GLAAD Blog

Boy Scouts Greater New York Council, US Secretary of Education support gay youth in #BoyScouts; push for full inclusion

megantownsend — Fri, 24 May 2013 22:31:44 +0000

News

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In a statement posted to their website today, the Boy Scouts of America's Greater New York Councils reacted to the history-making vote to approve a resolution that will allow gay youth to participate by reaffirming their policy of inclusion for gay adults, a policy that the Connecticut Yankee Council previously announced last week:

"The Boy Scouts of America is a youth-centered organization and the Greater New York Councils is pleased that openly gay youth can participate in Scouting’s meaningful leadership development programs across the country. However, we remain extremely disappointed that the resolution did not include gay adult volunteers and we will continue to work towards a fully inclusive national policy aligned with our own. We strongly believe that both gay adults and youth must be welcomed in Scouting."

United States Secretary of Education Arne Duncan also released a statement today supporting the decision, while also advocating for full inclusion of gay leaders and parents. In a statement on the Department of Education website he said:

"The Boy Scouts of America has been supporting the learning and development of youth for more than a century. The Scouts have helped boys gain skills in camping, hiking and nature, but also engineering, robotics and medicine. And scouting has been the foundation for character development for millions of young men. I can't think of a better lesson in character than one that teaches our young people to value the contributions each of us makes and respect one another. The Scouts have made a historic step in the right direction, and I encourage them to continue to move forward in ensuring equality throughout the organization."

This morning the White House spokesman, Shin Inouye, said in a statement to the Washington Blade that President Obama "welcomes the decision" to allow gay youth to participate in Scouting, but that like a majority of Americans, he "continues to believe that leadership positions in the Scouts should be open to all, regardless of sexual orientation."

President Obama, as is customary, is also the honorary President of the BSA and his support adds a very powerful voice to the chorus of those now urging the BSA to take the next step.

"Gay parents and adults should be accepted into Scouting and our campaign for change will continue until that happens," said GLAAD spokesperson Rich Ferraro. "As openly gay youth begin participating in Scouting and earn Eagle Rank, the Boy Scouts will come to realize that gay Americans and our families only strengthen Scouting as an institution."

GLAAD, in association with Change.org, Scouts for Equality (SFE), and the Inclusive Scouting Network (ISN), delivered over 1.8 million Change.org signatures to the BSA urging them to drop their discriminatory ban on gay members.

For photos, video, resources and more, please visit http://glaad.org/scouts

For a full timeline of events leading up to today's vote, please visit http://glaad.org/scouts

The GLAAD Wrap: Todd Haynes to direct Carol; The Fosters premieres June 3; Kimberly Peirce to receive Outfest Achievement Award

nataliemeier — Thu, 23 May 2013 22:54:05 +0000

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Each week The GLAAD Wrap brings you LGBT-related entertainment news highlights, fresh stuff to watch out for, and fun diversions to help you kick off the weekend.

1) Director Todd Haynes (Poison, Velvet Goldmine, and Far From Heaven) is set to direct Carol, an adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's The Price of Salt. The classic novella follows the relationship that develops between a young department store employee and an unhappy wife in 1950's New York. Mia Wasikowska and Cate Blanchett have been tapped for the lead roles.

2) Boys Don't Cry director Kimberly Peirce will receive Outfest's 17^th annual achievement award for the impact her films have made in LGBT media. Peirce will be receiving the award on Thursday, July 11 at the festival's opening night at the Los Angeles Orpheum Theater, which will also feature a screening of Kyle Patrick Alvarez's C.O.G.

3) Out Torchwood actor John Barrowman will host ABC's new six-episode competition called Sing Your Face Off, where five celebrities adopt the identities of idolized musical talents and perform their hits each week. Endemol USA will produce the show with George Hurford-Jones stepping in as executive producer.

4) Below, you can watch a brand new promo for The Fosters, a new ABC Family series centered around a bi-racial lesbian couple and their adopted and foster children. The Fosters will premiere on June 3 at 9/8c.

5) Returning the same day, the third season of MTV's hit show Teen Wolf also premieres on June 3. The new Alpha Pack comes to Beacon Hills, and openly gay lacrosse player, Danny, is seen being wheeled away on a gurney in the season 3 trailer. Check out the new trailer below.

