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Scouting Pride

01/06/2011

The Scout Association will be attending this year’s Pride London march, to celebrate Scouting.

In 2009 and 2010 Scouts took part in this hugely successful parade, with about one million people lining the route. This year is sure to be no different with a large enthusiastic group to promote and celebrate Scouting.

Events like Pride are a fantastic opportunity to show our commitment to equal opportunities and to encourage more lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people to join the adventure.

Please check the updates on the Facebook event page (you will need to be logged in to Facebook to view this page).

We hope you can join us at Pride. If you would like to, please email the Diversity team for more information and to book.

 

 

Comments

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By Geoff Powell (04/06/2011 00:20) Well I don't have much pride in the scout association in what they are trying to encourage, lets get back to the aim of scouting to promote ourselves. ____________________________________________________ Response from UK Chief Commissioner, Wayne Bulpitt: Hi Geoff, I think we can take a lot of pride in getting the message across to a wider audience that Scouting really is inclusive and open to all. Too often we are considered to be an old fashioned, closed organisation and not seen as welcome to all members of our communities. Addressing this requires positive activity such as that we are doing with a variety of events and activities throughout the year, including attending Pride. Attendance at events like this is not new - Scouting has attended festivals and gatherings of specialist Groups (whether church fetes, disability groups, carnivals etc) for very many years. I outlined in a Blog post last year, www.scouts.org.uk/ccblog/74 why we need to be doing more to get our message across and the blog will also provide some additional background on our work to ensure that Scouting really is as inclusive as we believe it is.

By Max Streets (07/06/2011 20:47) I can not agree with your sentiments expressed in this article,that a large and enthusiastic group will be promoting Scouting pride. It will be a very small minority who will be present at this event, and are only representing a very small section of the scout association membership. I,for one take no pride in that there are a small minority who wish to express their sexuality in this way, and tarnish the true reputation of scouting which has promoted standards of being an organistion that has high morals,develops young peoples' spiritual and physical aspects, and offers them the opportunity to reach their true potential.We are an inclusive organisation but not to the determent of organisation as a whole. Pride can come before a fall, if expressed in the wrong manner, and this invitation to support such an event is not the view of the majority, who have not been consulted to whether they wish to give any credance to this aspect of our organisation. I hope in the future our organisation will review their stance on this matter, and at least consult with the membership before lending their support to this and other sensitive issues. ____________________________________________________ Response from UK Chief Commissioner Wayne Bulpitt: I won't repeat what I have said in reply to Geoff's comments above, but I do believe that your comments may be perceived as offensive to many of our members. I strongly disagree that members wishing to participate in such events 'tarnish our reputation'. In fact I would suggest that it is only members holding personal prejudices that run the risk of tarnishing our reputation and not ensuring that Scouting really is open to all (we cannot say we are 'inclusive' on the one hand but seemingly act differently in the other). Attendance at events like Pride very much enhances our reputation for being a truly inclusive Movement and a force for good in our communities.

By Rob Lucie (14/06/2011 10:22) I don't like writing blog comments but I felt the need to after reading Max's comment. I do find them offensive - I am a section leader (Scouts) who happens to be gay. One of my ex-boyfriends used to run a beaver colony. I don't feel I tarnish the reputation of scouting by promoting the fact that is ok for members to be gay/lesbian/bisexual. I am fortunate enough to be widely accepted in my group - by parents and leaders because I am judged on my actions. I don't 'flaunt' my sexuality (to adults or young people) but I will not shy away from it. It is who I am and we are meant to promote to young people self confidence and acceptance of who we are. You make the comment yourself about developing young people and offering them 'the opportunity to reach their true potential'. In many ways this starts with being able to accept who they are. If I was a prospective leader/helper who read your comment I would not want to offer my services to Scouting - and as we know we are short of adults so we should be making it known that scouting has an equal opportunities policy which protects everyone regarding of race, gender, age, sexuality etc.

