By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – An LGBTQ-focused firearms training organization in Tucson said it has seen increased interest in membership after the White House released a new counterterrorism strategy on May 6.
Read more Armed robber made off with $2K from Chase Bank in Phoenix, later caught
The White House’s United States Counterterrorism Strategy, which can be read below, includes language describing “radically pro-transgender” ideologies among those it said it will prioritize for identification and monitoring.
United States Counterterrorism Strategy by KOLD News 13
Tucson Pink Pistols, a non-profit, practices at Zona Tactical Gun Range and describes its mission as teaching LGBTQ community members firearms safety, situational awareness, and self-defense.
“It scares people. People don’t feel safe. They don’t feel safe in their homes,” said April Gendill, president of Tucson Pink Pistols. She said the organization hopes its training helps people feel safer.
Gendill, who transitioned in the early 1990s, said she has felt an increase in fear over time, citing personal experiences of being harassed in Tucson.
“I got harassed in a parking lot twice in an area I thought was safe,” Gendill said. “I felt like I needed a way to defend myself if things went the absolute worst they could go.”
Gendill said she started Tucson Pink Pistols about a year ago. The nonprofit teaches members how to safely handle firearms and understand Arizona laws, including through scenario-based training.
“It shows them the laws, and it teaches them some scenarios and situational awareness,” she said.
Gendill said public rhetoric and policy announcements can have an immediate impact on how safe people feel — and how many reach out for training.
“Every time an irresponsible statement is said by the White House, we have a boost in membership,” she said.
“Further ‘other us’ as a community”
Cayce Kenney, the organization’s director of community administration, said the May 6 strategy language left some members feeling singled out.
“It seems like it’s just a way to further us as a community,” Kenney said.
Kenney said the group provides a sense of reassurance for members who worry about being targeted because of their gender identity.
Read more ‘Senior Assassin’ game leads to investigation in Sahuarita
“It gives me peace of mind knowing I can defend myself and I can defend my community,” Kenney said.
Local GOP chair: strategy not aimed broadly
Kathleen Winn, chair of the Pima County Republican Party, said she does not believe the administration is using the strategy language as broadly as some fear.
“It’s not all transgenders,” Winn said, arguing the government’s concern is about violence and public safety.
Winn also said that if law enforcement monitors groups it believes are threats, that can increase safety.
“If law enforcement or the national government feels the need to monitor them, I think that creates safety for everybody,” she said.
Pink Pistols leaders dispute narrative of threat
Tucson Pink Pistols leaders said they reject the idea that being transgender or supportive of transgender rights equates to extremism.
“It’s not a political statement. It’s not anti-American to be transgender. It’s just who we are!” Gendill said.
What data shows — and what remains unclear
There are no comprehensive statistics that clearly quantify violent acts committed by transgender people over the past year.
Data collection methods vary by agency and often do not track gender identity in a consistent way.
Are you streaming 13 News?
Watch a free live stream of Tucson Now and 13 News at TucsonNow.Live.
Be sure to download the free Tucson Now app, which you can find on Apple and Google.
If you are using a desktop computer, you can use your mobile device to scan the QR code below.
Read more Marana Regional Airport receives federal grant for air traffic control tower
You can submit your breaking news or weather images here.