Photo: REX USA/Erik Pendzich.
The Boy Scouts of America made a major statement on Sunday when a group of former and current members led thousands of revelers through the streets of New York for the city's 45th annual gay pride parade.
It was a historic moment for the century-old organization, which lifted its ban on membership for gay youth this past January. "We march in celebration that gay youth are finally welcome to be part of the wonderful American tradition of scouting," said Crystal Bueno, a Brooklyn-based Cub Scouts leader.
While the move is no doubt a progressive one for a group that has been historically stubborn about adhering to outdated principals, it still bans openly gay adults from volunteering. That means that when a LGBT scout turns 18, they could have their membership revoked.
Still, Sunday was an important day for changing attitudes in America. If an organization that represents traditional American values like the Boy Scouts can embrace diversity, it might persuade others to do the same.
Oh, and having George Takei on board helps too.
(The New York Times)