About Creating Equality
Professional defensive education built around safety, respect, and belonging.
My name is Cory, and I started Creating Equality because I kept seeing the same problem: people wanted to learn about personal protection, self-defense, and responsible firearms ownership, but the traditional training world did not always feel like a place where they belonged.
For me, that is personal. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I know what it can feel like to walk into spaces where you are not sure how you will be received, whether you can ask honest questions, or whether you need to keep part of yourself guarded just to learn.
Creating Equality is my way of building the kind of training space I wanted to see: professional, approachable, serious about safety, and not built around intimidation.
Cory Rupert, he/him
Instructor & Owner
What We Believe
Self-defense is a human right.
People deserve responsible education about personal protection without unnecessary barriers like cost, complexity, fear, or intimidation.
Training should make sense in real life.
Good instruction should help people understand what they are doing, why it matters, and how to apply it responsibly.
Confidence is built, not demanded.
You do not need to show up confident. You need a place where you can learn safely, ask questions, and move forward one step at a time.
Inclusion makes training better.
Respect and belonging are not side issues. They are part of what makes a learning environment safer, clearer, and more effective.
My Path to Instruction
My introduction to firearms started early, learning safety and handling in a controlled environment with family. That gave me a lasting respect for safe practices, responsible ownership, and the seriousness that comes with personal protection.
Over time, I found myself helping friends and family who were new to firearms. I enjoyed walking people through the basics, answering questions, and helping them build confidence without making them feel rushed, judged, or talked down to.
That experience shaped how I teach today.
My background is not rooted in military or law enforcement. It is rooted in learning, teaching, and helping people become more capable at their own pace.
That perspective led me to pursue formal education and build Creating Equality. The goal is not just to teach technical skills. It is to create a space where students feel supported, respected, and capable, no matter where they are starting.
Why Creating Equality Exists
Creating Equality was built on a simple belief:
Community safety begins with belonging.
People deserve access to clear, responsible training that helps them understand their options, their rights, their responsibilities, and the decisions that come with personal protection.
Who We Serve
All students are welcome here.
At the same time, Creating Equality is intentional about serving people who have not always felt represented or respected in traditional defensive training spaces.
- Women
- LGBTQ+ communities
- Diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds
- People with disabilities
- Low-income students
- Immigrants and refugees
- Seniors
- Veterans
- Religious communities
This is not about making everyone approach safety the same way. It is about making sure more people have access to good information, practical training, and a learning environment where they can ask questions without pressure or judgment.
Ready to learn in a space built around respect?
Explore training options, register for an upcoming class, or reach out if you are not sure where to start.
