How Scouts gave Marcus a place to belong

From an early age I remember noticing that my thoughts were different to my peers. They were always talking about who they were seeing or who their celebrity crush was. But I had other thoughts which were not aligned to theirs.

I remember dating girls to fit in with my male friends, but deep down I knew it was not meant to be.

I found my home with Scouts, knowing I didn’t need to please anyone. I could be my whole self and express myself in the way I wanted to.  

Then in 2011, I felt ready to come out. My Jamboree unit were the first people I told.

I’d planned to come out to my parents around the same time but, sat around a campfire discussing society one Saturday night, I felt it was the moment to tell everyone that to me, Scouts was my place to belong.

The unit took it so well, accepted and supported me. Many members talked about their experiences, too. I knew I wasn’t alone and I wanted to help others feel accepted, too.

I’ve been involved with Scouts at Pride in London and its Family Area for many years now. It’s a fun-packed day full of songs, smiles (and very sore feet!), and there’s something so magical within the chaos.

I first attended Pride in London with Scouts in 2012. It was the first time I’d felt truly supported to be myself. I hadn’t met many LGBT people before, and suddenly there were all these Scouts by my side who felt just like I did. I was part of a community, and it was wonderful.

I remember the buzz of the day, the waving flags, the acceptance and the freedom. Each year, when we turn the corner into Trafalgar Square and I see the Scout flag, I get so emotional. I look around at all the Scouts expressing themselves and feel so proud.

When we reached the end of the parade in 2012, one of the Scouts in our group bravely came out to us. It was a moment I’ll never forget.

It makes me sad to think of all the young people who feel they’re never supported for who they are. But they shouldn’t feel embarrassed or ashamed – Scouts are here for each other no matter what.  

At Pride everyone can truly be themselves– just like at Scouts. Both open the door to so many wonderful friendships and a fantastic community of people who support each other.

As a volunteer, I love Pride because it allows me to show people that Scouts is there for them all year round. I can’t describe the feeling of seeing a young person realise that they’re not alone.

We have 50 Scouts attending Pride in London in 2026, including a delivery team, a photographer and a member of the UK Leadership Team.

It’s a very early start for everyone taking part. We’ll arrive in London at 9am, get registered and move to the start point on Park Lane. There’s a two-hour wait before the parade begins, so we keep up our energy with a few games and plenty of sweet treats. There are so many new people to meet, the time really flies by.

Once the parade starts, the crowds are huge, the noise is loud and the atmosphere is electric. There’s really nothing quite like it.

Loads of people recognise our Scout uniform and love to chat or give us a shout out from the barriers. It’s a fantastic place to promote Scouts and lots of people share their intention to sign up each year.

Scouts gave me a place to belong, and Pride reminds me every year why that matters. If even one young person feels seen, supported and celebrated because of what we do, then it’s all worth it.

You’ll find Scouts hosting a fun range of free activities in the Family Area, so please drop by if you’re attending. Everyone’s welcome.