By Mike Flynn (17/06/2011 21:51) The fact that people have posted comments at all on this matter demonstrates that there is feeling and division on this action. I really do take issue with the use of the word �prejudice�. I have no doubt that a feeling of unease is echoed up and down the land so, is everyone who has those feelings, �prejudiced�. My unease is not generated by prejudice; it is perception. People are judged by their actions, not their intentions. The Scout Association might have convinced itself that it was a good idea to support Gay Pride to demonstrate equal opportunity to the gay community but I�m afraid that observers will not appreciate the motive, and simply see members displaying their personal sexuality, something which the huge majority do not. One should not shy away from their sexuality but it is one�s own business and a decision to attend should be in a private capacity. The Scout Association should be above this. The Association has, quite rightly, long held that sexual orientation is not a bar to membership and people are accepted for who they are and what they bring to Scouting. Incidentally, I do get rather tired of �Too often we are considered to be an old fashioned, closed organisation and not seen as welcome to all members of our communities� trotted out when it suits and we have had gay members long before Gay Pride.

By Eddie Hulme (18/06/2011 14:22) It is so sad to think that there are people in the Scout Association who feel so negatively about the Associations presence at Pride London this year. As Wayne said, its about promoting Scouting as an Inclusive organisation open to all; we have a Diversity Framework that supports our Equal Opportunities Policy so we support all our membership, irrespective of Ability, Age, Race, Faith or Sexual Orientation. I attended Pride last year and am helping to organise attendance this year. Its not about a minority expressing their sexuality. Lets be quite clear, last year there were straight members of The Association who paraded through London supporting our policy on inclusivity and supporting our LGBT members, and there is similar support this year. The BBC reported last year that there were almost a million people on the streets of London supporting Pride, many of these were not LGBT, but were there to demonstrate that we live in a society that has overcome prejudice. Along the parade route last year we met many adults and youth members of Scouting who cheered the Official Scouts party as it went past. Those members hadn't realized we were going to me there, but it gave them a sense of pride that we were taking part. Some of the views expressed on the blog here would be taken as offensive and prejudicial not just by LGBT members, but by many of our members who understand and support equal opportunities including youth members. In our schools, the workplace and in society we promote equality, it is to the Associations credit that they have a Diversity Framework that supports this. As leaders in the Association we support our youth and adult members alike and the fact is that irrespective of age we have members who may be LGB&T. Our attendance at Pride demonstrates that its OK to be LGB&T - AND to be a member of Scouts. If members have a problem with this I would suggest that they seek support through either their Training Team, Adult Active Support Units, Diversity Team or through other support routes. Its important, as how can a member who has homophobic views support our youth who may be subject to homophobia.

