More straight answers to questions about the San Francisco Pride Parade and what to wear.
1. Is the San Francisco Pride Parade a political event?
No, the IRS has determined that it is not. The BSAs non-profit status will not be affected by our participation.
2. Can I bring my friends and family?
Of course.
3. But I want to go to the parade with my friends and if we join you then they'll find out I'm in the Boy Scouts.
Just as the closet can be a lonely place, the tent too can be lonely. Be proud of who you are, step out of the tent, and announce to your friends: "I have something to tell you, I am a Boy Scout!" If they are really your friends they will accept you for who you are.
4. Do I have to wear my uniform? I don't want to look like a dork.
The uniform is one of the methods of scouting, "it reinforces that fact that all members of the BSA are equal to one another". For more information on the relationship between the boy scouts and dorkiness check out this article:
Oxford American Issue 85: Scout's Honor
We will be marching as a uniformed color guard carrying the US and California flags, followed by our "Scouts for Equality" banner and un-uniformed supporters.
You can be part of either group so wearing your uniform is definitely not required.
5. Can I wear my uniform?
Of course you "can", there is no way physical way to stop you...
6. OK, May I wear my uniform?
If you are not currently a registered member of BSA and you have your old uniform, and it still fits, then please wear it and be a member of the color guard.
If you are a currently registered member and you are asking permission from the National Executive Board the answer is "no". Their reasoning is explained here (this is from last year):
BSA National's June 24, 2013 letter
7. But don't the Boy Scout's normally attend parades in uniform that specifically exclude LGBT participation, such as some St Patrick's Day parades, and Utah's founders day parade?
Yes they do.
8. Don't other scouting groups have uniformed marchers in pride parades?
The Girl Scouts, Scouts Canada, and The Scout Association in the UK all encourage participation in pride parades. The girl scouts had an official contingent in the SF pride parade last year.
9. So by restricting participation in pride parades isn't the National Executive Board promoting its homophobic and bigoted anti-gay political and social agenda? How does this exclusion make gay scouts feel safe and welcome?
There is a biblical story about splitting a baby in half. The National Executive Board decided to go ahead and split the baby in half (ironically, missing the point of the story). I have no clue as to how they think they are going to put it back together.
10. Has anyone been expelled from the Boy Scouts for wearing their uniform in a pride parade?
Not to my knowledge. My friend Peter in Salt Lake City was called in and reprimanded last year, but that's the only formal action I know about.
11. Should I wear my uniform?
Let your conscience be your guide.
-Wendell Baker
Chapter Organizer
Scouts for Equality - Golden Gate
Scoutmaster
Moraga Troop 234