6) Look out for Bullet, the "tough scrappy lesbian" teen played by Bex Taylor-Klauss when The Killing returns to AMC on June 2 for its third season. This season will focus one of its storylines on a group of street kids, and will also feature Benjamin Charles Watson as a new trans character. You can see a behind the scenes featurette which includes a better look at Bullet below.

7) Transgender Miss Universe contestant Jenna Talackova is set to star in E! Canada's reality series Brave New Girl, which will follow her as she moves from Vancouver to Toronto. The series is produced by Peacock Alley Entertainment's Carrie Mudd and will debut in September. No word yet on a US airdate.

8) Archie Comics' openly gay character Kevin Keller will get his first kiss with a boyfriend in the tenth issue of his self-titled series, available August 7. Publisher and co-CEO Jon Goldwater said that 'The Kiss' is primarily being shown to show a natural progression in romantic relationships, regardless of orientation. "We are creating this in the same way. It's just part of the story."

9) The online web series Bloomers follows a group of 20-somethings living in Downtown Los Angeles. Brooke, struggling to find employment, identifies as gay, and Joanna has two strict hijab-wearing mothers. Watch trailers, season 1 and part of season 2 here, and check out the latest episode below.

10) Wild About Harry has 30 days to reach its fundraising goal of $50,000 on Kickstarter. Based on the life of director Gwen Wynne, the film tells the story of growing up with her father, Harry (Tate Donovan) and his life partner (Adam Pascal) during the 1970s, when children could be removed from the household if a parent identified as gay. As the story progresses, the characters must face the changing definition of the word "family" and the meanings of love and identity. The film has already had an award-winning run on the festival circuit, but is raising money to get the film ready for distribution to a wider audience. Check out the film's Kickstarter trailer below and visit the Wild About Harry website for more information. Check out the trailer below.

Official Trailer for "Wild About Harry" from Gwen Wynne on Vimeo.

GLAAD thanks the many tireless advocates working to bring change to the #BoyScouts

aaronmcquade — Fri, 24 May 2013 15:45:35 +0000

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On Thursday, the Boy Scouts of America made a historic move to lift their ban on gay scouts. 60% of the 1400 voting members decided that all boys should be allowed in Scouts, regardless of sexual orientation. Even though there is more work to be done, we should all recognize those who led the charge for this important change.

In early 1980, Tim Curran received his Eagle badge. Upon receiving this honor, Tim was repeatedly praised for being an exemplary scout. A few months later, however, Tim was brought back in front of the Scout Executive of the local council and removed from the Scouts. The reason Tim and his parents were given for his removal was that a picture of him with his male prom date had appeared in the local paper and he was told that "homosexuality and scouting were not compatible." With the help of the ACLU, Tim began what would turn out to be a nearly two decade long battle all the way to the California Supreme Court. On March 23, 1998, the California Supreme Court ruled against Tim. Tim was one of the earliest advocates for an end to discrimination in the BSA and has continued to be so to this day.

James Dale joined Cub Scouts when he was 8-years-old, later moving on to a Boy Scout troop. He was so revered as a Scout that he was elected to the order of the arrow and asked to speak at various fundraising events. In 1990, the 19 year old assistant scout master received a letter revoking his membership and "firing" him from his position as assistant scout leader because he is gay. In July of 1992, he sued the BSA council. Eight years later, in a split 5-4 vote, the Supreme Court, ruled against James. He has continued to be a leader in the fight for LGBT equality, and you can watch a video of him sharing his thoughts here.

During this time, groups like the Inclusive Scouting Network and Scouting for All were founded, to educate the American people about the discrimination that was being suffered by gay young men - both the ones who were kicked out of scouting, and the ones who left voluntarily because they knew they would not be welcomed. Inclusive Scouting Network founder Mark Noel and Scouting for All founders Steven Kozza, Dave Knapp and Eric Jones began laying the groundwork for these stories to be told, outside the context of legal cases.

In early 2012, Jennifer Tyrrell was forced out of being the leader of her son's Cub Scout pack because she is gay. Jen launched a Change.org petition and became the figure head for all that was wrong with the BSA's discriminatory policies. She was beloved by her scouts and parents alike. She is a loving partner and parent of four kids, Morgan, Tate, Cruz and Jude. She loved being a den mother and just wanted to spend more time helping in the community with her son. But because of the anti-gay policies of the BSA, she cannot. Since she was removed she has worked tirelessly to make sure that no parent ever has to tell their child, "We are not good enough," again. Despite the BSA having taken a good first step yesterday, Jen is still banned from the organization.

