Gay With Gun Ejected From Pride Fest
One would think that common sense would kick in but then again, I’m not gay. But if I were I might be inclined to be armed to the teeth to protect myself from those who are not so approving of my lifestyle. That is the thinking of Utah resident David Nelson. Armed with an unconcealed firearm, Nelson arrived at the Utah Pride Festival, bought a ticket, and entered. He details the reaction:
“As a state Concealed Firearm Permit holder, I possessed and carried my firearm unconcealed, but holstered, at the event,” Nelson said.
“I never unholstered it or displayed in a threatening way. In fact, my firearm was unloaded according to state laws (no chambered cartridge). I carefully reviewed the advance published event rules; they didn’t prohibit my possession or unconcealed carrying.
“After I presented my ticket to a main-gate staffer and entered the event, security staffers and organisers met me and asked about my possession and unconcealed carrying,” Nelson said.
“I answered their questions simply and truthfully. As a Utahn with disabilities who uses a cane, my possession and unconcealed carrying is as much a visual deterrent of violence as it is a more responsive and reliable mode of carrying if I need it.”
If officials would have simply taken one look at the mans conceal carry permit (he most certainly showed it to them), they would have to have concluded that this is a responsible (and perhaps gay?) gun owner and not some nut who is there to reap havoc on the sinful masses. And yet they chose to ignore the rights of one of their own so that they could do the politically expedient thing- kick him out of the club. So let this be a lesson to all of you gay gun owners; stay in the closet when it comes to your affection for protecting yourselves.
I went to the event and glad to know that the event staff intervened. The place was crowed and packed with people and was not the place to carry a gun.
I’ve had conversations with David Nelson and he is all about making a statement and seems a bit extreme in his views.
Jeffrey
June 15, 2007 at 7:33 am
Its not the place to carry a gun, but neither are classrooms, campuses, shopping malls or parks. And we all know that these are now prime locations for those who could care less about the law to get off a few rounds. I just don’t share your views although I understand what you mean when you say “he is all about making a statement.”
And yet I thought the point of Pride Festivals were to “make statements.” I would ask Andre but he is always messing around at rodeos.
E the Wise
June 15, 2007 at 9:22 am
I’m a bit distant, and WA is a “concealed carry for sure, open carry for maybe” state, but at past Pride events I have carried concealed and can understand Mr. Nelson’s position that he’d much rather visibly deter a potential basher than actually be forced to engage in social confrontation more vigorous than verbal debate.
I have difficulty thinking of a more appropriate place to carry than at a Pride event, given our status as a less than universally beloved minority and the recent upswing in gay bashings. Were I more physically challenged than the fates have left me thus far, if anything, my sincere interest in protecting myself against sprightly young bigots with a thing for initiating violent confrontations would be if anything, substantially heightened.
In the final analysis, we are each responsible for our own safety, as it is greatly unlikely that security/police/event directors will spontaneously appear with the 101st Airborne in tow in our moment of need.
GC
March 31, 2008 at 1:51 am