The Boy Scouts ban on openly gay members has come under scrutiny lately, inviting everyone from filmmakers to legislators to pitch in and take a stand for equality. The organization changed their policy to allow gay youth to become members, so long as they eventually become heterosexual or plan on severing ties as an adult.
Thanks, Boy Scouts of America! We really needed a giant slap in the face today.
In the midst of arguing both sides of this ridiculous battle, one larger question still remains untouched: What the hell is the difference between an “openly” gay man, and a closeted gay man?
Aside from the obvious, there’s virtually no difference between a gay man that is “open” and a gay man that is “closeted.” For an organization that makes such a fuss about the moral well-being of members—and how “morality” translates to “heterosexuality”—they missed a huge loophole.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
But there is a difference for John Stemberger, the anti-gay activist behind On My Honor, an organization that opposes equality. In an interview with CNN’s Don Lemon this weekend, he acknowledged the closeted gay scout leaders, but claims they’re non-problematic because they are “appropriate, discreet, and not loud and proud.”
Shortly after, Scouts for Equality’s Zach Wahls delivered the most epic response:
“When people try to say that this is about, you know, ‘open’ or ‘avowed’ homosexuality, it’s really just a code word for the problem they have with gay people. Being an ‘open gay person’ is not a whole lot different from being a closeted gay person except for the fact that you have somebody trying to lie and violate the very first part of the Scout law which is that a Scout is trustworthy.”
The Boy Scouts of America board plans to meet in May to discuss a potential change in policy. Meanwhile, families across America are already ditching them.
Kieran
This pathetic “compromise” by the BS is like Mississippi saying they will compromise on racial segregation by allowing black kids to drink from Whites Only water fountains, but black adults will still excluded. Sorry, but this country no longer compromises with bigotry. The US military came to learn that lesson, the boy scout organization must learn it as well.
Spike
Adults dressing in Boy Scout drag is way creepy.
Interesting that this guy is willing to admit the extent to which the US catholic and mormon taliban have taken over the BSA, which is the case but they have stayed mum on esp in light of the debate over exclusion of gay scouts and scout leaders.
BiL
Who gives a damn if the bigots leave? See ya bigots!
DOFEK
OMG! why anyone even want to associate with fucking Christian?. AdamHomo
Dakotahgeo
I continue to be amazed and amused by the self-righteous christian right wingers who have such a slipping grip on reality. Their strategy on same sex marriage isn’t going too smoothly either. The RRR (radical religious right) continues to make the world laugh. Thank you for helping our cause.
Harley
So how come the Log Cabin Repugnant-clans are silent on this issue. This is one issue they should taking up with gusto. I guess cause there is no profit in it. If they can’t make money then no use in taking a stand.