Greg Bourke was removed as Assistant Scoutmaster of his son's troop because he is gay. He is still a Scoutmaster for his daughter's Girl Scout troop. Greg was loved by many who worked with him in the Boy Scouts. He started a Change.org petition urging the charity group United Way to stop funding the Boy Scouts if they did not revoke the homophobic policies and advocated for other funders to do the same.

Gay Eagle Scout Will Oliver started a Change.org petition asking the National Geographic channel to put a disclaimer before each episode of their show Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout? Though the channel did not put a disclaimer on the show, they did publish a post written by Will on their blog.

Zach Wahls is a straight Eagle Scout with two moms. For much of his scouting career, one of his moms was his den mother. Zach founded Scouts for Equality, an organization of current and former scouts all fighting towards ending the discriminatory policies of the BSA.

Dave and Joe McGrath are a father-son duo of former scouts as well as military personnel. They biked 1300 miles from their home in Idaho Falls, Idaho to the BSA headquarters in Grapevine, TX to raise awareness about the BSA's homophobic policies. They are working to make a film about their ride.

Carol Clayton has a 14-year-old son in Boy Scouts who has been with the BSA since Tiger Scouts and his on his way to his Eagle badge. She started a petition asking the Capital Area Council to reject the anti-gay policy.

Rev. Michael Schuenemeyer has been leading the movement within the United Church of Christ to revoke the BSA ban.

Max Sullivan is a 15-year-old Mormon Boy Scout who has spoken out against the ban, saying he will leave the Boy Scouts if they do not revoke it. He has the support of his family and they had the support of their church in Charlotte, NC before they moved to Wyoming.

Pascal Tessier will perhaps benefit the most of any of these advocates from the decision the Boy Scouts made on Thursday. As an openly gay 16-year-old Boy Scout, Pascal was recently notified that unless the BSA revoked its ban on gay youth, he would not be eligible for an Eagle badge. His older brother Lucien, an openly gay eagle scout, started a Change.org petition to get the BSA to revoke its ban so that his little brother could have the same proud moment as he did. Fortunately, Pascal will now be able to get his Eagle badge. Unfortunately, neither he nor his brother would be able to participate in the Boy Scouts after the age of 18.

These advocates have worked incredibly hard to end the BSA's discriminatory policies. Though there is more to be done for full equality in scouting, Thursday's vote was a huge step forward and we would like to thank everyone who was involved. The door is now opened for all boys to participate in the Boy Scouts regardless of their sexual orientation. We know these advocates and more will continue to work until the BSA is completely free of discrimination, but for now they have our admiration, our appreciation and our thanks!

Red State's Erick Erickson goes full on anti-gay; gay Boy Scouts must 'repent'

jeremyhooper — Fri, 24 May 2013 13:51:27 +0000

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RedState.com's Erick Erickson is a former CNN and current Fox News contributor and a regular on the punditry circuit, always ready to give his right-leaning point of view on any number of issues. And while decidely conservative (his site is called "Red State" after all) and clearly opposed to LGBT equality (his organization co-sponsored the National Organization For Marriage's recent march on Washington), Erick Erickson is usually fairly mainstream in terms of his commentary.

That changed dramatically yesterday afternoon.

Immediately after the Boy Scouts of America made the decision to no longer ban or banish young boys who happen to be gay, Mr. Erickson took to his Twitter account to go after these very vulnerable children in a really ugly way. To his 90k Twitter followers, this prominent conservative commentator began painting a picture of a hardcore Jesus Christ who simply can't tolerate gay boys:

[@EWErickson]

Then, when writer and former White House staffer Jon Lovett directly confronted Erickson about what this view means for all of the little boys who are, quite simply, gay, Erickson doubled down. He suggested that these young kids, who are presumably not sexual, need to be told not to act on their "sin":

[@EWErickson]

But if that weren't clear enough, Erickson took to Red State today to expound even more. He writes, in part:

My son will not be in the scouts. While I have no problem with the scouts allowing in self-identified gay youths, and I believe churches should welcome in gays, I do not believe an organization that works to foster morality and strong character in young men can continue to do so while allowing in young men who identify as gay if the homosexual act is to still be considered a sin.

