I wasn't blind to the homoeroticism in the language or iconography surrounding guns. I decided to challenge my preconceptions by going along. Yet to many people, me included, the principles of gay rights and gun rights have always seemed at opposite ends of the political spectrum. For the last two years, 40 or so active members have marched in Portland's Pride Parade, albeit without actually carrying their weapons, thanks to safety concerns expressed by the Portland Police Bureau. The Portland chapter of the Pink Pistols is one of over 50 similar and loosely affiliated gay rights gun clubs around the country ( )-and one just started in Canada. Gilbert's statement is perhaps the most frank I've ever heard from a gun fanatic connecting shooting and cock, never mind double entendres like 'going out with a loaded gun' or offering you the opportunity to 'play with my weapon.' He's candid and endearing, and I'm beginning to think I might see the point of his bizarre gay rights gun group, after all. 'The difference is, we're more for the dick, shopping, and champagne crowd.' They're for the pussy, football, and beer crowd,' says Pink Pistols member Steve Gilbert, as we're taking a break from shooting on a sunny Saturday afternoon. 'Most gun clubs are for men who like John Wayne or Charlton Heston.