As an Eagle Scout myself I have always had to answer to people asking me if I agreed with the policy of the Boy Scouts of America regarding homosexuality. The answer has always, and will always be "No, I don't." as long as the current policy that bans their participation.
Scouting has taught me many things. Swimming, Knots, Fire Safety, Cooking… But more than that it has taught me Respect, Honor, and Reverence. Values that I strive to emulate in my life every single day. It is unfortunate however, that there are still people out there that believe they have the right to deny this wonderful experience to a group of people on the basis of their sexuality.
A Scout is Trustworthy.
I challenge the BSA Executive Board to explain how their secretly selected committee who refuses to be named exemplifies this part of the Scout Law. How can I, someone who has been involved in Scouting for over 13 years and has been working on Summer Camp Staff for 8 of those years see the actions of the organization I work for to be Trustworthy?
A Scout is Loyal.
There is no doubt that members of the BSA are Loyal. The question is who are they loyal to? Shouldn't the ultimate group of people that the organization pledges its loyalty to be the youth of our country?
The Mission of the BSA is stated as follows:
"The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law."
I would invite anyone who opposes homosexuality in Scouting to find a reason why the young people of our country who identify as LGBT should be denied the opportunity to become prepared to make ethical and moral choices in their lifetimes and what their sexual orientation or the sexual orientation of their Leaders has to do with ethical or moral decisions.
A Scout is Helpful.
"To Help Other People At All Times." How does banning such a large group of our youth and Adult Leaders from participating on the basis of their sexuality live up to this? Are these people not Helpful? Is there nothing that a Scout can learn from an Adult Leader or a fellow Scout who identifies as LGBT? By banning them from participating are we not also denying them the opportunity to learn a great deal of things that they may never learn?
A Scout is Friendly.
Over the course of my lifetime I have had the opportunity to work with a number of different types of people. If there is anything I can tell you about the Scouts and Scouters I know of who identify as LGBT, its that they are some of the friendliest people I have ever met. Meanwhile, I have met some unbearably rude and unfriendly straight Scoutmasters in my time as well and their numbers surely outweigh the first. Isn't part of being friendly also being accepting or others for who they are?
A Scout is Courteous.
I believe the only thing that needs to be said here is that it is common courtesy for those being told that they cannot participate in something they care deeply about not only be given legitimate reasons, but also be allowed to face those who deny them. I would encourage the Executive Council of the BSA to at least be courteous enough to the LGBT Community and release the names of the selected council who decided they shall remain banned from Scouting. The definition of "Courteous" means "marked by respect and consideration for others." Remaining unwilling to release the names of the council shows disrespect and lack of consideration for the LGBT Community.
A Scout is Kind.
To be kind is to be "sympathetic or helpful in nature." While the comments from the BSA seem as though they may be sympathetic towards the LGBT Community, I would under no circumstances consider them to be helpful. They provide little insight into the reasons the decision was made and show signs that information behind the decision are being withheld from the public.
A Scout is Obedient.
Now, as an Eagle Scout and an Adult Leader who believes strongly in the good that this organization can do for the youth of our country, I will continue to be involved and support the BSA. However I will also continue to fight for the rights of the LGBT Community to become involved as well. I would also like to clarify that the reason I will continue to stay involved is because I care about the experience that they boys gain from Scouting, and not because I agree with the policies that are set by the Executives. I will remain Obedient, but that does not mean that I will be happy about it.
A Scout is Cheerful.
This section is directed towards the members of the LGBT Community and the Supporters of them who are angered with the decision to uphold the ban. Stay Cheerful. Continue to fight for the rights of the LGBT Community to partake in the Scouting Program, but do so in a cheerful manner. The best way to convince those who oppose your membership is by showing them that you can be just as good if not better Scouts than they are.
A Scout is Thrifty.
We have tried many ways to have this ban removed. Perhaps petitions and internet posts are not the only answer. Think of new ways to get your message across. Write or call your local Scout Executive or even the Chief Scout Executive. Organize supporters in your area. Make it known all around that Scouting should be for all of our youth and that there are plenty of Adult Leaders out there in the LGBT Community who can provide quality leadership.
A Scout is Brave.
Do not lose hope. Even in the face of adversity from the organization itself, do not be afraid to confront those who you believe have done wrong. Each and every day we as a country move towards a more accepting nation. Stay strong and be a part of that revolution.
A Scout is Clean.
This point refers to more than just physically. Remind yourself about this when talking about the organization and how it handles itself. Just because the organization as a whole does not support acceptance of the LGBT Community does not mean that individuals within it agree with those decisions. Don't hold the decisions of 11 adult leaders change your opinion of the hundreds of thousands of leaders out there who only care about the boys and would do anything to make sure that they have a positive experience. Even more importantly do not let this tarnish your opinion of the boys involved.
A Scout is Reverent.
Upon reading this in an article about the decision however is when I became the most upset.
"BSA chief executive Bob Mazzuca said there was broad-based support for the policy.
"The vast majority of the parents of youth we serve value their right to address issues of same-sex orientation within their family, with spiritual advisers, and at the appropriate time and in the right setting," Mazzuca said."
From my experience the majority of Parents do not involve themselves heavily within the organization. My own troop was forced to fold because of lack of parent involvement. In addition to their right to weigh in I question the counsel of spiritual advisors.
This is the point of the Scout Law that I have the most trouble with. Mainly because I feel that it has become confused with the word "Religious." According to dictionary.com the word "Reverent" directs you to "Reverence" which means:
1. A feeling or attitude of deep respect tinged with awe; veneration.
2. The outward manifestation of this feeling: to pay reverence.
3. A gesture indicative of deep respect; an obeisance, bow, or curtsy.
4. The state of being revered.
5. (initial capital letter) A title used in addressing or mentioning a member of the clergy.
Now, after reading this you will notice that the only reference to religion is when it is used as a title, not a description or characteristic. Thats because a Scout does not have to be Religious to be Reverent. I am Reverent for a great many things in my life. My Family. My Friends. My Scout Leaders and Fellow Camp Staff who have helped me become the man that I am today. However I believe that under no circumstances should any religion be able to weigh in to the decisions made by this organization.
I would like to take the time now to explain my reasons for this Blog. As I stated previously I am an Eagle Scout. I have earned 3 Eagle Palms, both Religious Medals, attended a National Jamboree and have worked as a member of Summer Camp Staff for 8 years. Obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout is one of the accomplishments in my life that I hold highest. However, I would not have made it to where I am if it weren't for the Scout Leaders and other Scouts that I was lucky enough to meet and call my friends in the many years I have been involved in the BSA. And to them, I would like to extend a long overdue "Thanks for Everything."
In regards specifically to the decision to uphold this ban. I am not angry with the Boy Scouts of America for their decision, rather I am disappointed that an organization that I hold so dearly in my heart can continue to show disapproval and unwillingness to accept those who wish to be a part of their organization. I would hope that all those who read this can walk away with the feeling that if those who believe in Scouting for All continue to fight for the rights of all of the youth who wish to participate and to the adults who wish to help mold our youth into quality members of our society will someday be able to make that a reality.
No Scout should ever be told he cannot go to Summer Camp. And no boy should ever be told he cannot be a Scout.
Yours in Scouting,
DL
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