To be sure, being gay is not a sin. All of us have temptations. But to act on that temptation and engage in sin, is sinful. We live in a day and age where many expect the government to subsidize birth control because sexual behavior in and out of marriage is the norm. Society no longer recognizes homosexual behavior as a sin, nor does it recognize sex outside of marriae [sic] generally as sin. Government now subsidizes the behavior.

While churches should not turn away gays and should preach the full Gospel to us and them and require us all to repent, an organization like the Scouts will no longer do so in the context of teaching healthy morality and character to young men. The moral component to the Scouts will collapse in favor of knot tying, tent pitching, and badge collection.

While being gay in and of itself is not a sin, we fool ourselves to think that secular society does not rapidly then move to the act itself as another form of normal. The truth is, for Christians the homosexual act is a clear sin and an organization such as the scouts that lets in gay scouts will not long maintain its compass in declaring the scout fine, but his conduct not. The scouts will lose that distinction just as society has and will, over time, allow gay scout masters. The wall is breached and cannot be repaired.

FULL: I Have No Problem With the Boy Scouts’ Decision [Red State]

This is truly dangerous messaging. It's one thing to have your opinions about homosexuality and whether or not people should "act on" it, or to publicly oppose something like marriage equality. But here we are talking about minors—little kids. They are not sexually active, and in fact the Boy Scouts would not, and should not tolerate them being sexually active or sexually suggestive while in a BSA program. These are kids who simply know, as most gay people know at fairly early ages, that they are geared in a certain way. They may grow up and adopt any number of beliefs about their sexualities, but at this point they shouldn't be forcibly removed from a program they enjoy simply because of the feelings and emotions they have inside them.

Mr. Erickson continues to state that being gay is not a sin. But when he's pressed, as he was in the Twitter exchange with Jon Lovett, he says "there is very little difference between being and doing." He cannot believe that gay people exist outside of a sexual act.

And here we have a grown adult using his platform of influence to tell these kids, who are among the most vulnerable members of our society, that they actually should be forcibly excluded? Going further, he is using his personal theology to tell these same children that "repentance" is their only path forward? Oh, and because the BSA will not exclude the young kids, Mr. Erickson is making a public point about barring his own children from the Boy Scouts simply because—SIMPLY. BECAUSE.—other children will no longer be kicked to the curb if their gay sexual orientation is known? That is venturing right into the land of Bryan Fischer or Tony Perkins.

I knew his state was red, I just didn't know the tint was so resemblant of hellfire. Mr. Erickson has gone from conservative political commentator to someone who invokes fire and brimstone, which is always a dangerous move.

White House supports gay #BoyScouts, pushes for full inclusion

aaronmcquade — Fri, 24 May 2013 14:41:56 +0000

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In a statement to the Washington Blade today regarding the the Boy Scouts of America's (BSA) history-making vote to approve a resolution that will allow gay youth to participate, White House spokesman Shin Inouye said:

"The President welcomes the decision by the Boy Scouts of America to open its membership to all, regardless of sexual orientation. He has long believed that the Scouts is a valuable organization that has helped educate and build character in American boys for more than a century."

The new membership standards, which state that 'no youth may be denied membership in the Boy Scouts of America on the basis of sexual orientation or preference alone,' will take effect on January 1, 2014. The Boy Scouts' ban on gay adults will remain intact, however. Inouye added that President Obama, like a majority of Americans, thinks the BSA has to drop this part of its ban as well.

"He continues to believe that leadership positions in the Scouts should be open to all, regardless of sexual orientation."

President Obama, as is customary, is also the honorary President of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and while he can't open the Boy Scouts up to gay and lesbian parents and volunteers by himself, his support adds a very powerful voice to the chorus of those now urging the BSA to take the next step.

"Gay parents and adults should be accepted into Scouting and our campaign for change will continue until that happens," said GLAAD spokesperson Rich Ferraro. "As openly gay youth begin participating in Scouting and earn Eagle Rank, the Boy Scouts will come to realize that gay Americans and our families only strengthen Scouting as an institution."

GLAAD, in association with Change.org, Scouts for Equality (SFE), and the Inclusive Scouting Network (ISN), delivered over 1.8 million signatures to the BSA urging them to drop their discriminatory ban on gay members.

For photos, video, resources and more, please visit http://glaad.org/scouts

For a full timeline of events leading up to today's vote, please visit http://glaad.org/scouts

What to Watch Weekend 5/24-26: Smash series finale; Behind the Candelabra premiere

megantownsend — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:43:52 +0000

What to Watch on TV

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This weekend catch the Smash series finale, the premiere of the Liberace biopic Behind the Candelabra and all new episodes of Orphan Black and Nurse Jackie.

