Question Of The Week: Guns and Gay Men
With the recent anti-homosexual attacks and killing going on across America, should gay men begin to take up fire arms as a protection measure?
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No. I for one take the stance of Martin Luther King, Jr. I am not for fighting fire with fire because that will only cause more tension.
I would say that those who believe they may be more subject to being harassed or attacked should travel in groups, take some self-defense classes or workout to gain muscle to kick some @$$! LOL.
Violence begets more violence..tis a broken record..it’s not like we’d be “goin out like punks” if we don’t start toting pistols. I’d keep a blade on hand when I NEED to (which isn’t often), but I don’t really have fear. I been taught not to. Self-defense is different, but if sum’n just happens, it happens. Shit happens nowadays! Especially when the unsuspecting GETS shot…..
I grew up in a house filled with guns(Dad worked in law enforcement), and honestly it made me feel safer knowing that we had the means to protect ourselves if anything jumped off. Guns aren’t necessarily dangerous cause they can’t be fired if a hand isn’t on the trigger. Therefore it’s the person behind the trigger that matters. With that said, I do think non-lethal options (tasers, mace, using rubber pellets in stead or bullets) should be emphasized more now than ever in order to preserve life on this earth.
Not having a gun isn’t going to stop deaths or violence from occurring but putting in place strict policies/laws and educating ourselves more will help make people more aware and responsible in how they use guns.
It all starts with how and what we are taught. I think any man that has an inkling of fear for his life, should have a weapon of some kind.
I have always advocated for gay men to better protect themselves by learning how to FIGHT. Yes I mean fist fighting. We spends mad cash on gym memberships to build muscle, yet many of us can’t throw a punch. I say take boxing lessons and kick boxing. No guns.
Completely agree with all of what you said.
I agree gay men need to grow some balls and start fighting back.
Everyone has their right to bare arms but guns just aren’t for me; maybe only for recreational use at a gun range. I think everyone (gay or straight) should know basic self defense techniques. With me growing up in an urban community (Jamaica, NY), I kinda learned how to defend myself just by viewing my surroundings; a force of habit if you will but I definitely honed those skills overtime. While a gun for some people maybe necessary, it should be a last resort rather than a first!
I definitely support any law abiding citizen owning a hand gun for protection. I own more than one myself. I would never pull it out or use it unless I really fear for my safety.
Violence is not an answer to hypothetical violence. Guns only end up hurting innocent people, like in the Trayvon Martin tragedy.
I guess you have to ask yourself the question what is having a gun going to do for you? Only you can live with the answer you give yourself.
I’m torn on this one. Guns and fighting both make me uncomfortable but I more than understand the need to be able to protect oneself. I know so many women who carry tasers but I never really thought about the idea of carrying one myself. I like what @African King said about traveling in groups…
I believe gay men should arm themselves and be willing to use deadly force if necessary. We can’t count in anyone else to defend us.