Gay Bacon

Scouting doesn't have a great track record when it comes to LGBTQ issues.  Unlike the inclusive and diverse Girl Scouts, when it comes to questions about equality, the Boy Scouts of America seem to ask what position Genghis Khan would have taken - and then stake out a more conservative stance.


Whereas I personally find discrimination in Scouting glaringly contrary to the values they claim to hold, I've also discovered that - as is often the case - everyday Scouts and leaders are far more progressive than the national leadership, who increasingly look out of touch with society.

Today Gus is heading out on an overnight camping trip with his troop. Earlier in the day, his Scout leader - a friend of ours - called to discuss the language some of the other boys use and how Gus may be feeling about it. Apparently, the boys are big fans of Air Heads Extreme Candies - flat ropes of rainbow-colored sourness.

Thanks to the color and shape, the boys have dubbed the candy "Gay Bacon." With his trademark concern for the boys under his watch, and as testament to his well-earned reputation as a supporter of equality for all people, "Scout Leader Bob" wanted to make sure that "Gay Bacon" wasn't offensive to Gus.

So I asked him. Gus smirked and said, "Do I look like it bothers me?" I admitted that upon hearing it, I too had busted up laughing.

Whereas I'm really glad my kid has a healthy sense of self worth and understands there's a difference between harmless fun and actual bigotry, I'm even more grateful that he's in a Scout Troop where the former is encouraged and the latter will never, ever be tolerated. And that philosophy starts at the top: Thanks, Bob. Treat yourself to some "Gay Bacon."