This is an article from Wired Magazine about the intersection of gun culture and LGBTQ+ identity, specifically focusing on trans individuals. The article explores how a recent shooting in Utah has sparked a wave of violence and harassment against trans people at gun ranges and online communities.
The author, Natalie Bird, interviews several individuals who are part of these communities, including Tacticool Girlfriend, a trans woman who is an active participant in the shooting sports community. She also speaks with other individuals, such as Kasarda, who has been involved in promoting inclusivity and acceptance within the gun community.
Throughout the article, Bird highlights the ways in which some people are using transphobia and homophobia to justify violence against these communities. She also notes that many people in these communities are not accepting of this behavior and are working to promote inclusivity and understanding.
One key takeaway from the article is that the current gun culture in America is not just about self-defense, but also about community building and social bonding. The author notes that the shooting sports community is often seen as a place where people can come together and feel a sense of belonging, which makes it particularly vulnerable to manipulation by extremist ideologies.
The article concludes with Bird reflecting on the years-long period of left- and right-wing terrorism in Italy's "Years of Lead," which serves as a cautionary tale for America. She notes that if there is another civil war in this country, it will likely be closer to what happened in Italy than anything else.
Overall, the article provides a nuanced exploration of the complex relationships between gun culture, LGBTQ+ identity, and extremism in America. It highlights the importance of promoting inclusivity and acceptance within these communities and working to prevent violence against marginalized groups.
The author, Natalie Bird, interviews several individuals who are part of these communities, including Tacticool Girlfriend, a trans woman who is an active participant in the shooting sports community. She also speaks with other individuals, such as Kasarda, who has been involved in promoting inclusivity and acceptance within the gun community.
Throughout the article, Bird highlights the ways in which some people are using transphobia and homophobia to justify violence against these communities. She also notes that many people in these communities are not accepting of this behavior and are working to promote inclusivity and understanding.
One key takeaway from the article is that the current gun culture in America is not just about self-defense, but also about community building and social bonding. The author notes that the shooting sports community is often seen as a place where people can come together and feel a sense of belonging, which makes it particularly vulnerable to manipulation by extremist ideologies.
The article concludes with Bird reflecting on the years-long period of left- and right-wing terrorism in Italy's "Years of Lead," which serves as a cautionary tale for America. She notes that if there is another civil war in this country, it will likely be closer to what happened in Italy than anything else.
Overall, the article provides a nuanced exploration of the complex relationships between gun culture, LGBTQ+ identity, and extremism in America. It highlights the importance of promoting inclusivity and acceptance within these communities and working to prevent violence against marginalized groups.
I'm really concerned about this recent shooting incident in Utah... it's like, what is going on with our society? 
People are using transphobia and homophobia as an excuse for violence, and that's not okay at all 
. The fact that some people feel comfortable expressing these hateful views online or at gun ranges is just terrifying 
.
. It's about time we started talking about how our actions affect marginalized groups 
. The shooting sports community can be a place of belonging for many people, but if it's not inclusive of everyone, then what's the point? 
. We need to educate ourselves and our communities about extremism and how to recognize the warning signs 
. It's not just about gun control; it's about creating a culture of acceptance and empathy 
.
.
. I'm not saying all gun enthusiasts are transphobic, but it seems like there's definitely some overlap... And yeah, the comparison to Italy's Years of Lead is super relevant 
. We can't ignore the fact that our country has a history of extremist ideologies just waiting to be exploited 
.
.
. It's like we're all too scared to even touch the topic.
. I mean, the fact that it's mostly happening at gun ranges and online communities where you'll find lots of conservative folks is just too convenient to ignore 
.
I don't get why some people can't just leave trans folks alone at the gun range... it's not like shooting sports is about being anti-LGBTQ or anything. The fact that there are already online communities where trans people face harassment is a huge red flag, and then this Utah thing happens? 
It's like, come on, guys... we're better than this. I mean, I've seen some of the videos from Tacticool Girlfriend's streams, she seems super chill and into her guns. It's just that whole "us vs them" mentality that's so toxic... 
. I mean, come on, if you're gonna go around talking smack about an entire community, especially one as vulnerable as trans women, then maybe you shouldn't be allowed to shoot guns with them in the first place 
.
. The whole "Years of Lead" thing was a wild time in Italy, but let's not project that onto America or imply that a civil war is inevitable 
.
. It's like, can't we all just get along and respect each other's differences? The fact that some ppl are using online communities to harass & intimidate trans people is just appalling 
. We need more ppl like Kasarda who's working to create positive change within these communities 
. And btw, what's with all the hand-wringing about civil wars? Like, Italy had a tough time back in the day, but I think America has some serious mojo left in it 
.
. i feel so sorry for Tacticool Girlfriend and others who are trying to promote inclusivity in the shooting sports community 
. we need to be more aware of how our words and actions can affect people's lives 
. the fact that some people use transphobia and homophobia as a excuse for violence is just heartbreaking 
.
and its even more alarming when u see ppl online being all hate towards trans folks. Kasarda's story tho, she's doing some awesome work promoting inclusivity & acceptance within the gun community, its a great reminder that we can create spaces where everyone feels welcome 
and it's crazy how some gun ranges are becoming hubs for harassment & intimidation 
kasarda's story is really inspiring though, seeing someone like tacticool girlfriend who's unapologetically herself and killing it in the shooting sports scene is a breath of fresh air 
i cant believe people are still using hate speech to justify hurting others it's like, we're all human beings! 
we need more ppl like her! 
. we need more ppl like Kasarda who are working towards inclusivity and acceptance 
? Kasarda's story was really inspiring, though - it shows us that even in the most unlikely places, there are people working hard to create change and promote understanding 
. We need more of that, not less 
. Tacticool Girlfriend's story is so inspiring though - she's proof that you can be a strong, capable person and still identify as trans 
. the Italian "Years of Lead" thing is a real eye-opener too - it's like, we can't just ignore history and think we're above these kinds of conflicts