What to Watch: Saturday, May 25

9:00pm: Orphan Black, BBC America (1 hr) NEW

Sarah reconsiders her plan to take revenge when Kira is threatened, but she must ultimately decide the killer's fate. Meanwhile, Cosima must face the truth about Delphine and their relationship.

What to Watch: Sunday, May 26

9:00pm: Nurse Jackie, Showtime (30 mins) NEW

Frank cancels his lunch date with Jackie and she is concerned he could be hurt when she learns that a cop has been shot. Elsewhere, a patient ransacks the hospital's pharmacy and Zoey overhears a private moment.

9:00pm: Smash, NBC (2 hrs) SERIES FINALE

It's Tony nominations season and the casts of Bombshell and Hit List anxiously await the news. Tom accidentally angers an influential voter and Ivy deals with distractions in her personal life on the Bombshell side, while Derek's past haunts the Hit List team and Jimmy faces a reckoning. Out performers Cheyenne Jackson and Rosie O'Donnell guest star, check out a promo below:

9:00pm: Behind the Candelabra, HBO (2 hrs) NEW

This Liberace biopic, starring Michael Douglas and Matt Damon, is based off a novel by Liberace's ex, Scott Thorson, and covers their meeting in the late 1970s and their tumultous relationship over the years until their bitter break up in 1982. Watch the trailer below.

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Grab the remote or set your DVR! GLAAD brings you the most up-to-date listing of LGBT content on television every weekday. Check GLAAD Blog for daily TV Gayed posts!

About GLAAD
GLAAD amplifies the voice of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, see www.glaad.org, www.facebook.com/glaad, www.twitter.com/glaad and www.glaad.tumblr.com.

Celebs celebrate #BoyScouts victory on Twitter, continue to call for full inclusion of gay parents and leaders

megantownsend — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:26:04 +0000

Entertainment,
News

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The Boy Scouts of America made history today by approving a resolution that will allow gay youth to participate. The Boy Scouts' ban on gay adults will remain intact. The new membership standards, which state that 'no youth may be denied membership in the Boy Scouts of America on the basis of sexual orientation or preference alone,' will take effect on January 1, 2014. Many celebrities have taken to Twitter to share their excitement over this victory and continue to call for full inclusion of gay parents and leaders.

“@bostonglobe: BREAKING: Boy Scouts approve plan to accept openly gay boys as Scouts; ban on gay adult leaders remains - @ap” 1/2 way there!

— Eliza Dushku (@elizadushku) May 23, 2013

“@tietheknotorg: BREAKING: Boy Scouts approve proposal to allow gay youth. Ban on leaders still remains.” Good step forward #BoyScouts

— Jesse Tyler Ferguson (@jessetyler) May 23, 2013

The Nat'l Council of Boy Scouts just voted to lift the ban on gay scouts. A great step forward. #BoyScouts

— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) May 23, 2013

RT @trevorproject: RT @glaad: BREAKING NEWS The #BoyScouts vote to end the ban on gay Scouts! glaad.org/scouts twitter.com/glaad/status/3…

— BeBe Zahara Benet (@BeBeZaharaBenet) May 24, 2013

As a former scout, I hope the #BoyScouts of today can be wholly inclusive & equal. Www.Glaad.org/scouts #tbt twitter.com/JustinMikita/s…

— Justin Mikita (@JustinMikita) May 23, 2013

I support equality in the #BoyScouts. End the ban on gay scouts and leaders! glaad.org/scouts

— Andy Mientus (@andymientus) May 23, 2013

Boy Scouts vote to lift the ban on gay scouts. . Congrats to @glaad and all those kids who want to scout glaad.org/scouts

— Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) May 23, 2013

The #BoyScouts vote to end the ban on gay Scouts! glaad.org/scouts twitter.com/glaad/status/3… FIRST STEP to Complete VICTORY! #fighton!

— Wilson Cruz (@wcruz73) May 23, 2013

Its finaly legal for gay boys 2 be in the #boyscouts its about time & y has this taken so long gays hav been camping it up their whole lives

— Phillip Bloch (@phillipbloch) May 24, 2013

Boy Scouts will start accepting gay youths, but keep banning gay adult leaders. That's not at all a confusing message to these kids.

