We don’t have to take this lying down.
Question for the ladies: When was the first time you heard the phrase, “Your body, my choice”? And how did it make you feel?
The idea that millions of men in this country celebrate the forced physical submission of women—it’s chilling. And here we are, March: Women’s History Month. A month that, frankly, has felt like a farce ever since the reversal of Roe v. Wade.
Now, more than ever, we are watching the systematic erosion of rights once thought untouchable—safety, fairness, privacy, autonomy. Even our vote could be at risk. One party has consolidated its control over every branch of government, including the Supreme Court, leaving us powerless to change our country’s trajectory, no matter how extreme, no matter how strongly we oppose the direction we’re being dragged.
What Can We Do?
Call our representatives? Attend town halls? Argue with trolls on social media? All equally helpful, sigh. History tells us that true change often requires something more — a show of strength. And that’s literally what the 2nd Amendment is for.
We are accustomed to thinking of militias as the domain of the right wing, but hear me out: the U.S. has a long history of armed groups effectively deterring authoritarian power (for better or for worse).
- The Black Panthers (1966 – 82): More than an organization, they were a community defense force. They protected Black neighborhoods, provided armed security for African Americans facing unjust trials, and patrolled to prevent police brutality. Their show of strength was so effective that Ronald Reagan—then governor of California—signed the Mulford Act, banning open carry in the state, with full NRA support.
- The Battle of Blair Mountain (1921): One of the largest labor uprisings in U.S. history, where 10,000 armed coal miners fought back against hired guns and federal forces to demand workers’ rights.
- The Deacons for Defense and Justice (1964-68): A lesser-known but critical group in the Civil Rights Movement, these armed Black men in Louisiana and Mississippi protected activists from white supremacist violence when the police refused to help.
- The Cliven Bundy Standoff (2014): A group of armed ranchers forced the federal government to back down from seizing Bundy’s cattle. Regardless of how you feel about them, the fact remains—armed citizens pushed back against federal control and won.
- The Battle of Athens (1946): Returning WWII veterans in Tennessee took up arms against a corrupt local government rigging elections. They stormed a police station, seized ballot boxes, and forced honest vote counting—restoring democracy at gunpoint.
Strength is a Language of Power
Armed resistance isn’t for everyone (see: Branch Davidians), but there are valid reasons for peaceful, organized, and prepared self-defense to push back against government overreach. Let’s not be naive about what happens when policies undermine freedom, and options for dissent are eliminated.
And what if—really, what if—the country goes full-on Handmaid’s Tale? What are our options?
- Don your red gown, keep your head down, and pray.
- Organize. Resist. And defend, by all means necessary.
Remember: there’s no drone, no tank, no surveillance tool that can take down an embedded insurgence. Think of the French Resistance against Nazi occupation. The Irish Republican Army. The Taliban. Indeed, the American Revolution itself was an insurgency against the world’s greatest superpower at the time.
Community is Power. Be Prepared.
Hopefully, it never comes to that. But in the event that it does, wouldn’t it be wise to have a decentralized network of well-trained, well-armed individuals to defend life and liberty? Even pacifists need to stand their ground, sometimes.
More women than ever are buying guns, and it’s not paranoia — it’s preparation. And it’s time we stopped leaving the conversation about self-defense to the same people who would strip us of every other right.
Women and Firearms: The Numbers
- How many women own guns? Around 25% of U.S. women own a firearm, a number growing every year.
- Most popular gun for women? Compact 9mm handguns like the Glock 43, Sig P365, and Smith & Wesson Shield.
- Best gun for women? Experts say the best gun is the one that fits your hand and skill level. Training is key.
- Why should women train? Because nobody is coming to save you.
First Time Shooters
If you’re new to firearms, starting at a local shooting range or gun club is a great idea. Many places offer introductory courses, self-defense training scenarios, and even a chance to try out different models before you buy. Some clubs even host second-hand markets where members sell pre-owned firearms at budget-friendly prices.
No gun? No problem! Most ranges have a variety of rental firearms available, along with eye and ear protection, targets, and ammo. All you need is a valid ID and a quick waiver. New shooters typically get a tour of the facility and a basic lesson on how to hold, grip, sight, and handle the firearm of your choice—with a bit of help to find the right one for you.
The average cost for an hour of range time is around $30, though many ranges offer memberships that significantly lower the cost. Better yet, the PA Game Commission runs public shooting ranges across the state for just a $31.97 annual permit fee. Find their list of locations at pa.gov/agencies/pgc.
Wherever you shoot, keep an eye out for flyers and bulletin boards advertising local gun clubs, contests, sales, events, and other opportunities for increased skill, confidence, and empowerment.
Ready, Aim, Go
While the city is home to a variety of specialized gun clubs and shooting groups, here’s a quick list of some popular options to get you started:
🔹 The Gun Range – Beginner-friendly classes & self-defense training in Spring Garden, in a space promoting “inclusivity, comradery, and learning.” Group and private classes for all levels, including a popular concealed carry class just for women.
🔹 The Firing Line, Inc – Affordable shooting range at the city’s oldest and largest gun shop. Open to the public and staffed by trained professionals. Pennsport/Queen Village area.
🔹 Delaware Valley Sports Center – West Philly pro shop and shooting range offering a full line of on-site training for pistols, rifles, shotguns, and semi-automatics.
🔹 Shoot Indoors KofP – Shiny new suburban shooting range offers a variety of training options as well as meetups and other events. 70+ firearms for rent; lanes certified safe by medical-grade HVAC.
🔹 A Girl and a Gun — Ladies-only club for pistol, rifle, and shotgun shooters of all expertise, for competition and self-defense. Extensive online library of training articles and videos, with local branches in South Jersey, Bucks County, Horsham, and Southeastern PA.
Final Thoughts:
We’re not inciting violence – this is about taking control of our own safety in uncertain times. When rights are being challenged and norms pushed to their limits, preparing for the worst isn’t an act of aggression; it’s a declaration of self-respect and a commitment to those we hold dear.
By investing in personal security, we forge a brave, resilient community where safety, freedom, and dignity remain a shared reality for everyone. ✊☮️🩷💪
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