IN QUOTES

Former Eagle Scout Sends Medal To Teen Kicked Out Of Boy Scouts Because He’s Gay

This has been on my desk for the last 15-16 years. When I was awarded this medal in 1996, it really meant a lot to me, it was a true sense of achievement. If I can make him feel like he has some support out there, it’s worth it to me to send him a piece of medal. I’m not ashamed of who I am, he shouldn’t be ashamed of who he is. And even though it isn’t the same as receiving the award that he earned, I want him to know that there are people out there who support him.”

Dr. Andy Zerbinopoulos, a Jacksonville, FL dentist talking to First Coast News about sending his Eagle Scout medal to Ryan Andresen after he was denied his medal and subsequently kicked out of the Boy Scouts for coming out.