SF Gay Pride Parade.

[nicki]

Every year San Fran has their Gay Pride parade, about 500,000 people attended last year.

Considering how wonderful San Fran has been to gun owners, especially their politicians, I thought that it would be nice to run a Pro Gun contingent right in the middle of their annual parade.

Although I would love to have open loaded carry, we probably won't be able to carry arms of any kind. However, we could carry signs, and banners, thus getting our Pro Gun message out.

I talked with my friend Tom who is the San Fran Pink Pistol coordinator and asked him to get details of what it would take to get a spot in the SF Pride Parade.

They got into the parade before, but it was only a handful of people, so it doesn't catch much attention.

I would like to do much bigger things, but in order to do so, planning has to be done ahead of time.

The big issue Tom was concerned about is some members of our contingent have to take a 3 hour class so that they can be safety monitors for the group, I guess that has to do with traffic.

We need one monitor per 8 people.

The more we put into this, the more we will get out. Ideally it would be great if we could get a business, to sponsor us with funds so we could do things up right.

The ideal would be to have a float with our message loud and clear.

If you wanted to send a Pro Gun message with a in your face message, participation in this parade would be best.

I realize that many of you would have issues with marching in the parade and if your conscious won't let you, I can respect that.

But the question everyone needs to ask, if not me, then who, becuase if you won't stand up, you can't expect others to either.

Nicki

[Soldier415]

Intriguing idea.

[B.D.Dubloon]

If that is anything like the Up Your Alley fair they have then no thanks. I'm all for letting folks live and let live but some behaviors should not be on the street, gay or straight.

[eflatminor]

This straight guy thinks that's a great idea.

"Straight but not narrow" would be my slogan! How one guy can look at another guy's butt and find love is beyond my comprehension. However, we desperately need to diversify our movement. Middle age, overweight white guys we have. People of color and other minorities WE NEED.

Imagine if African Americans across the land demanded their 2A rights. With the rampant white guilt in this country, we'd have national shall issue CCWs in no time. Every new gun law would be seen as repression (which they are), but this time the liberal press would agree. If Jessie says it's true, NBC will give him the lead...always. White men are just not allowed to be repressed in this country.

While not carrying the political clout of our fellow Black countrymen, ANY minorities that wish to help in the cause I think we should support. Count me in.

[CitaDeL]

I believe gays and lesbians (everyone for that matter) have the right to defend themselves with firearms. No one should be a victim of discrimination, violence and abuse.... so on that basis I support a 2A contingent in the parade.

However, without the element of open carry of genuine arms, I dont believe this would be sufficient to garner the attention 2A rights among the gay and lesbian communities deserve.

I would march- but it wouldnt be without demonstrating my lawful right to carry a handgun.

[CCWFacts]

If that is anything like the Up Your Alley fair they have then no thanks. I'm all for letting folks live and let live but some behaviors should not be on the street, gay or straight.

It's nothing like that. It's not like those street fairs (Folsem Street fair also). It's more of an ordinary parade, of gay people.

It's fun, too. I might be up for going, depending on if I have time.

[eflatminor]

CitaDel brings up a good point. Why not UOC during the parade? Now that would get people's attention. If overly hasseled by the SF police, I suspect membership in the Pink Pistols would go through the roof...and that's a good thing for our cause.

[socal2310]

Don't forget Pink Duracoat Glocks.

Ryan

[mtptwo]

Contact the Pink Pistols and ask if they can help you get into the Parade. I am certain that they will be willing to help you out.

[bwiese]

UOC might take a ton of planning - schools etc along route.

But having a pro-gun contingent of representative folks certainly can help and can't hurt.

[nick]

I don't live in SF, otherwise I wouldn't mind participating. It is agood idea, Nicki brought it up before, as well, I believe. I'm surprised Pink Pistols aren't more common in the gay community though. Looking at places like West Hollywood, you'd think they need the protection quite a bit (no, West Hollywood isn't safe for gays).

[JB-Norcal]

I would not be surprised if there is some kind of city ordinance that would restrict signage that even showed a picture of a gun. Gun=Bad=Hate=Violating Civil Rights.
I grew up around there and can't imagine going back, even to visit.

[PatriotnMore]

I think if the Gay community wants to show support for the second amendment, its a win/win.

Nicki, if this is a dual issue of importance for you, I would encourage you to just organize it. You may not have a large following at first, but like all political issues, some take more time to rally people, than others.

[Beelzy]

It's nothing like that. It's not like those street fairs (Folsem Street fair also). It's more of an ordinary parade, of gay people.

It's fun, too. I might be up for going, depending on if I have time.

Whoa Partner!!!

Have you been to one lately?? Definitely NOT a place to take the family.

I made a mistake and tried going to Fisherman's Wharf the same day as that
Parade, and was privy to two men wearing Indian Headresses just like that dude from the Village People.

The problem for my wife,myself and 4 kids was that is ALL thay were wearing!

[Geodetic]

Sounds like a good idea to me... theres gotta be multitude of jokes when talking about unloaded open carry at a gay pride parade. More power to 'em.