Pink Pistols At Age 7

Since its founding in 2000, Pink Pistols has grown to 40 chapters in the U.S. and Canada. Not bad for an organization whose inspiration was a single magazine article.

Note: I was asked to participate in late 2002 in the initial planning meetings of what ultimately became the first Pink Pistol organization in Ohio. I participated in two planning sessions in all, then stepped out of the way. Many self defense advocates took part -- straight, gay, bi, what have you -- because we knew such an organization made sense. Then things took off with an initial shooting event (well, there was a minor glich but interest skyrocketed). The message that armed gays don't get bashed resonated with more people than you can possibly imagine. It also had incredibly positive impact among straight folks who supported gay causes, but disliked firearms.

To be succinct, it made them think.