A new group has formed in Boston, MA named, “The Pink Pistols”. In less than a month of starting the formation process, a new chapter arose in Baltimore, MD. The Pink Pistols is targeted at protecting the firearm rights of the “alternative sexuality” communities. Instead of protecting just the rights of the traditional Gay and Lesbians, they also are inclusive to the Bisexual, Transgender, BDSM, and the Polyamarous communities.

Each chapter meets at least once a month to go shooting at a local gun range to practice their skills. Details regarding the times and locations of the shoots can be found on the Pink Pistols website, http://www.pinkpistols.org.

The Pink Pistols also rates candidates for public office based on a survey of their positions on issues such as gay civil rights and the right of all citizens to bear arms without restrictions. A list of the questions asked of each candidate can also be found on the web site. Unlike most PACs (Political Action Committees), the candidate’s answers are also made available to the public. Libertarian candidate Carla Howell, who is challenging Ted Kennedy’s seat in the U.S. Senate, scoring an A+ for her responses, including her declaration that she “is a 100% pro-gun candidate.” Howell also earned points for her statement that “all adults should be treated equally under the law. As a politician it’s not my job condone nor condemn any particular lifestyle.”

“I’m excited by the amount of interest already expressed the Pink Pistols”, said founder Douglas Krick. “I’ve already received interest in our group from places as far away as Minnesota. At this rate, I expect that we will grow and become a truly national organization in a relatively short time.”

The organization has drawn their name from an article by Jonathan Rauch of the Independent Gay Forum, and Salon Magazine. The name was deliberately chosen because it draws on existing public imagery.

Currently the Pink Pistols has approximately 20 members in the Boston area and 20-30 members nationally. The idea has taken off rather quickly — shortly after Krick started the Boston chapter, a Pink Pistols formed in Baltimore, Maryland. Chapters are also starting in Minnesota and Delaware. The organization has been featured in stories in Bay Windows, and Newsweek magazine.

From the article in Newsweek:
Gay Voices in The Gun Lobby
And George Bush thinks debates are tricky. The Pink Pistols, a new pro-gun, pro-gay political-action group, is asking candidates if they support the sale of hollow-point bullets and the right of marriages involving three or more people. With an informational Web site and no fund-raising, these Boston-based recreational shooters of “alternative sexuality” hope to influence the gun-rights issue. Founder Doug Krick, a “polyamorous bisexual” who favors a Glock .40, admits it’s “an unusual combination.”