— Jason Biggs (@JasonBiggs) May 23, 2013

Success!!!! First domino down!!!! RT “@glaad: BREAKING NEWS: The #BoyScouts vote to end the ban on gay Scouts! glaad.org/scouts #lgbt

— Omar Sharif Jr. (@OmarSharifJr) May 23, 2013

“@glaad: #BoyScouts to allow gay youth glaad.org/blog/breaking-… #LGBT” amazing! Now let's push forward with equality for leaders and parents!

— Ali Adler (@AliAdler) May 23, 2013

RT @jessetyler Boy Scouts approve proposal to allow gay youth. Ban on leaders still remains. Good step forward #BoyScouts > I agree! xx

— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) May 24, 2013

For photos, video, resources and more, please visit http://glaad.org/scouts

For a full timeline of events leading up to today's vote, please visit http://glaad.org/scouts

Faith groups react to the Boy Scouts vote to drop the ban on gay Scouts

rossmurray — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:13:54 +0000

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Within moments of the announcement that, by a 61% margin, the Boy Scouts of America would be dropping its ban on gay scouts, denominations and faith groups offered their reactions.

The Mormon Church, which is the largest sponsor of Boy Scout troops, issued a statement that the new policy was consistent with the policy of the Mormon Church to welcome and accept all people within the denomination, with limits on participation and leadership.

The Church’s long-established policy for participation in activities is stated in the basic instructional handbook used by lay leaders of the Church: “young men … who agree to abide by Church standards” are “welcomed warmly and encouraged to participate.” This policy applies to Church-sponsored Scout units. Sexual orientation has not previously been—and is not now—a disqualifying factor for boys who want to join Latter-day Saint Scout troops. Willingness to abide by standards of behavior continues to be our compelling interest.

The Mormon Church has been working to create a more welcoming attitude for gay and lesbian people recently. However, there are still limits on relationship recognition and leadership for gay and lesbian people. However, there are more and more Mormons who challenge the church to become more welcoming and inclusive. Mitch Mayne and Kevin Kloosterman are both Mormons in church leadership who advocated for inclusion of gay Scouts, while expressing disappointment that the ban was not lifted for gay Scout leaders.

The National Catholic Committee on Scouting, which administers Scouting programs for the Roman Catholic Church, also issued a statement. The Roman Catholic Church sponsors the second highest number of troops. This statement was more cautious about what the change would mean. The statement said that they will use the time before the January 1 implementation to study what, if any, impact this may have on Roman Catholic sponsored troops.

Since the change in policy will not take effect until January 1, 2014, the National Catholic Committee on Scouting has adequate time to study its effects. The NCCS will determine how it may impact Catholic chartered Scout units and activities. In doing so, we will work within the teachings of our Catholic Faith and with the various local bishops and their diocesan scouting committees.

The statement reiterates that the Roman Catholic hierarchy opposes any relationship outside of a marriage between a man and a woman and makes it clear they do not expect Scouts to participate in sexual activity. To date, no advocate for inclusive Scouting has advocated for any type of sexual activity by Scouts.

The United Church of Christ, one of the largest advocates for policy change within the Scouts, and the sponsor of approximately 1,100 troops, issued a statement saying they were pleased with the decision to allow gay Scouts to be a part of Scouting.

"I am happy with today's vote to welcome more youth to scouting by removing the barrier of sexual orientation," said the Rev. Mike Schuenemeyer, UCC executive for LGBT concerns. "This is an important and significant step, and the United Church of Christ stands ready to be helpful in every way we can to support scouting programs that are inclusive and safe for everyone."

However, the UCC also stated that they recognize how much further the Boy Scouts needed to go before they were fully inclusive.

While it is a move in the right direction, UCC LGBT advocates say the new policy contradicts the BSA's efforts to become more inclusive. Schuenemeyer says maintaining the BSA's exclusion of gay leaders is comparable to a "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy and is not a long-term solution.

"While it is welcomed progress, this new policy decision is only a step," Schuenemeyer said. "The onerous policy that discriminates against gay adult leaders remains unchanged. We will continue to work with UCC members and congregations, in collaboration with groups such as Scouts for Equality, to engage with the Boy Scouts of America to change that policy, too."

