Empowering Our Community Through Education & Protection
Whether you're looking to obtain your Handgun Qualification License (HQL) or a Concealed Carry Permit, this course will provide the education, hands-on experience, and confidence needed to protect yourself and your community responsibly.
📍 Location:
Class - Downtown Washington, DC | Shooting Range - Baltimore, MD
(Exact addresses shared with confirmed participants)
Option 1: Handgun Qualification License (HQL)
(For Maryland residents seeking to purchase a firearm. Suggested for DC and VA residents for firearm safety knowledge.)
✅ 2 hours of classroom education
✅ 2 hours of firearm handling (at the range)
✅ All firearms and ammunition provided
✅ Expert instruction from a certified USCCA instructor
❌ No meal included (Light refreshments provided)
*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.
Option 2: Concealed Carry Permit
(Provides the ability to carry a firearm legally in over 35 states.)
✅ 8 hours of classroom education
✅ 4 hours of firearm handling (at the range)
✅ 4 additional hours covering legal considerations, situational awareness, and practical self-defense strategies
✅ All firearms and ammunition provided
✅ Meal included (Vegan-friendly options available)
*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.
Cost:
$60 - Handgun Qualification License (HQL)
$300 - Concealed Carry Permit
Meet the Instructor
Lesbifriends Travel is proud to partner with certified firearm instructor Paquita Wiggins to offer a comprehensive and safety-focused gun training class tailored for queer Black folks.
As Black queer individuals, our safety is often overlooked. This training is about more than just handling a firearm—it’s about empowerment and community support. Our goal is to ensure that every participant understands firearm safety, legal considerations, and best practices for self-defense in a welcoming and affirming environment.
What to Expect:
Day 1: Classroom Training (Sunday, April 13)
Firearm safety and responsible ownership
Maryland, DC, and Virginia gun laws
Self-defense principles and legal considerations
Hands-on firearm handling (in a controlled environment)
Day 2: Shooting Range Practice (Saturday, April 19)
Live fire training at AGC Baltimore
Supervised shooting practice with various firearms
Tactical drills and confidence-building exercises
Who Can Attend?
This event is exclusively for Lesbifriends participants, though Paquita may invite select queer women from her network. Space is limited to 10-30 participants, so early registration is encouraged!
Why Train With Us?
Certified & Experienced Instructor: Paquita Wiggins is a licensed USCCA instructor with 15 years of firearm experience and 5 years of dedicated teaching. She is licensed to provide instruction and certification in Maryland, DC, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and beyond.
A Safe & Supportive Environment: We are creating a space where queer Black folks can learn and practice without fear or intimidation.
A Community-Driven Experience: This isn't just a class—it’s a collective investment in our safety and empowerment.
Reserve your spot today and take the first step toward firearm education & empowerment!