Personally, I believe a “DADT” solution is the worst. That’s how former marines get to seduce boys, and the BSA gets to flit along in blissful ignorance of the kids they are hurting.

BSA themselves acknowledged during The Trials that open homosexuals are significantly less likely to abuse boys than any other group. But they continue to teach that the only two options for kids are chastity or suicide, and the only thing worse than being an openly gay man is being truthful about it.

My vote is to participate in this. Maybe it will give NESA a clue as to how many gay scouts there are out there, and the foamers (rabid gay-haters) will have to see their names listed next to people they hate!

There is no reason for anyone in scouting to broadcast sexual preferences. That’s not what scouting is about. Indeed, it gives boys and young men a chance to get involved in the other important aspects of nature without the strain of sex. The armed forces of this country have the answer, “don’t ask, don’t tell.” It’s nobody’s business.

The only side effect of responding so far is that “Scouting” magazine showed up in my mailbox for free last week. I haven’t opened it yet. If they start asking for donations, I’ll ask them to change their homophobic policies first.

fyi, The other questions on the survey related to address, education, and current profession. There were a series of questions on whether you were currently involved with scouting and whether you wanted local scouting organizations to contact you. I responded “No” to these questions mainly because of the current homophobic policies, but perhaps you might be willing to respond “yes.” These local people need to know that there is some amazing people and role models willing to help if not for these current rules. Staying quiet helps no one.

I found a link here from http://scienceblogs.com/dispat....._umnot.php
and I don’t yet know much about you or your blog, so sorry if I made any incorrect assumptions.

I am an Eagle Scout from Boy Scout Troop XXX, and I recently recieved notice about your search for Eagle Scouts in my area. As much as I would like to be active in the BSA, I cannot in good conscience continue to support an organization who discriminates against both
homosexuals and atheists.

During my many years in Boy Scouts, I was taught to always strive to be morally straight. I was not, however, taught to be a bigot.

Regretfully,

Chris Miller
Eagle Scout

So far I haven’t heard any responses back, but it heartens me that they’re at least hearing my point of view.

Over the Christmas holiday I was picking up groceries for my parents and noticed a cub scout shopping in uniform with his dad. As it turns out, he was from my troop! I smiled and said hello and told them I was in Troop 773 back in the day and wished them both good luck. The boy was just started out and I told him I made it all the way to Eagle and that it is was worth it. I left thinking “Community in action, what a great thing.” And then many of the same thoughts you had raced through my mind, “but what about the horrible policies? What about my eventual son(s)? What about my friend Matt who was kicked out before he could reach Eagle?”

Boy Scouts was the throughline of my childhood. Boy Scouts was safe, fun, and adventurous all at once. Boy Scouts fostered character and commitment. I wonder if I haven’t taken my experiences for granted. How did my leadership positions and my Eagle project prepare me to manage a tv station? To produce a movie? To plan two days of activities during Equality Ride? To organize a benefit for SFNYC?

Boy Scouts in general, and being an Eagle Scout specifically, is so much a part of who I am today that it took me this post to realize it. I hope to share that with the Eagle Scout Associate. It is an important organization and individuals like you, me, and all the rest will call it to be the best it can be.

Seriously though, I’d reply to the letter and politely tell them how you feel. The worst they can do is throw it in the trash. The best that can happen is you change some heart(s) and mind(s).