Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Gay-Boy-Scout-Gate 2012

Recently my band was invited to play a gig in Michigan, a special event at the Boy Scouts of America Headquarters. I am a proud founding member of an amazing 80-something-piece punk rock marching band called March Madness Marching Band. It takes a lot of organization and wrangling to get us anywhere, much less anywhere out of town. We were offered a nice stipend to pay this show. A non-profit group made up of musicians and dancers who volunteer our time, any money or donations we receive go towards covering the cost of our travel and musical equipment. Most of the gigs we do we joyfully play for free -- jazzing up parades, community events, and music festivals everywhere we get invited to play. 

The problem with the Boy Scouts of America gig is that this week the BSA re-emphasized and upheld a strict policy banning gays from the entire organization. Since 2000, the BSA has been under scrutiny for such discrimination, and their policies have actually violated laws in some states. They ousted Jennifer Tyrrell, a lesbian den mother, and are set to get served with a petition from Change.org signed by over 300,000 people today over this issue. There is an Eagle Scout in Iowa who was raised by lesbian mothers remaining optimistic and currently doing his best to educate his peers and help change the policy. There are parents, teachers, and actual members of the board of the BSA who are in favor of changing this policy. However, the BSA decision making "powers-that-be" appear to be a top secret, 11 member board who meet behind closed doors and mandate these "final" decisions despite the public and organizational outcry. 

As my group discusses whether or not to accept this gig, it brings a lot of awareness to how we each feel about this sensitive issue. I am grateful to be a part of such an understanding, diverse, compassionate, bunch. We have all demonstrated great respect for each other during this time. Whether or not we play the gig will depend entirely upon how many members of our group RSVP "yes" to the gig.

I personally would feel very wrong-hearted playing this gig and have already declined, but highly respect the decisions of my bandmates if they choose to play. I have read the official statement from the BSA (embedded in the Huffpost link below), and still wholeheartedly agree with Chad Griffin, the leader of the Human Rights campaign, who says: "With a country moving toward inclusion, the Boy Scouts of America have instead sent a message to young people that only some of them are valuable. They have chosen to teach division and intolerance." Although playing the gig is not an outright endorsement of the BSA policy, it could be seen as acceptance, and I absolutely reject the policy. A bandmate pointed out that many of us have been paid musicians for many different gigs and special events, and that this does not amount to an official endorsement of the organization. True that. However, the BSA has been emphatic in their refusal to listen to the public and leaders from within their own organization and even open a dialogue that could eventually lead to positive social change. This is the point at which I personally walk away, turning my attention and energy towards helping the groups who are striving for justice and equal rights for all. I just cannot participate in an event for an organization that would not welcome many of my friends, family, and members of my own band.

Although it would be fun to show up on the Boy Scouts' front lawn with a bunch of dudes in dresses. I'm truly envious of our trombone player's closet. He has a larger collection of snappy vintage dresses than I do. 

Link to Huffpost coverage of Gay-Boyscout-Gate 2012:

LA Times link "Board member says Scouts should include gays":

So what do YOU think about all this? Drop me a comment or email me at CaptainSexKitten@gmail.com  THANKS! 


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