The Metropolitan Community Church, the country's oldest fully LGBT inclusive denomination, noted the confusion left by allowing gay scouts, but continuing to ban gay leaders. The church recognizes that youth are better off by being included in Scouting troops and activities, but that the ban on adults sends mixed messages to youth who may be gay.

Children are not better off when they are left without strong role models who represent the deepest truest parts of who they are as people of God, a truth sadly reflected in the scores of LGBT youth who suffer greater rates of homelessness and bullying than their non-gay peers.

As people of faith we call on the Boy Scouts of America to remedy the confusion youth will experience because of their new policy, and act to include all youth and adults who seek to participate in Scouting, help other people, and keep themselves mentally awake and on a path of moral integrity.

Rev. Nancy Wilson, Moderator for the Metropolitan Community Church, wrote an op-ed that appeared in the Washington Post today, recognizing that gay Scouts already exist, and that the organization needed to be prepared to welcome and include them.

Rev. Susan Russell, a priest at All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena, California, sent out a brief statement that summed up the feelings for today.

The word just in that the Boy Scouts have lifted their ban against gay scouts but will continue to discriminate against gay leaders calls to mind the challenge to "set audacious goals and to celebrate incremental victories." Today’s decision by the Boy Scouts is absolutely an incremental victory to celebrate -- even as we renew our commitment to work toward the audacious goal of ending homophobic based discrimination. Period.

Rev. Russell also wrote an op-ed that appeared in the Washington Post, calling for full inclusion within Scouting.

More faith reactions will be coming in over the next several days, but these reactions demonstrate that the faith support behind equality in Scouting is strong, and will continue to be.

For photos, video, resources and more, please visit http://glaad.org/scouts

For a full timeline of events leading up to today's vote, please visithttp://glaad.org/scouts

BREAKING: Boy Scouts to allow gay youth

ryanhoulihan — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:39:29 +0000

News,
Young Adult

Tags:

The Boy Scouts of America made history today by approving a resolution that will allow gay youth to participate. The new membership standards, which state that 'no youth may be denied membership in the Boy Scouts of America on the basis of sexual orientation or preference alone,' will take effect on January 1, 2014. The Boy Scouts' ban on gay adults will remain intact, however.

"Today's vote is a significant victory for gay youth across the nation and a clear indication that the Boy Scouts' ban on gay adult leaders will also inevitably end," said GLAAD spokesperson, Rich Ferraro. "The Boy Scouts of America heard from religious leaders, corporate sponsors and so many Scouting families who want an end to discrimination against gay people, and GLAAD will continue this work with those committed to equality in Scouting until gay parents and adults are able to participate."

A recent ABC News-Washington Post poll found that 63 percent of Americans support the Boy Scouts' plan to allow gay Scouts, with 56 percent in support of inclusive Scouting for gay parents and adults as well.

GLAAD first started calls for the Boy Scouts of America to end its ban on gay scouts and scout leaders in April 2012 after Jennifer Tyrrell, a mom and den leader from Ohio was removed from her 7-year-old’s Cub Scout pack for being gay. Tyrrell’s Change.org petition has attracted more than 345,000 signatures in support of ending the Boy Scouts’ ban on gay Scouts and adult leaders.

"When I was kicked out of the Boy Scouts last April, I was devastated." said Ohio mom Jennifer Tyrrell, who in April 2012, alongside GLAAD, reignited a national conversation about discrimination in Scouting after she was ousted as leader of her son's Cub Scout pack because she's gay. "Having to look my son, Cruz, in the eye and tell him that our family isn't good enough was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. Today is truly a watershed moment for me, but even more so for the millions of kids across this country, who will now be allowed to serve in the Scouts without fear of rejection. I'm so proud of how far we've come, but until there's a place for everyone in Scouting, my work will continue."

More than 1.8 million people have joined Change.org petition campaigns since Tyrrell launched her first petition. Since that day, advocacy efforts and successful petition campaigns have recruited two Boy Scout board members -- AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson and Ernst & Young CEO James Turley -- to denounce the national anti-gay policy. GLAAD, together with Eagle Scout and founder of Scouts for Equality Zach Wahls, have also used Change.org petitions to pressure corporate donors such as the Intel Foundation and the UPS Foundation to pull funding until the Boy Scouts end their policy banning gay youth and parents. Last fall, a Bay Area mother named Karen Andresen petitioned her local Boy Scout council to honor her son Ryan with an Eagle Award that was denied to him when the Scout came out as gay. An official Eagle Board of Review unanimously approved Ryan's application for Eagle, but a Boy Scout executive ultimately rejected his application.

