EPIC SHUT-DOWN

Scouts For Equality’s Zach Wahls Shuts Down Anti-Gay Activists On CNN

Screen shot 2013-04-23 at 2.56.53 PMThe 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.

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.

Don't forget to share:

Help make sure LGBTQ+ stories are being told...

We can't rely on mainstream media to tell our stories. That's why we don't lock Queerty articles behind a paywall. Will you support our mission with a contribution today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated