TL;DR
- Queers on Gears offers firearm training for LGBTQ+ individuals in Ohio.
- Classes provide a safe space for learning self-defense.
- Participants express concerns over rising anti-LGBTQ+ laws.
- Training is led by experienced LGBTQ+ instructors.
- Community members feel empowered and supported.
In a bold response to the wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation sweeping across Ohio, a queer motorcycle club known as Queers on Gears is stepping up to arm the community—literally. This initiative is not just about guns; it’s about empowerment, safety, and creating a sense of belonging in a time when many feel increasingly threatened.
Located on a rural property outside Cleveland, the club has transformed a barn into a training ground where LGBTQ+ individuals can learn how to handle firearms safely. With spent shell casings scattered across the floor, the atmosphere is filled with both tension and excitement as students—many of whom have never touched a gun before—take their first shots under the guidance of two trans instructors.
“People were smiling and happy and feeling comfortable,” said Fifi, one of the organizers, reflecting on the supportive environment they’ve cultivated. This initiative began as a small gathering of friends but has blossomed into a structured training program, responding to the urgent need for self-defense skills in light of rising hate crimes and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric.
Fifi, who returned to Ohio from Oregon, noted the stark contrast between the two states. “I was just like, ‘Holy crap! It really is a much different environment out here,’” they said, highlighting the palpable fear that many queer folks experience in Ohio compared to more progressive areas.
Participants in the classes cite the political climate as a driving factor for their interest in learning how to shoot. With hate crimes targeting sexual orientation and gender identity on the rise, it’s clear that many in the LGBTQ+ community are rethinking their personal safety strategies. The FBI’s data shows a troubling increase in these crimes, even as overall violent crime rates decline.
“There’s some hate for trans folks [in Oregon], but it’s just nothing like it is here,” Fifi added, emphasizing the need for community members to feel secure in their own skin—and armed if necessary.
Bella, a transgender woman of color and co-instructor, echoed these sentiments. Growing up around firearms in rural Ohio, she felt compelled to share her knowledge after losing her sense of belonging in another motorcycle group following her transition. For her, Queers on Gears has become a sanctuary where she can teach others while also reclaiming her identity.
The classes are designed to be inclusive and accessible. Participants don’t need to own a firearm to join; experienced shooters are encouraged to share their equipment and expertise. This community-driven approach fosters a sense of camaraderie and support, which is particularly vital in a state where recent legislation has threatened LGBTQ+ rights and resources.
With the rise of anti-LGBTQ+ laws, including crackdowns on diversity and inclusion initiatives, the need for self-defense training has never been more pressing. As Bella put it, “It’s about creating a safe space where we can learn and grow together.”
As Queers on Gears continues to expand its reach, it’s clear that this initiative is more than just about firearms. It’s about building a resilient community ready to stand up for its rights and defend itself against the tide of discrimination. In a world where safety can no longer be taken for granted, this queer motorcycle club is paving the way for empowerment, one shot at a time.