The Why Behind EDC
Equal Defense Collective was born out of frustration — and a fire to do things differently.
Founder Bobby Perez, a USCCA Certified Instructor and proud member of both the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities, attended countless firearms training courses that felt more like political rallies than safe learning environments. While the fundamentals were there, the tone was exclusionary, the language often coded, and the culture heavily skewed toward a narrow demographic.
Bobby realized:
“If I feel unwelcome in these spaces — how many others are avoiding them altogether?”
So in 2024, Equal Defense Collective was created to fill that gap.
Built for the Left Out,
Not Left Behind
EDC was built for:
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People who never saw themselves represented in gun culture
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Folks who were told they "don’t look like" firearm owners
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Marginalized communities who want empowerment without judgment
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Anyone seeking safety and self-reliance without political baggage
We believe everyone has a right to learn how to protect themselves and their loved ones — and to do so in an environment that respects their identity and lived experience.
Where We Started —
And Where We’re Going
Starting in the D.C./Maryland/Virginia (DMV) region, Equal Defense Collective began with small, word-of-mouth classes in homes, community centers, and ranges that welcomed our mission. As demand quickly grew, so did our commitment to:
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Offering state-certified training (HQL, Wear & Carry)
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Creating children’s safety classes for responsible early education
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Launching community defense workshops rooted in real-world needs
Our long-term vision includes:
- Opening a physical training space
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Hosting multi-day retreats and advanced courses
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Becoming a model for inclusive firearms education nationwide
What We're All About
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Inclusive Training Spaces: No political rhetoric. No gatekeeping. Just practical, real-world training for everyday people.
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Empowerment through Education: We believe knowledge is the first tool in any self-defense toolkit.
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Community-Centered Instruction: We meet people where they are, whether it's your first time holding a firearm or you’re looking to grow your defensive skillset.
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Representation Matters: Our instructors reflect the communities we serve, because everyone deserves to see themselves in this space.