"It’s definitely harsh, but I must do everything I can to overcome it."

The couple gazed into each other’s eyes, shared a passionate kiss and embraced tightly. But soon after, the hug turned into a chokehold, the eye contact became a warning, their hands transformed into weapons.

This couple were among over 30 members of the LGBTQ+ community who attended a self-defense class on a recent Saturday at a private gym in Clearwater. Andi Bunny, a woman of Ecuadorian heritage, and Ingrid Irwin, a transgender woman from Sarasota, learned techniques and physical skills to maintain a safe distance and defend against unprovoked attacks.

At a time when legislation across the U.S. is restricting transition care for transgender minors and adults while support for the LGBTQ+ community by companies like Anheuser-Busch and Target is fueling violent displays of consumer backlash, they refuse to feel afraid.

Read more at the Tampa Bay Times