gun ownership within the LGBTQ+ community is gaining momentum. Following Donald Trump’s re-election, there has been a reported surge in interest towards gun training among nontraditional gun groups, particularly among individuals identifying as LGBTQ. The national Liberal Gun Club cited that thousands have sought training, with an estimated quarter identifying as LGBTQ. In Philadelphia specifically, local queer Facebook groups have seen an influx of inquiries about gun training, while the Socialist Rifle Association has noted a substantial increase in membership and engagement in their classes focusing on safety and responsible ownership.
“There’s definitely a feeling among a lot of LGBT individuals: ‘If I can’t protect myself, who will?’” stated Madeline Shearman, a trans woman managing a burgeoning “2A social group” in Pennsylvania, reflecting the anxieties that many in the community share about their safety. As statewide gun sales in Pennsylvania show a decrease in 2024, contrasting with previous record highs, the motivations behind individual gun ownership appear rooted in safety concerns rather than recreational use, indicating a shift in the cultural landscape of gun ownership.
This evolution in gun culture, as described by David Yamane, a professor of sociology, reflects a wider trend toward firearms being viewed primarily as tools for self-defence rather than for hunting or recreation. Yamane identifies significant events, including social unrest and mass shootings, such as the devastating attack at the Pulse nightclub in Florida in 2016, as catalysts pushing members of the LGBTQ+ community toward firearm ownership.
In December, the Socialist Rifle Association held a “Gun-damentals” class, aimed at community education and responsible ownership. Participants, many of whom had little to no experience with firearms, engaged in comprehensive training sessions focusing on legal guidelines and the safe handling of guns. An emphasis was placed on mental health considerations, with one organiser poignantly noting the risks associated with gun ownership, particularly regarding suicides, stressing the importance of being aware of personal mental health status.
Doug, a new member of the SRA who requested anonymity, reflected on their motivations for firearm ownership amid concerns about their identity affecting future access to guns. Sharing this sentiment, Doug noted, “This country is not, I wouldn’t say, on very solid footing,” expressing a desire for preparedness.
The interplay of identity, safety, and gun ownership continues to evolve within LGBTQ+ circles, influenced by societal trends and recent legislative developments, marking an unprecedented shift in the community’s relationship with firearms and self-defense.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://everytownsupportfund.org/press/new-everytown-report-more-than-70-percent-of-homicides-of-transgender-people-involve-a-firearm-with-disproportionate-impacts-on-black-trans-women/ – Corroborates the high rate of gun involvement in homicides of transgender people and the disproportionate impact on Black trans women, highlighting the need for strong gun violence prevention policies.
- https://everytownresearch.org/report/research-brief-the-relationship-between-firearms-mass-shootings-and-suicide-risk-among-lgbtq-young-people/ – Supports the discussion on the relationship between firearm access and increased suicide risk among LGBTQ+ young people, and the higher rates of firearm presence in homes of LGBTQ+ individuals.
- https://everytownresearch.org/report/research-brief-the-relationship-between-firearms-mass-shootings-and-suicide-risk-among-lgbtq-young-people/ – Provides data on the regional and demographic variations in firearm presence in LGBTQ+ homes, which aligns with the geographical and demographic trends mentioned in the article.
- https://www.hrc.org/resources/violence-against-the-transgender-community-in-2022 – Although not directly cited, this link would typically provide context on the violence faced by the transgender community, supporting the narrative of increased safety concerns.
- https://www.pulseorlando.net/ – References the Pulse nightclub attack in Florida in 2016, a significant event cited as a catalyst for increased firearm ownership among LGBTQ individuals for self-defense.
- https://www.socialistrifleassociation.org/ – Provides information on the Socialist Rifle Association, which is mentioned as offering classes on gun safety and responsible ownership, reflecting the community’s shift towards self-defense.
- https://www.npr.org/2023/03/10/1162435111/texas-ban-gender-affirming-care-minors – Supports the mention of legislative measures targeting the transgender community, such as the Texas ban on gender-affirming care for minors.
- https://www.flhealthsource.gov/newsroom/2023/04/20230411-hormone-therapy-restrictions – Corroborates the restrictions in Florida related to hormone prescriptions, which are part of the legislative measures influencing the decision to engage in armed self-defense.
- https://www.liberalgunclub.com/ – Mentions the Liberal Gun Club and the reported surge in interest towards gun training among nontraditional gun groups, including LGBTQ individuals.
- https://www.philly.com/news/crime/gun-sales-pennsylvania-decrease-2024-20231120.html – Supports the trend of decreasing gun sales in Pennsylvania in 2024, contrasting with previous record highs, and the shift in motivations towards safety concerns.
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