Over the past few months I have observed that the issue of gun control has become a bigger and more talked about issue. This is due to recent high profile incidents of gun violence (e.g., Orlando) and a resulting increase in media coverage about gun violence. With the growth of this issue many people have developed passionate and intense feelings on the subject. This is perfectly understandable considering the pain and loss these terrible events have caused.
Gun control has, of course, been debated for years. Recently, however, it has become a whole new monster and has led to an intense political debate about how strict firearms regulations should be. Just like every other argument this one has two sides.
Some people believe that having stricter gun laws would lead to a decrease in gun violence and, therefore, a decrease in lives lost. People from different communities, including many from the LGBTQ+ community, believe that fewer guns equals increased safety.
Individuals on the the other side of the argument believe that stricter gun regulations would take away their ability to protect themselves from bad people with guns. Some members of the LGBTQ+ community believe that they have a right to defend themselves from violent homophobes and other who would do them harm. They developed "#ShootBack" to support this belief.
I am concerned that the intense argument about gun control could divide the LGBTQ+ community. Both sides are made up of good people who want the same outcome. Less gun violence and increased safety for members of the LGBTQ+ community. What our community and country need is for people on both sides of this controversial issue to stop arguing and work together to find common ground to stop the killing.
