Firearm Safety Training for Queer Black Folks

You must book your spot through our website: []

Lesbifriends Travel is proud to partner with certified firearm instructor Paquita Wiggins to offer a comprehensive, safety-focused gun training tailored for queer Black folks.

Whether you’re seeking to obtain your Handgun Qualification License (HQL) or a Concealed Carry Permit, this training will provide you with the education, hands-on experience, and confidence needed to protect yourself and your community responsibly.

In a welcoming, affirming space, participants will learn firearm safety, self-defense principles, and legal considerations, all while gaining real experience at the shooting range.

📅 Class Date: Saturday, February 7 (Classroom Training)
📅 Shooting Range Date: Date scheduled by you

🕖Time: 9 AM - 11:30 AM (for HQL) & 9 AM - 5:30 PM (for CCP) Local Time Zone is Eastern Time (ET)

Class Location: Northwest, Washington, DC
Shooting Range: Baltimore, MD Area

(Exact addresses shared with confirmed participants and will be shared week of event. While firearm safety and protection training is typically a 16-hour process, our comprehensive approach ensures that participants receive the necessary instruction efficiently.)

Queer Black Folks looking to learn about gun safety in an exclusively curated, community-centered environment.

✅ 2 hours of classroom education (Arrival/Check-in at 9 AM. Class Time 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM)
✅ Hour of firearm handling (at the range)
✅ All firearms and ammunition provided
✅ Expert instruction from a certified USCCA instructor
❌ No food & drinks included (Feel free to bring your own)

*IMPORTANT NOTE: This option includes the required training course and certificate, which you will need to obtain your Handgun Qualification License (HQL) in Maryland. However, fingerprinting and the application submission are not included in the ticket price and must be completed separately.

Since the state of Maryland is responsible for issuing the HQL, you will not leave the class fully licensed. Instead, you will receive the training certificate, which is a required step in the licensing process.

✅ 8 hours of classroom education (Arrival/Check-in at 9 AM. Class Time 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM)
✅ Hour of firearm handling (at the range)
✅ All firearms and ammunition provided
✅ Expert instruction from a certified USCCA instructor
❌ No food & drinks included. There will be a 30 min lunch break. (You’re encouraged to bring your own food. There are also places to grab food close to the class location.)

*IMPORTANT NOTE: While firearm safety and protection training is typically a 16-hour process, our comprehensive approach ensures that participants receive the necessary instruction efficiently.

📖 Day 1: Classroom Training (February 7)

• Firearm safety, responsible ownership, and state gun laws
• Self-defense principles & legal considerations
• Hands-on firearm handling in a controlled setting

🎯 Day 2: Shooting Range Practice (TBD)

• Live-fire training & confidence-building exercises
• Tactical drills & supervised shooting practice

✔ Led by a Certified Instructor: Paquita Wiggins is a licensed USCCA instructor with 15+ years of experience.
✔ A Safe & Supportive Environment: Learn without intimidation in a space designed for queer Black folks.
✔ Empowerment Through Education: This isn’t just about firearms—it’s about preparedness, protection, and community strength.

Spaces are limited. Learn more details and claim your spot here: ! Booking deadline is January 28, 2026.

Note: By attending this event, you agree to being photographed. However, if communicated, we will try our best not to capture you in photos and post you publicly. That request must be communicated ahead of time/at the beginning of the event to photographer and host.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Lisa Gomes