|
When I got onto the roller coaster I never imagined I'd end up here...
SF Pride, the non-profit, non-political group that sponsors the San Francisco Gay Pride parade has requested that the scouts provide a color guard for this year's parade on June 30th.
The national headquarters of the Boy Scouts of America has decided that any parade with "gay" or "pride" in the title is automatically a political event and any official participation by the Boy Scouts is strictly forbidden.
Based on the parades that have taken place in other locales there will be a "scout" presence at this parade and crossing our fingers and hoping for the best is not going to be the best strategy.
Who likes ice cream?... I like ice cream...
I love the scouts. No matter how difficult the task someone will always volunteer. It looks like it's my turn, and while there don't seem to be any latrines that need shoveling out right now (oh, how I wish there were!), I've instead volunteered to co-ordinate the scout color guard for this event.
Oh, But there is a catch...
In addition to forbidding "official" participation the national headquarters has determined that any member appearing in uniform at such an event is subject to discipline, including expulsion from the BSA.
BSA letter regarding pride parades
This has caused a fair amount of controversy in other locations:
The Salt Lake Tribune - Scout leader's chastised
(One nice thing about being well connected, I also get the story behind the pictures -- Dave McGrath: I tried to kick that cub scout out... He wouldn't go. Neither would his mom. This made me cry. So I disbanded the formation and told everyone I was with him. He said: "We're going on a march!")
It has also generated Editorials:
Delaware County Daily Times - Opinion
The Salt Lake City Tribune - Opinion
But this isn't Salt Lake City...
There is no point in vilifying the local councils and the local professional scouters. This is national's policy and they should be the ones to take the heat for it. According to my analysis of the votes controlled by the local councils the vote was 25 to 1 to change the policy for gay youth, and at least two of the councils have publicly stated they are advocating change for the inclusion of gay adults.
But this isn't Salt Lake City #2...There will be naked people in the parade...
Yeah, I know. I grew up in the bay area. I remember my parents watching in horror at the news coverage of gay pride parades in the 70s. Fortunately the world has evolved, and there will also be families marching with PFLAG and Kaiser. And if I have to be the person to remind people that they need to wear pants with the uniform, so be it.
Still, I think its best if we limit our involvement to older scouts and adult scouters. If you really want to participate and you are under 16 you must bring a parent or guardian.
About the uniform...
If you are currently a member of the BSA please don't wear your uniform. It will only put the local councils in an awkward position. If you are a former member, national would like me to remind you that you are still bound by the scout law, particularly "trustworthy" and "obedient".
But I do think we should identify ourselves as members of the scouting movement. Nothing unites the scouting movement and the LGBT community better than sashes and neckerchiefs. While I don't have a sash, I've found my troop's neckerchief and the slide I made with the inclusion knot patch are prefect accessories for my "Scouts for Equality" shirt.
OK I tried...
Ultimately the decision to wear or not wear your uniform is a personal choice. Wearing it would be an act of civil disobedience and as such may carry consequences. You'll have to let your conscience be your guide.
This event is not sanctioned or endorsed by the Boy Scouts of America...
Duh! It is also not endorsed by Scouts for Equality although they have issued the following guidelines:
Scouts for Equality Pride Parade Guidelines
So we are on our own as "current and former members of the scouting movement". Since I'm doing this, I'm going to make it the best reflection of scouting that I can. So far it's just me in an outfit reminiscent of Stay Puff marshmallow man from Ghostbusters. I could use some help. (Remember a scout is brave.)
If you'd like to attend or help send me an e-mail. Forward this e-mail as you see fit.
I'm also in over my head and I'm treading water. I welcome any suggestions you are willing to offer.
wendell@able-baker.com
Yours in Scouting,
Wendell Baker
An individual who happens to also be the scoutmaster of troop 234 in Moraga
(SFE-Golden Gate)
| 
