Self Defense For LGBT

[Nomenclature]

When the victimization of women became a visual problem, there began to be a movement to get women in self-defense courses and to "stop being a victim." Maybe it'd be a good idea to have something similar at LGBT centers?


Even if it doesn't become a national movement, maybe it'd be a cool idea for more LGBT individuals to take martial arts classes, or something similar; Even if you never have to use it (and hopefully you don't), a lot of people feel very empowered simply taking the classes. I think that would go a long way in increasing their self-esteem and preventing depression and suicides in the first place.


PLUS, it's a great way to get in shape, anyway.


Thoughts?

 

[hylas]

i agree.

but im pretty sure you didnt mean "visual problem"

 

[Nomenclature]

but im pretty sure you didnt mean "visual problem"

lol, no not glasses. I meant when it became visible in the media as a major problem, and became a huge social issue. Around the time Feminism came to be, if I remember correctly.

Gay bullying/harassment is becoming visual as a major cause in our media now; everyone's talking about it, and it's become a huge talking point. Maybe now something can be done about it that wasn't able to be done before? \()/

 

[kevbo]

Yes! I am behind this one hundred percent.

One of the reasons I was never picked on or bullied was because people did not want to fuck with me...

 

[Corny]

everybody should know how to defend himself.

 

[jackoroe]

An armed society is a polite society.

 

[Corny]

^ yes, ask the iraqis

 

[Telstra]

An armed society is a polite society.

shoot first, ask later ...

 

[TomahawkEagle]

In countries where guns are not legal such as Oz, martial arts is the best thing to get trained in.

 

[Críostóir]

An armed society is a polite society.

Well, jackoroe, we're talking about self-defense, which generally means unarmed self-defense.

But also, your quote is from a Heinlein novel where all men go armed, or have to be submissive nobodies. They're the ones who say that an armed society is a polite society.

In fact, there's no evidence for that assertion. You can say a lot of things about armed society vs. unarmed society, but courtesy isn't one of the differences.

 

[wooffy]

While being able to defend yourself is good, let's not lose sight of the problem: if you NEED to defend yourself, then society is failing pretty miserably.

 

[NephilimSin]

You have my 100% support.
I believe everyone should know how to defend themselves. I just really tired of these homophobes......

 

[Nomenclature]

Guns are impractical for a number of reasons, such as background checks, legal proceedings for firing within city limits, etc. Furthermore, only adults are allowed to possess a firearm. This wouldn't help the LGBT Youth in any way. who're the main target of bullying.



Also: This is just my opinion, but giving more people guns is a way to potentially increase violence and deaths in the name of bullying. I don't want being gay to further be associated with violence and suffering.

 

[Críostóir]

In countries where guns are not legal such as Oz, martial arts is the best thing to get trained in.

But of course in Oz the law is enforced by Ozma's magic, and by the Hungry Tiger and the Cowardly Lion.

"Críostóir, he means Australia."

Oops. Never mind.

 

[barnbuddy]

While being able to defend yourself is good, let's not lose sight of the problem: if you NEED to defend yourself, then society is failing pretty miserably.

and that there are many cues, both subtle and blatant,
that it's ok to attack us

and yes, self defense courses are also good for confidence and a good workout.

 

[erobert]

The GLBT community needs to fight back against the gay bashers and bullies.

As Corny said self defense is a good thing for everyone to learn. It should only be used when absolutely necessary, but it's good to know when something is about to go down you'll be prepared.

Either that or a can of pepper spray.

As for fighting back against high school bullies- martial arts. No one in their right mind is going to mess with a black belt. No need for weapons when people know you are the weapon.

 

[birddog7]

I recommend an M1911A1. Should take care of most any bully...

 

[Críostóir]

I recommend an M1911A1. Should take care of most any bully...

Unless he takes it away from you before you know he's there. Martial arts training can't be taken and used against you.

 

[kevbo]

Unless he takes it away from you before you know he's there. Martial arts training can't be taken and used against you.

Unless they're a black belt, while you're just a red belt.

Just saying.

 

[G-Lexington]

There are some really basic self-defense strategies that anybody can learn, even without a course. It won't be 100% effective, of course, and the course would definitely do a better job, but it's certainly better than nothing. It's pretty amazing what a loud voice, a set of car keys, and a well-chosen spot can accomplish...

Lex