Q-NOTES • JANUARY 31 . 2004 22 Legal Pink and armed

In today’s mostly-liberal GLBT com­ the Michigan Coalition for Responsible munity, the idea of heat-packing queers Gun Owners. “As long as they’re support­ might be a bit alarming. When Pink Pistols ive of the underlying issue, which is self- formed its first chapter, many scoffed at defense, we welcome their support.” A visit to the Pink Pistols’ webite offers the idea. With over 5,000 members in 37 chap­ visitors these pearls of wisdoms; “Armed ters nation wide, the Pink Pistols have gays don’t get bashed” and “Pick on some­ proven that many LGBT folk like the idea of one your own caliber.” owning a gun. “When the queer community can woo Currently the Carolinas boast just one defend themselves, they’re no longer going ...Levi/Leather Club chapter, located in Asheville. But new to be perceived as an easy target,” says chapters are popping up all over. Recently, the newest chap­ 4000 S. 1-85 Service Rd. • Charlotte, NC ter made headlines in , Mich. are dedicated to the legal, “I’m politically incorrect, 704.394.1712 totally,” organizer Albert Lowe safe, and responsible use of told the Detroit Free Press. Lowe firearms for self defense of the www.woodshedlounge.com says the group will not only attract hobby target shooters sexual-minority community* We but also help build a broader, EVENTS: stronger gun-rights lobby. no longer believe it is the right In fact, the Pink Pistols get of those who hate and fear , | Wednesday together at least once a month at local firing ranges to practice , hi, trans,,or,-j f Pool Tournament shooting, and to acquaint peo­ $2.00 Domestic Beers ple new to firearms with them. polyamorous persons to use us as ^ They will help you select a targets for their rage* Self- First Saturday firearm, acquire a permit and receive proper training in its defense is our right* ” Fetish Night safe and legal use for self- ' — The Pink Pistols defense. As their literature states, “The more people know Third Friday that members of our communi­ Country Night ty may be armed, the less likely they will Doug Krick who founded the first chapter be to single us out for attack.” in Boston. Lowe, 47, who says he has a permit to Not surprisingly, that line of thinking • Best Beer Selection carry concealed weapons, says he also has some detractors in the GLBT commu­ • Best Juke Box supports loosening Michigan’s gun laws. nity. Jeffrey Montgomery, executive director “There are a lot of people in the of the Triangle Foundation, a Detroit-based • Best Country Music lifestyle who are interested in firearms,” gay rights group calls Krick’s assumption as named in Lowe told the Press. “And there are some “dangerous”. “Like many minority communities who The Charlotte Observei's of the more conservative gun groups around who are not friendly toward the are routinely targeted and highly at risk of annual Best of Charlotte! gay lifestyle [sic.]. I’ve run across a few being victims of violence, ours would be a people who didn’t like me because of my community I would hope that would lead , the discussion and debate in favor of gun viewpoints and such.” SPECIALS: The biggest gun group in Michigan, control,” Montgomery said. “1 firmly however, is welcoming the Pink Pistols. believe the presence of guns in confronta­ Monday “The more the merrier, in that battle,” tions does not diffuse those in any way, and does not make anyone safer.” $5 All You Can Drink Beer said Chuck Perricone, executive director of Tuesday $3 Call Liquors, $2 Beer Showyour pride: let your voice lie heaid! Wednesday Pool Tournament • No Entry Fee • $50 to the Winner

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