What the Boy Scouts really mean…
Boy Scouts is about being “…trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent” (BSA Scouts Law). Since when does discrimination, intolerance and lying fit within these core values?
Over the past century, the BSA has built a respected organization; developing young American men to be good citizens, instilling them with a sense of pride, responsibility, ethics, and integrity. By any measure, this is exactly the type of person most parents hope their children become.
What message is sent when such an organization advocates for the outright exclusion of people based solely upon their sexual orientation?
It baffles me to think that any parent would rather their child grow up to discriminate, hate, and devalue others who may be different from themselves or feel shame about who they are.
Recently, much attention has been drawn to the BSA’s “ban on gays” policy.
You may have heard the media stories responsible for bringing it to the forefront:
Jen Tyrrell, an Ohio mother, was forced to resign as a Den mother of her son’s cub scout pack because she’s a lesbian.
A gay father from Texas, Jon Langbert, was outright denied a leadership position and told he could no longer wear an identifying BSA t-shirt from his son’s troop.
Eric Jones, an Eagle Scout, was fired from a Boy Scout camp he had worked at for five years when he came out (as gay) to his supervisor.
So why do I care so much?
Growing up I was lucky enough to have four parents who cared immensely about mine and my brother’s lives. Aside from their unconditional love and parental guidance, they supported us by not only encouraging us to pursue activities that interested us but also got involved themselves.
Throughout the years they were there in everything from scouting and sports to marching band. Experiencing my parents’ active participation in these parts of my life cemented their importance and I developed a certain bond with my parents I might not have otherwise.I guarantee this,in part, made me the person I am today. Had I or my parents ever been denied participation in any of these activities I believe my life would be vastly different.
Relating directly to this issue, the ban on gays does nothing more than take opportunities away from children and families.
The people who support the BSA’s policy do so out of fear and ignorance.
Many of the arguments I’ve heard believe that, by allowing gays, their children will be at risk of a sexual predator. In actuality, sexual orientation has not factored in child abuse cases. Gays are no more likely to molest a child than Straights. (Just look at the Jerry Sandusky case –a married heterosexual male who has been recently convicted of sexually molesting boys at Penn State.)
Second most common argument I’ve heard is the need to uphold tradition. If we were talking about uniforms I would say this may apply but in a world that is progressing towards equal rights and protections the antiquated policy needs to go. The true tradition is (and should be) developing the next generation of leaders who will better the world they live in. Lifting the ban will not harm this tradition, instead will promote more positive images and values that I would want instilled in my own (future) children.
Almost off my soap box….
Just to add, I was honored to meet Jen Tyrrell at the 25th annual GLAAD (Gays and Lesbians Against Defamation) Awards in San Francisco this past June. Her and her family’s strength and will to fight against this injustice has been truly inspiring.
I proudly stand in solidarity with them amongst thousands of others for a repeal of the Boy Scouts ban on gays, in hopes that in the near future membership will be solely determined on the content of character and not sexuality.
One more thing before you go…
Be sure to check out Zach Wahls page on “change.org” : http://www.change.org/members/zachwahls
As a young straight ally, Eagle Scout and son of lesbian mothers he has been an instrumental advocate in recent LGBT rights issues.
Thank you for reading!! :)