Marginalized communities turn to gun ownership in fear of Trump's authoritarianism

"A growing number of LGBTQ+ people, people of color, and politically liberal Americans are purchasing firearms for self-defense, in a profound shift in how vulnerable communities view safety in the face of an era of political volatility. A new NPR report documents the experiences of liberals who once rejected gun culture but now feel compelled to arm themselves. It's an evolution that mirrors the violence and institutional failures outlined in this year's Advocates for Trans Equality's "Trans Day of Remembrance Report." Together, they paint a portrait of a country where the most marginalized no longer believe traditional systems will protect them."

"Gun clubs, trainers, and researchers told NPR that liberals, people of color, and LGBTQ+ people have been buying firearms in increasing numbers for years, especially since President Donald Trump's 2024 reelection. Among the most notable indicators is the growth of the Liberal Gun Club, which now has chapters in more than 30 states and offers a space where progressives can train without stigma."

"The reaction is from an increase in worry about personal safety. Related: Jesse Watters calls LGBTQ+ people 'nuts' for buying guns ahead of Trump's second term That anxiety aligns with the TDOR report, which The Advocate previously covered, documenting 27 transgender or gender-nonconforming people killed between November 2024 and October, with 17 by gunfire. The majority were Black trans women, and in several cases, families' calls for police intervention were ignored."

People who once rejected gun culture are increasingly arming themselves, driven by rising fear for personal safety and mistrust of institutions. Purchases and training are growing especially among LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, and politically liberal Americans, with organized spaces like the Liberal Gun Club expanding to more than 30 states and reducing stigma around progressive gun ownership. The surge accelerated after November 2024 amid political volatility. Transgender and gender-nonconforming people experienced 27 killings between November 2024 and October, 17 by gunfire, with most victims Black trans women and multiple reported failures of police intervention.

Read at Advocate.com