While today's vote opens up Scouting for young men, it will not help Tyrrell or the countless other LGBT parents and families who wish to participate in Scouting. GLAAD will continue to keep the pressure on and fight for full equality.

"This is an historic day in the 103-year history of the Boy Scouts of America -- the day it finally found its moral compass and started down the long trail to equality in Scouting," said former Kentucky father Greg Bourke, who was ousted as Scoutmaster of his son's Boy Scouts troop because he is gay. "No longer will gay Boy Scouts have to hide their sexual orientation from fear of being criticized and ousted from the Boy Scout membership rolls. That is definite progress, but even with this approved membership change, gay adults like Jennifer Tyrrell and myself will continue to be banned from serving in the Scouts, even in units with our own children. There is no other word for that except 'discrimination.'"

GLAAD, in association with Change.org, Scouts for Equality (SFE), and the Inclusive Scouting Network (ISN), delivered over 1.8 million signatures to the BSA urging them to drop their discriminatory ban on gay members.

For photos, video, resources and more, please visit http://glaad.org/scouts

For a full timeline of events leading up to today's vote, please visit http://glaad.org/scouts

GUEST POST: A gay Mormon pleads for inclusive Scouting

rossmurray — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:13:46 +0000

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The following is a guest post by Mitch Mayne, an openly gay, active Latter-day Saint, and serves as the executive secretary in the Bishopric of his ward in San Francisco, CA. The results of the vote from the Boy Scouts of America is expected to be announced at 5pm CDT about whether the ban on gay youth will be dropped. The Mormon Church is the largest sponsor of Boy Scouts Troops, and the hierarchy of the church has endorsed dropping the ban on gay youth.

You can see the latest updates, photos, and videos at www.glaad.org/scouts.

Some of us don’t have to imagine how painful it is to be a gay Scout. We were one. Growing up as a Mormon boy in Idaho, scouting was pretty much built into my pathway to becoming an adult. It was as much a part of the plan for my youth as many Mormon rights of passage: baptism, being ordained to the priesthood, and passing the sacrament on Sundays.

But knowing from an early age that I was gay (even though I lacked the vocabulary to explain how I was different from my fellow Scouts), made Scouting a difficult road for me—and for many other gay youth like me. Instead of learning honesty, we are taught to lie about who we are to protect our safety. Instead of ethics and morality, we learn to deceive others in order to be included and accepted. Instead of feeling healthy and strong, we feel like a fraud and an imposter.

Boy Scouts of America has an opportunity to change that today. The policy—if approved—would lift the ban on gay Scouts and help create a safer, more harassment-free environment for our LGBT youth. It would help send a message that they, too, have value just as they are, and that they deserve to be included and recognized for dedicating their lives to the service embedded into the Scouting creed, and that their honesty and integrity is just as worthy as that of their straight counterparts.

This proposed change mirrors very closely the steps taken by the Mormon Church in recent months on the LGBT issue. The Church recently released www.mormonsandgays.org, in which it acknowledged for the first time that our orientation is not a choice, and counseled parents never to shun or exclude their gay youth, independent of the life path their child chooses. The Mormon Church also recently released a press statement in which they applaud the Boy Scouts of America for considering a similar supportive move for our LGBT youth.

As an openly gay, active Mormon—and a former Scout—I encourage Boy Scouts of America to approve this new policy, and am optimistic about the future of gay Scouting youth.

At the same time, my optimism is guarded. Embedded into the new policy is the message that as a gay youth, you might be okay when you’re young, but rejection is imminent once you turn 18. And as we well know, powerful evidence-based research done by The Family Acceptance Project tells us that rejection is the leading risk factor for LGBT youth when it comes to depression, health issues, and even suicide.

Moreover, because gay leaders would be banned from working with youth, there is a message here confusing being gay with pedophilia, and once again, science has borne out that those are two very different things. It’s as if Boy Scouts of America believes that while we might be marginally acceptable as youth, upon our 18^th birthday a magical switch is flipped transforming us from being part of the family of humanity and into sexual predators.

So, yes—I support Boy Scouts of America and would very much like to see this new policy enacted. Like the steps taken by the Mormon Church, this is indeed heading in the right direction.

But let’s not confuse taking a step in the right direction with completing the journey.