The Standard Manufacturing Company, a shotgun maker based in Connecticut, is subsidizing a concealed-carry handgun class for the LGBTQ community in Florida.
The president of the company, Louis Frutuoso, was succinct about why: “We are not a handgun manufacturer, thus get nothing out of these efforts. Why we are doing this is to show solidarity for our fellow Americans no matter what gender, sex or creed.”
The effort stems from a new partnership between Empower Firearms Training, Global Dynasty Corps., and the not-for-profit Pink Pistols organization. After the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando last June, Frutuoso wanted to make a positive impact in the community. In a press release, Standard Manufacturing said, “The objective of this program is to encourage a professional, safe and comfortable learning environment in the field of firearms and self-protection for the LGBTQ community while ensuring that our Second Amendment rights are cherished and upheld for every law abiding citizen.”
