Straight answers to FAQ about scout participation in the San Francisco Pride Parade.

1. Are Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts allowed to participate?

Yes, everyone agrees that scouts, parents, leaders, former scouts and even BSA employees are allowed to participate as private individuals.  Everyone also agrees that participants should be properly attired for a family friendly event.  Isn't is nice when everyone agrees about something like this?

2. Is the parade family friendly?

Yes, the part of the parade we are in is the Ally section. We've attended for the last two years and had a great time. I have no reservations about inviting young families or grandparents. Cub scouts and younger scouts should bring their families. Wait, on second thought, older scouts, leaders, parents and former scouts should also bring their families.

3. What other groups are in the parade?

Last year we were grouped with the Girl Scouts and PFLAG.  Other official participants include Kaiser, Apple, Goggle, Facebook, and a whole lot of other mainstream businesses and organizations.

4. But the San Francisco Pride parade is so gay.

I can't believe you just said that. Oh you didn't. Well admit it, you were thinking it. You all know better then use "gay" as a synonym for "bad", and the parade doesn't have a sexual orientation, so I can only assume that you mean "gay" as a synonym for "fabulous" and yes, it is.

5. If I march in the parade will that make me gay?

No, it doesn't work that way.

6. If I march in the parade will my friends think I'm gay, tease me mercilessly, call me names, exclude me, and ruin my life.

Maybe. (I really, really wish I had a different answer, but I don't know who your friends are.)  While we are winning the battle against homophobia and bigotry we still have a long way to go.

7. Is it brave to march in the parade?

Yes.

8. Is marching in the parade the right thing to do?

I think so, standing up for equality is important to me. We need to let LGBT youth know that we support them even if we don't know who they are. We need to let them know that they will be safe and welcome in our troops. We need to let them know that they are a valued and treasured part of our communities.

9. Are we marching to protest the Boy Scout's National Executive Board's homophobic and bigoted policy to exclude gay adults?

No, and it looks like that policy is going to change sooner rather than later anyway.  We are marching to celebrate scouting and let the LGBT community know that we as members of the Boy Scouts want to welcome them and support their inclusion. Everything about our entry is going to be positive and support the great scouting programs we are running.

10. Is this an official Boy Scout Activity?

No. This event is not sanctioned or endorsed by the Boy Scouts of America.  (Although maybe next year...)