We are the Tucson Chapter of the Pink Pistols, a national LGBTQIA+ firearms organization.
We are a diverse organization that welcomes anyone interested in firearms knowledge, education, and ownership, so long as they support the LGBTQIA+ community and are in the Tucson metro area (including Marana, Oro Valley, and South Tucson).
Meet The Tucson Pink Pistols
Meet The Tucson Pink Pistols
We are a social club with a mission. We connect people who love shooting with each other so that they can go the range, swap information, and find solidarity within a community of supportive and accepting peers. We also serve our local LGBTQ+ community by making firearms knowledge and training accessible to all.
U.S. queer and trans communities are currently facing unprecedented threats. Hate crimes against LGBTQ+ Americans in the United States have skyrocketed in the last several years, even as violent crime has decreased overall. As of 2024, a fifth of all hate crimes were motivated by the victims’ sexual orientation or gender identity. Our community has been scapegoated and vilified by lawmakers and the media. Now more than ever, we need the means of defending ourselves against violence.
The Tucson Pink Pistols teaches queers to shoot and lets the public know that we are doing so. We believe that confidence and competence with firearms can enhance not just the personal safety of queer and trans individuals, but also our collective safety. Too often, we are perceived as easy targets for violence and hateful acts. No more. We are strong. We will fight back in our own defense. We will not allow ourselves to be easy marks for those seeking to harm us or deprive us of our equality and our rights. Armed queers don’t get bashed.
In keeping with our mission of promoting community defense, we help bring new shooters into the practice, educate members of our community about firearms safety, and give access to information about issues and legal changes affecting gun owners. We work to ensure that the Second Amendment is for all.
Come find your community.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a member? Is there a cost?
Do I need to be queer to join?
Are you associated with a political party?
Are you a militia?
Do you provide armed security for queer events?
What if I’m brand new to shooting and don’t own any equipment?
Do I need some kind of permit if I want to shoot with you or purchase a firearm?
I like this idea, but I’m not in the area. How do I start a local group?
Forms and Disclaimers
OBS-PP Liability Disclaimer for Event Participation
Operation Blazing Sword – Pink Pistols (“OBS-PP”) is not in any way, shape, or form a militia, security force, security organization, or other similar armed defense organization or collective.
Operation Blazing Sword – Pink Pistols is a civil rights organization focused on training and education related to the Second Amendment…
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Operation Blazing Sword Liability Disclaimer
An individual participating and involved in such third-party event as a member of OBS-PP is not expected or asked to use force of any kind in self-defense or defense of others to protect innocent lives at such event. Their decision on the use of force is and must be the choice of said individual and is not mandated, required, requested, or expected by OBS-PP.
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Our History
The Proud Pink Pistols
“Thirty-one states allow all qualified citizens to carry concealed weapons. In those states, homosexuals should embark on organized efforts to become comfortable with guns, learn to use them safely and carry them. They should set up Pink Pistols task forces, sponsor shooting courses and help homosexuals get licensed to carry. And they should do it in a way that gets as much publicity as possible. “
–Jonathan Rauch, Salon Magazine, March 13, 2000
We did. There are now over 45 Pink Pistols chapters nationwide, and more are starting up every day. We are dedicated to the legal, safe, and responsible use of firearms for self-defense of the sexual-minority community. We no longer believe it is the right of those who hate and fear gay, lesbian, bi, trans, or polyamorous persons to use us as targets for their rage. Self-defense is our RIGHT.