Gun Advocate Organizing ‘Open Carry Outreach’ During Cincinnati Pride As Response to Orlando Attack

Event aims to bring concealed firearms to Pride to “engage and dialogue regarding self-defense, gun rights & privileges.” 

Less than a week after the country’s deadliest mass shooting and the worst domestic terror attack since 9/11, which took place during LGBT Pride Month, and amidst reports in cities across America that LGBT bars have been receiving “Orlando-style” threats, a local Cincinnati man is planning a pro-gun event to coincide with Cincinnati Pride on June 25.

Jeffry Smith, whose personal Facebook page touts the featured image of the Confederate rebel flag originally posted on the day SCOTUS ruled in favor of marriage equality, describes the purpose of “Open Carry Outreach at Cincinnati Pride” as a “visible outreach to members of the LGBTQ community, who, like many, are sickened and apprehensive about the injuries and loss of life this past weekend at the Pulse [nightclub] in Orlando.”

He says, “since the aim of this event is engagement and dialogue regarding self-defense, gun rights & privileges, we will NOT circulate in a large group, but rather will do so singly or groups of two or three.”

Below this statement, this:

It continues that “some LGBTQ (or other) Cincinnati Pride attendees may be apprehensive, some may be receptive, and some may be belligerent about our presence – so if you’re not prepared to deal with a range of emotions/reactions, ** STAY HOME **. Regardless of anyone’s feelings, positive or negative, about members of the LGBTQ community, we all share the same inherent right of self-defense.”

Based on his personal Facebook page, Smith appears to be a Donald Trump supporter whose previous profile photos include this:

 

The event’s Facebook page offers two comment sections, one in support of the event and one in opposition, each of which advise to “stay civil, including leaving profanity and insults out of the discussion.”

The thread in support of the event offers 3 comments, the first of which one commenter states that “The recent ‘Mass Shootings’ have been an assault on all of humanity; not just those in the LGBTQ society… So when you (pl) say that you were targeted because of your lifestyle, it seems to be slightly one-sided and selfish to make it about attacking your LGBTQ rights, or your perceived lack of them. A night club, that happens to be frequented by the LGBTQ society was targeted, most likely for being a weapons free zone.”

The thread in opposition offers 10 comments, the first commenter of which advises that “by now you should get what an awful idea this is and pull out of this event. If you’re truly interested and wanting to help those at PRIDE, leave your contact info for those who want to learn more and leave it at that.”

Cincinnati Pride is scheduled for June 25, 2016. The event’s website currently displays a Cincinnati Pride update, seen below, which states that they “stand united with the entire Orlando community” and are “currently working on safety concerns.”

At the date of this publication, the “Open Carry Outreach at Cincinnati Pride” event lists that 14 people are attending, including its organizer, 59 are interested, and features 132 posts in the event’s discussion.

Facebook has declined to remove the event for violating its community standards:

 

The New Civil Rights Movement has contacted Cincinnati Pride and sponsor representatives. We are currently awaiting their response.

 

Image by Michael Tefft via Flickr and a CC license