Concerns are rising among LGBTQ+ individuals and other liberal voters in the wake of Donald Trump’s impending inauguration, leading to a surge in gun purchases for self-defense. A report in the *Philadelphia Inquirer* highlights this trend, noting a significant increase in training requests received by the Liberal Gun Club since the election – exceeding the total for all of 2023. A substantial portion of these requests, approximately a quarter, originate from members of the LGBTQ+ community. This increase is mirrored by similar organizations such as the Socialist Rifle Association and the Pink Pistols, the latter famously stating, “Armed Gays Don’t Get Bashed.”
This heightened interest in firearms is driven by fear and a desire for self-preservation, according to Matthew Thompson, a gay New Jersey resident. Thompson emphasizes that this is purely about self-defense, not aggression, stating, “We’re not looking to arm up and storm the Capitol. We just don’t want to be put in concentration camps.”
The anxieties extend beyond self-defense. As reported by the *Baltimore Banner*, Ryan Haase, a Baltimore Club Car owner, is urging members of the LGBTQ+ community to marry before the inauguration. Haase highlights the importance of protecting same-sex marriage, a right and privilege that could be threatened by potential policy changes under the upcoming administration.
This confluence of events underscores a growing sense of vulnerability within certain segments of the population. The increased demand for firearms training and the call for proactive measures like same-sex marriage underscore a climate of uncertainty and concern regarding the future political landscape.