Sort of frightening to think that you can't just smack a gay guy around without fear that he might protect himself ehh? When someone is "thumping" you, or beating you up its hard to tell if they are going to kill you or just satisfy some sadistic validation of masculinity. If someone started verbally abusing you in a parking lot and then proceeded to physically abuse you, would you wait to see if they were going to kill you or would you protect yourself? I say do what ever you have to to protect youself. The best solution would be NOT to verbally or physically abuse ANYONE! That would ensure that no one felt threatened and did not feel the need to protect themselves. Find yourself a new hobby - there is nothing more pathetic than a middle aged playground bully.
P.S. Actually the suggestion of carrying a firearm came from a straight woman, not a gay guy or a lesbian. As Taci pointed out, straight men are the most violent in our society. That is not to say they are all bad but the facts are the facts.