Imagine a world where, rather than trying to avoid the conversation, national BSA leaders came forward with full-throated statements in support of trans rights.
as a member of a BSA council who has struggled with my gender identity for years, I wish for myself and others that BSA would be far more vocal about trans persons being accepted, welcome, and included. I am terrified that if I do decided to transition, I will lose my job with the BSA despite us being inclusive simply due to the state I live in being a "at will work state". Which really means an employer can fire you anytime for any reason, as long as they don't give the reason, make it an easy avenue for discriminations. As an Eagle Scout, I would love the opportunity to present as myself for other youth to see so they can know it's okay to be who you are. The boy scouts accepting the lgbtq+ silently, simply isn't enough after decades of persecuting the lgbtq+. No other group has had the BSA spend $10 million for their right to keep a group out of scouting. After that, vocal support is necessary to make amends. There is no vocal support, our DEI team has failed us as an organization. And I am terrified for my job, and terrified for youth in the program, should we choose to come out. It shouldn't be that way, scouting is supposed to be for everyone. Period.
Thanks for sharing this. You're in an extremely difficult position, and I'm so sorry to hear that. I'm hoping, some day, you can find yourself in a safe environment that allows you to embrace your gender identity without fear.
as a member of a BSA council who has struggled with my gender identity for years, I wish for myself and others that BSA would be far more vocal about trans persons being accepted, welcome, and included. I am terrified that if I do decided to transition, I will lose my job with the BSA despite us being inclusive simply due to the state I live in being a "at will work state". Which really means an employer can fire you anytime for any reason, as long as they don't give the reason, make it an easy avenue for discriminations. As an Eagle Scout, I would love the opportunity to present as myself for other youth to see so they can know it's okay to be who you are. The boy scouts accepting the lgbtq+ silently, simply isn't enough after decades of persecuting the lgbtq+. No other group has had the BSA spend $10 million for their right to keep a group out of scouting. After that, vocal support is necessary to make amends. There is no vocal support, our DEI team has failed us as an organization. And I am terrified for my job, and terrified for youth in the program, should we choose to come out. It shouldn't be that way, scouting is supposed to be for everyone. Period.
Thanks for sharing this. You're in an extremely difficult position, and I'm so sorry to hear that. I'm hoping, some day, you can find yourself in a safe environment that allows you to embrace your gender identity without fear.