Pink Pistols / Operation Blazing Sword

Pink Pistols—the motto says it all. Founded in 2000 by Doug Krick ("Krikket"), Pink Pistols merged with Operation Blazing Sword in 2018 to create the single largest queer pro-gun organization in history. Today, the organization maintains a database of over 1,900 queer-friendly volunteer firearm educators located in every state of the USA.

Pink Pistols is a grassroots 501(c)(3) dedicated solely to the legal, safe, and responsible use of firearms for self-defense by the LGBTQ+ community. The organization:

• •Maintains a directory of certified, queer-friendly firearm instructors nationwide
• •Submits legal briefs (amicus curiae) to protect Second Amendment rights for all people
• •Organizes and sponsors training classes at local chapters
• •Provides community education on firearm safety and self-defense law
• •Hosts chapters in major cities across the country

Local chapters offer a variety of classes, often sponsored or subsidized by Operation Blazing Sword:

Stop The Bleed Designed by the American College of Surgeons and promoted by the Department of Homeland Security, this course teaches trauma medical response—tourniquet application, wound packing, and patient stabilization—based on the principle "You Are the Help Until Help Arrives." Taught by certified paramedics and firefighters.

Introduction to Pistols Three hours of classroom instruction covering safe handling, mechanical components, common handgun faults, marksmanship technique, and the legal considerations of armed self-defense. Followed by one hour of structured range time with certified instructors at partner facilities.

Everyday Carry (Concealed Carry) Two hours of classroom covering carry positions, holster selection, modified safety rules outside the range, and concealed carry law. Five hours of structured range time focuses on drawing from concealment and engaging threats with your own firearm.

Pink Pistols maintains a simple rule: this is a group for pro-Second Amendment queer people and those who support them. Straight allies, cisgender supporters, and people of all races, classes, religions, and backgrounds are full members—not "allies," not second-class citizens, but 100% part of the organization.

"Teaching queers to shoot does not imply that only queers can teach them, or that we can't have straights in the organization." — Erin Palette, National Coordinator

The organization explicitly rejects internal gatekeeping that has fractured other communities. If you're queer-positive and pro-Second Amendment, you belong.

Pink Pistols advocates solely for the Second Amendment and the right to keep and bear arms. While the organization staunchly supports all Constitutional Rights (including Free Speech), Pink Pistols does not use its platform for broader political issues. This focus has proven essential to maintaining unity across a diverse membership.

With 1,900+ volunteer instructors in every U.S. state, chances are there's a Pink Pistols chapter near you. Visit the website to find local leadership, upcoming classes, and training opportunities in your area.

Erin Palette – National Coordinator, Operation Blazing Sword – Pink Pistols - Phone: 386-401-0386 (text) - Email: [email protected] - Website: www.pinkpistols.org - Parent Organization: www.blazingsword.org

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The Mission

"Armed Queers Don't Get Bashed." Pink Pistols exists because LGBTQ people face disproportionate violence and deserve the right to defend themselves by every legal means available. The organization believes that firearm ownership and training, combined with knowledge of self-defense law, empowers queer people to take control of their own safety.