Word to the LGBT community: defend yourselves

Posted on by Chris Smith

In response to the article "Not Bashful in Asheville," which ran in the Mountain Xpress the week of May 17, self-defense classes, pepper spray and whistles — really? Let me know how effective that is against multiple attackers who are armed. Why should the LGBT community limit itself in its self-defense options? North Carolina is one of 36 states that has a shall-issue concealed handgun permitting process, meaning that if you don't have a criminal record and meet the requirements for a license, you must be issued one. Handguns are the great equalizer of men (and women).

Full disclosure: I carry a handgun like I carry my cell phone. Not because I'm paranoid, but because if anything is worth protecting, it's your own life. And the police aren't there to protect you. Response times for police are awful, and when seconds count, police are just minutes away. However, it must be noted that handguns are the last line to personal defense. Good situational awareness combined with a little common sense can help to avoid most violent encounters.

So LGBT community, why limit yourselves? The application fee for a North Carolina concealed handgun pistol license is $80, the course is around $100, and a good personal defense firearm is in the area of $300. While this is a costly proposition, what is the greater cost? A handgun and concealed handgun permit or your life and well-being? While I understand that carrying a concealed handgun is not for everyone, if potential hate-crime attackers were to get word of the LGBT community packing heat, they'd think twice and would probably heed the warning of "We're fabulous, don't f**k with us." Criminals are not looking for a fight; they're looking for an easy and passive target, which is a stereotype of the LGBT community. Defend yourselves, because your lives are worth defending.

— Chris Smith
Arden

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12 thoughts on “Word to the LGBT community: defend yourselves”

  1. Dirk Diggler

    LOL! Great letter!

    ever hear of the Pink Pistols? are they still organized? AVL needs a Pink Pistols club!

  7. Alan7

    Great job Chris. Kudos!
    However those cost figures do remind me how the second amendment doesn’t seem to apply to minumum wage workers. Some small pistols can be bought for $100 but the govenment permits cost $180, almost twice that. A constitutional right needs to be affordable! If the government wants to do more than a $20 study book and multiple choice quiz then the government can pay for it.
    Anyway, it’s really refreshing to see 2nd amendment concepts applied to minorities and defense against hate crimes, great work!

  8. Erika Franzi

    “While I understand that carrying a concealed handgun is not for everyone, if potential hate-crime attackers were to get word of the LGBT community packing heat, they’d think twice and would probably heed the warning of “We’re fabulous, don’t f**k with us.” Criminals are not looking for a fight; they’re looking for an easy and passive target, which is a stereotype of the LGBT community. Defend yourselves, because your lives are worth defending.”

    The writer’s point is the very same point that many 2nd Amendment rights advocates make. More guns, less crime. What better deterrent to violent crime than armed citizens? The writer is absolutely correct in his assessment that the vast majority of criminals are opportunists looking for passive targets. Arm yourself and choose to not be a passive target.

    Nice contribution, Chris.

  9. shadmarsh

    Is there a button to make all timpeck links disappear?

    We can all dream…

  10. dhalgren

    Dirk Diggler, where did you come from? I bet you’re no passive target! I wish all men were packin’, things would be much safer around here.

  11. bobdurivage

    The day concealed wepons are commonplace is rhe day I stop going to saloons. Bye bye,revenue.

  12. dpewen

    Guns are not the answer! Peck and his bunch believe guns should be carried by all .. the constitution and the bible are both fairy tales!

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