More straight answers to frequently asked questions about the San Francisco Pride Parade (and what to wear)...
1. Should I bring my family and friends?
Absolutely, we march as a group of scouts, leaders, parents and supporters. Cub scouts should defiantly bring their parents, and yes, this means your little sister is welcome too. The parade is a lot of fun and a great experience.
2. Can, oh wait, I mean "May" I wear my uniform?
If you are a registered member (adult or youth) it depends upon who you ask. If you're asking me, then yes I think you should (unless you're an employee of the Boy Scouts, then you need to ask your boss, it's defiantly not worth getting fired over.)
If you are asking an employee of the Boy Scouts the answer may still be no. The last official policy I know of was a letter issued by BSA National on June 24, 2013.
Letter from BSA National - 2013
If you are not currently a registered member of BSA and you have your old uniform, and it still fits, then if you would like to wear it you can be a member of the color guard.
3. 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 in 2013, but that's the only formal action I know about. I wore my uniform last year and this year they asked me if I'd like to volunteer to be a unit commissioner. ("Only an hour a week"...OK, these were unrelated, but you get my point.)
4. Is the San Francisco Pride Parade a political event?
No, the IRS has determined that it is not. The BSA's non-profit status will not be affected by our participation.
5. 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 has had an official contingent in the SF pride parade since 2013.
6. 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". I can give you an Inclusive Scouting Patch to put on your uniform. (A little bit of rainbow helps any uniform.) If you can look past the uniform part, the colorful patches, neckerchief, and sashes will definitely fit in with the rest of the parade...
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. We welcome participants in street clothes, Scouts for Equality T-shirts, and uniforms. If you would like to buy an optional Scouts for Equality T-Shirts they are available here:
Scouts for Equality store
7. But aren't we supposed to make gay Scouts feel safe and welcome?
Yes we are. I think this trumps any of the other concerns. Gay scouts need to know that there are adults and other scouts who have their backs and will protect them from bullying and harassment. They need to be shown that they are valued members of the Boy Scouts, even if they are still in the closet, or questioning. It's also important that their peers get the same message. Everyone needs to know that we aren't ashamed of gay scouts. Every scout deserves to be celebrated for who they are.
8. Why are you doing this?
I was bullied as a kid. (Mostly through social isolation and exclusion.) The scouting movement should be a force for positive change making life better for all youth. Currently the organization charged (by Congress) with promoting the scouting method for boys is part of the problem. But this is changing and I think in the near future the Boy Scouts of America will have a major role to play in bullying prevention. Making all youth feel welcome is the first step.
Also as a scout volunteer leader my job is to teach leadership. Helping an organization we all love to reach its full potential is the kind of leadership I'm trying to teach.
Oh yeah, and I think it's the right thing to do.
Questions?
If you have any questions please e-mail me at:
goldengate@soutsforequality.com
Yours in Inclusive Scouting,
Wendell Baker
Scouts for Equality - Golden Gate
Chapter Organizer
