Dave Knapp and I shared a long history of advocating together for the inclusion of gay scouts and gay and lesbian leaders in the BSA. He was a relentless advocate for change and inclusion, and he was also more dedicated to scouting and its underlying principles than anyone I know. I was there with Dave in Dallas when the BSA voted to include gay youth in scouting, and it felt like a lifetime of work and advocacy had come to successful fruition. We and all those gathered felt such relief, such joy, it was simply incredible.
Dave was the energizer bunny. We spend so many hours on many occasions talking to press, taking to skeptical scouters and scouts. When most of us got weary and just wanted to call it a night or go to dinner, Dave was ready to keep talking and fighting until his last breath. He was my hero.
First off, thank you so much for the work that you did to make this story come to life. I didnt know David but i wish I had. Hearing his story made me sad for what he went through, but on the other hand it's made me hopeful that his work and others have and continue to open up doors for all Scouters. Having this representation of LGBTQ+ Scouters is incredibly important to see. Please continue to write these articles and help preserve the stories of the Scouts that came before us so we can continue to learn and grow as an organization.
Thank you for this amazing profile of a true Scouting hero. We marched with Dave many, many times with the Scouts and color guard at Pride in NYC; he carried his sign high and every year, the only thing that ever changed about him was the number, "87 year old Boy Scout kicked out for being gay!", then "88 year old Boy Scout kicked out for being gay!" and the next year, "89 year old Boy Scout kicked out for being gay!"
As Greg said below, Dave was an energizer bunny. Boundless energy and enthusiasm, kindness and heartfelt hugs, all wrapped up in a Scout uniform. I will treasure the time he spent with us, and especially the energy and dignity he gave to the cause of fighting discrimination in Scouts.
Dave Knapp and I shared a long history of advocating together for the inclusion of gay scouts and gay and lesbian leaders in the BSA. He was a relentless advocate for change and inclusion, and he was also more dedicated to scouting and its underlying principles than anyone I know. I was there with Dave in Dallas when the BSA voted to include gay youth in scouting, and it felt like a lifetime of work and advocacy had come to successful fruition. We and all those gathered felt such relief, such joy, it was simply incredible.
Dave was the energizer bunny. We spend so many hours on many occasions talking to press, taking to skeptical scouters and scouts. When most of us got weary and just wanted to call it a night or go to dinner, Dave was ready to keep talking and fighting until his last breath. He was my hero.
Such beautiful memories, Greg. Thank you for sharing.
First off, thank you so much for the work that you did to make this story come to life. I didnt know David but i wish I had. Hearing his story made me sad for what he went through, but on the other hand it's made me hopeful that his work and others have and continue to open up doors for all Scouters. Having this representation of LGBTQ+ Scouters is incredibly important to see. Please continue to write these articles and help preserve the stories of the Scouts that came before us so we can continue to learn and grow as an organization.
Thank you so much, Chelsea. I appreciate you reading and supporting my work!
Thank you for this amazing profile of a true Scouting hero. We marched with Dave many, many times with the Scouts and color guard at Pride in NYC; he carried his sign high and every year, the only thing that ever changed about him was the number, "87 year old Boy Scout kicked out for being gay!", then "88 year old Boy Scout kicked out for being gay!" and the next year, "89 year old Boy Scout kicked out for being gay!"
As Greg said below, Dave was an energizer bunny. Boundless energy and enthusiasm, kindness and heartfelt hugs, all wrapped up in a Scout uniform. I will treasure the time he spent with us, and especially the energy and dignity he gave to the cause of fighting discrimination in Scouts.
Thank you so much for reading, and for sharing your memories of him, Crystal.