By Matt Overall (DESC Barnet Borough Scout District) (18/06/2011 14:22) "I,for one take no pride in that there are a small minority who wish to express their sexuality in this way, and tarnish the true reputation of scouting which has promoted standards of being an organisation that has high morals,develops young peoples' spiritual and physical aspects, and offers them the opportunity to reach their true potential.We are an inclusive organisation but not to the determent of organisation as a whole" Hmmmmm where to begin? As a lifelong Scout and now very active Scout leader I too find your comments troubling. To infer that I have low moral standards, and cannot fulfil the aims and objectives of the organisation is pretty offensive. To cast aside the years of training, effort, time and money I have devoted to the organisation taking young people all over the world, and providing a weekly programme to fulfil the very aims you purport to epitomise solely on the fact that I happen to be gay seems (at best) baseless and somewhat judgemental; at worst it could be construed as ignorant. We are here to support all youth to reach their potential, without reference or judgement of their personal circumstance (often not of their own choosing). It is not for me to only make the best of the young people I deem to be worth making the effort with. Max, if you are finding it hard to gauge how offensive/inappropriate your comments are there is a simple test... Swap out references to sexuality with those for ethnicity. If your comments related to people flaunting their 'blackness' or 'jewsishness' and how this was somehow incompatible with Scouting's principles I think you will start to see what I mean. There are all sorts of debates about sexuality as a "lifestlye choice" or not and I am sure we could all argue about that forever. However, that does not stop your comments (which place all gay people into some morally inferior homogeneous pool) being offensive to large swathes of our hard working adults, and thousands of our young people. I have often been asked by all sorts of people (inside and outside) of Scouting about what is the value of "Pride" - 'why do gays need a special day?', 'when is straight pride?'. Well I spend every day attending "Straight Pride". An event where everyone assumes you are straight, where people insult each other with "that's Gay" and where huge headlines are still generated when people of the same sex get kicked out of pubs/B & Bs etc for public displays of affection (something I watch straight people enjoying all the time). It is also an event where a huge percentage of our young people find themselves subject to viscous and damaging homophobic bullying. It is nice to go somewhere where people assume I am gay for once. What people do not realise that the hugely difficult task of "coming out" is actually the first time of many; every new job, every new person, every new Scout group depends on continuously "coming out". The more we show that it is no big deal in Scouting, the easier we make the first, and every subsequent time for our youth and adult members. For our young members that are realising they might not be quite so similar to everyone else around them - it could well be the first time they come to see that it is not something they are quite so alone in. What is the value of Pride? Well ironically I will not be attending as I have the great pleasure of attending the wedding of one of my old Scouts. Yep, a Scout leader and his boyfriend at the wedding of an ex Scout with a very large number of Scouters (past and present) attending. What a shame they would not be able to return the favour at my wedding - it's currently not something available to me. However much we like to feel there is no prejudice any more - that is unfortunately not true - ask the family of Ian Baynham who was kicked to death. Let's also not forget the countless other gay people that suffer most horrifically abroad. On what basis should I take my Scouts to Nigeria, Uganda, Sudai or the UAE (to name a few)given I could face the death penalty? Do you propose that a show of unity for these people that dare even speak of their sexuality is something Scouting should be ashamed of? Scouting should be represented at Pride - demonstratively highlighting the fact that whilst we may be a huge variety of colours, ideas, shapes, sizes, abilities and are all a wonderfully varied bunch - we have one thing in common. The idea that we should "leave the world a little better than you found it".

By Kev C (18/06/2011 15:40) Sorry... What year are we in? Oh that's right 2010, I have been Beaver, Cub, Scout, Venture and now Explorer Leader... oh and Gay. If i understand what other blogs have said do I need to get back in the Closet and pretend to be something I'm not? Honesty and Truthfulness is that not what we aim to install in our Young People through being in Scouting? Am I now to be a hyporcrite and tell young people to be honest to others and themselves and lie about who I am? No... I am proud to be a Scout and will always be! I am proud that I am part of Global organisation! I am proud that I get to work with some amazing people! I am proud that I'm Gay! I am proud that I as a Gay Leader can provide potential role model for future young people. Views expressed above lead to homophobic incidents and bullying both of which can affect anyone! I can't expect people to change their views but at least accept things are the way they are, I'm not Camp, I don't fit the stereo type and certainly don't go preaching to kids about who I am. Being gay can be hard enough on its own I was thankful of the support and friends I have made through the leadership team I am privileged to work with. It may only be a small number of people in comparison to the overall size of Scouting but I hope it's an even fewer number who share your views on Gay people in Scouting See you in London on the 2nd of July 2011 for a SCOUTING GAY PRIDE

By Keith Tough (19/06/2011 12:22) Just would like to say i stand fully behind Waynes stand on the London Pride, another barrier of prejudice will be thrown aside, leading to more acceptance to the homosexual society, we should as Scout leaders do our best to strengthen the characters of our scouts, only ignorance leads to prejudice feelings and hate, treat others as you wish to be treated, Look over the horizon of peoples Colour ,creed , religion or sexual orientation, be sure footed and brave it what you believe, but be open and accept others for who they are and not what you want them to be. Scouting creating a better world.

By jj.flintshire (24/06/2011 22:58) Scouting IS open to ALL. Remember B.P. wanted to instil in young people respect for themselves and others and a feeling for sense of duty and honour. I also recall good manners towards others was a high priority and to be open minded but that does not mean to the detriment of individuals own ideals and beliefs.We are a UNIVERSAL organisation.We are a Unisex organisation. We do not need individual campaigns of any kind we are an organisation that transcends those boundaries!!!

By C Street (08/07/2011 01:23) As a new (gay) leader who is about to be invested, I am deeply troubled by some of the statements on here and may have to have a long hard thought as to whether I can offer my services to an organisation that clearly still has some inherent bigotry....