Gun Day, Fun Day
Yesterday I was at a gun range in Coventry RI. It was for a multi-state concealed carry permit course. It was an all-day info-packed class with a little shooting as well as a written test at the end to complete a very rewarding experience. I highly recommend it.
It just makes sense to get as many permits if you intend to carry. Even if your current state of residence has a constitutional carry law ( lucky you ).
I wish there was a federal option to carry that was valid in all states, but since we are still using a state-based driver's license system, I do not expect that to change in that direction anytime soon.
Regardless, I live in New England and I want to be able to easily go to my neighboring states without worrying if I cross borders, which I do regularly. Secondly and most importantly I did this class to give myself the chance to make more money and to give my employer the ability to utilize me in a wider area of operation.
There were several really experienced instructors, all NRA certified, with varying backgrounds from military to law enforcement. Haircuts and testosterone-laden demeanors always tell tactically minded peeps apart. Which, by the way, I find it extremely desirable in other more intimate settings ( I know, I went there ).
Probably, most of the people who read this blog hate those three letters. I do not want to get into the politics part other than saying it is a necessary entity for those like myself that love guns beyond their duty use. The NRA produces a lot of extremely valuable resources to the safe, law-abiding, and conscientious gun owner. They do however constantly ask for money even after you have joined them with a multi-year option. Understandable, but a bit annoying... but I digress.
The real reason I am writing this entry today is to, as always, express my feelings about the human side of things, not about the event or the reason I carry a concealed firearm.
As a Trans woman, I always try to remind myself to be a bit "tactical and safe", always knowing my whereabouts ( I should have been a scout ). I want to avoid as much as possible uncomfortable situations and/or potential dangers while exercising my freedom to be who I am wherever I am.
Over time, this process has changed for me, from being frozen and not willing to go, to now where it is a matter of deciding which dress is right for the occasion and what type of makeup is needed. I know, I still need help with all of that ( I can see my friend Nyomi's eyes rolling ).
Anyhow, the human experience yesterday was amazing, the instructors were super professional, friendly, and accepting of me. They used my non-legal name and the right pronouns making me feel comfortable in a class setting where there were only three other women (two instructors, and one student). This was not easy for them, they needed to fill out important documents with my current legal name, the one assigned at birth by my parents and then address me with the preferred one for everything else. Thank you again, if you ever find this post one day. Their effort was so much appreciated and reached me deeply. I even got a bit choked up and teary-eyed when leaving and saying goodbye to them.