In our continuing effort to grow the 2A community and bridge divides in our hyper-polarized world, Armed Equality is proud to announce that we have raised the LGBT Gadsden Flag at one of our local LGBT-owned and operated pawn and firearm shops.

This flag is the symbolic embodiment of the American willingness to defend life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness from all who would aggress upon those innate human rights and take great motivation and inspiration from it.

Devon has been a proud member of the LGBT and 2A community for over thirty years and has been running Hillcrest Pawnbrokers for over 12 years. Right in the middle of Hillcrest in San Diego, they are well positioned to be the first contact for many of the LGBT community when it comes to approaching the idea of firearm ownership.

Thankfully Devon is empathetic and skilled in speaking to easily overwhelmed first-time firearm owners and makes every effort possible to help them feel comfortable, get them connected to professional instructors, and navigate the unfortunate California-specific hoops which must be jumped through.

When asked if they were willing to face potential backlash from the small but loud anti-2A LGBT factions in the community by raising the flag outside their shop, they responded:

We understand that firearm ownership is not for everyone, we aren’t pushing anyone to do anything, we simply love helping those who are interested. We want to grow the 2A community with ALL AMERICANS. We agree wholeheartedly with the mission of Armed Equality. We want LGBT Americans to take the steps necessary to protect themselves and we want LGBT Americans to join the 2A community and help us defend our rights.

Piper Smith is the founder & executive director of Armed Equality.

Armed Equality National Discussion Group

Armed Equality SoCal Training Group