LGBTQIA+ Firearm Community Resources
You belong here. A comprehensive guide to inclusive organizations, training, and communities for LGBTQIA+ firearm owners and those considering ownership for the first time.
Why This Page Exists
Every person has the right to self-defense, regardless of who they are or whom they love. For LGBTQIA+ people, that right carries particular urgency. In 2023, there were 2,402 hate crime incidents related to sexual orientation (up from 1,947 in 2022) and 547 related to gender identity (up from 469 the previous year), including 401 specifically anti-transgender cases.
These are not abstract numbers. They represent real people in our communities. As the Washington Blade put it in June 2025: "Queer firearm ownership is a matter of survival."
The good news? You are not alone. LGBTQIA+ gun ownership is growing rapidly, and a vibrant, welcoming community of organizations exists to support you. The Liberal Gun Club grew 66% in a single year. Pink Pistols chapters are expanding nationwide. Training requests at inclusive organizations have quintupled. This page gathers those resources so you can find the support, training, and community you deserve.
National Organizations
These organizations provide training, community, and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ firearm owners across the country.
Featured
Operation Blazing Sword / Pink Pistols
"Pick on someone your own caliber"
The largest LGBTQ+ pro-gun organization in history, formed by the merger of Operation Blazing Sword and Pink Pistols. OBS is a 501(c)(3) founded by Erin Palette, a transgender lesbian who serves as national coordinator.
- 1,500+ volunteer educators in every U.S. state
- 45+ chapters nationwide
- Free basic firearms instruction
- Searchable instructor directory
- Portland chapter is ACTIVE
The Liberal Gun Club
Progressive, inclusive, pro-Second Amendment
Founded in 2008, the LGC is explicitly "trans-inclusive, LGBTQIA-inclusive, BIPOC-inclusive, women-inclusive." They offer their own instructor certification program as an NRA alternative.
- 4,500 members (66% growth in 2024-2025)
- 30 state chapters
- LGC instructor certification program
- Oregon has LGC-certified instructors
- Training requests quintupled in 2025
Armed Equality
Bridging the gap between communities
Founded in 2016 by Piper Smith in San Diego after the Pulse Nightclub shooting. Armed Equality introduces LGBTQ+ members to self-defense while educating Second Amendment enthusiasts about the queer community.
- Firearms training events
- Medical training (CPR, first aid, trauma treatment)
- Open to all, regardless of identity
- Bridge-building across political divides
NAAGA
National African American Gun Association
The largest African American firearm organization in the country. Despite its cultural focus, membership is open to everyone. A valuable resource for LGBTQIA+ people of color in particular.
- 45,000 members
- 100+ active chapters
- Training programs for all skill levels
- Welcoming to those marginalized by traditional gun culture
Equality In Arms
Trauma-informed, judgment-free instruction
Based in Orlando, FL, they train "the people traditional gun culture leaves behind." They specifically welcome people with past trauma related to firearms, providing a supportive, trauma-informed approach.
- Expert-led, judgment-free instruction
- Practical classroom before range experience
- LGC Certified, Safe Space Alliance member
- Legal and ethical carry education
SRA & John Brown Gun Club
Community defense and leftist solidarity
The Socialist Rifle Association is a left-leaning firearms organization inclusive of LGBTQ+ members, focused on community-based education. The John Brown Gun Club focuses on community defense training and is explicitly LGBTQ+-friendly.
- Community-based education and training
- LGBTQ+-affirming spaces
- Local chapters and meetups
- Focus on mutual aid and community defense
Oregon-Specific Resources
Local organizations and resources right here in the Pacific Northwest.
That's Us!
Firearm Safety Team
Portland, OR
LGBTQIA+-focused firearm safety training by a queer, non-binary veteran. Hands-on familiarization sessions with provided firearms and ammunition. Safe, affirming, and judgment-free.
Oregon Firearm Safety Coalition
501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Oregon-based nonprofit explicitly committed to non-discrimination. Partners with Pink Pistols. Instructors hold certifications from NRA, Liberal Gun Club, and USCCA. Primary focus on suicide prevention in the firearms community.
Visit OFSCPink Pistols Portland
Active Local Chapter
The Portland chapter of Pink Pistols holds regular meetups and range days. A great way to connect with other LGBTQ+ firearm enthusiasts locally and build community.
Find ChapterFinding Inclusive Training
What to Look For
- Instructors certified by The Liberal Gun Club (explicitly progressive and inclusive)
- Ranges and instructors listed on Operation Blazing Sword's directory
- Pink Pistols chapter events (group range visits and social gatherings)
- Instructors who explicitly state welcoming and inclusive policies on their websites
- Women-focused and beginner-focused classes, which tend to be more welcoming overall
Tips for Getting Started
- You are not alone. There is a large and growing community of LGBTQIA+ gun owners.
- Operation Blazing Sword volunteers will accompany you to a range or store if you are uncomfortable going alone.
- Many ranges and instructors are more welcoming than stereotypes suggest.
- Starting with a private lesson can be more comfortable than a group class.
- Online communities can provide local recommendations before you visit in person.
Online Communities
Connect with like-minded people, ask questions, and find local recommendations from the comfort of your home.
r/liberalgunowners
Reddit's largest community for left-of-center gun owners. Welcoming to LGBTQIA+ members with active local threads.
r/SocialistRA
The Socialist Rifle Association subreddit. Explicitly inclusive and community-focused discussions.
Liberal Gun Club Forums
The LGC's official forums. Great for connecting with certified instructors and finding local resources.
Pink Pistols Social Media
Follow Pink Pistols on social media for chapter events, meetups, and community updates.
NRA Alternatives for Certification
Many gun owners seek training certifications from organizations that better represent their values. These alternatives provide recognized credentials without requiring NRA membership or affiliation.
USCCA
U.S. Concealed Carry Association
Nationally recognized certification focused on concealed carry, self-defense, and home defense. Widely accepted for Oregon CHL training requirements.
USCCALiberal Gun Club
Progressive instructor certification
Offers its own Firearms Safety & Familiarization instructor certification. Explicitly progressive and inclusive. Oregon has LGC-certified instructors available.
LGC TrainingGOAL
Gun Owners' Action League
Offers instructor certification as an additional alternative. Use their directory to find certified instructors in your area.
Find InstructorOregon CHL Note: Oregon law requires CHL training courses be taught by NRA-certified or law enforcement-certified instructors. Many alternative-certified instructors (USCCA, LGC) also hold NRA instructor certification, satisfying Oregon requirements. Always confirm before booking if CHL certification is your goal.
You're Not Alone
LGBTQIA+ firearm ownership is not a contradiction. It is a growing movement of people who believe that everyone deserves to feel safe. The Liberal Gun Club's national spokesperson noted that people of color and trans people are seeking training in record numbers after receiving threats in their communities.
Whether you are a first-time owner, curious about training, or a seasoned shooter looking for community, there is a place for you. Researcher Thatcher Combs identifies three primary motivations for LGBTQ+ gun ownership: recreation, collecting, and self-defense. Whatever your reason, it is valid.
"Armed Queers Don't Get Bashed."
-- Pink Pistols founding motto
Your safety matters. Your identity is valid. And your right to self-defense does not come with conditions. Welcome to the community.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Whether you want a private session, a group class, or just someone to talk to about getting started, we are here for you. No judgment, no pressure, just support.