Eagle scout urges Boy Scouts to reinstate ousted lesbian mom

ORLANDO, Fla. - Zach Wahls, an Eagle Scout who last year saw his online video in support of his two gay moms go viral, will deliver more than 275,000 petition signatures to the Boy Scouts of America during their National Annual Meeting. Wahls will deliver comments in support of a lesbian mom in Ohio who was ousted as leader of her son’s Cub Scout troop and will urge the Boy Scouts to end their long-held policy banning gay scouts and gay scout leaders.

Jennifer Tyrrell started her petition on Change.org after being told on April 10 that she could no longer serve as den leader for her 7-year-old son’s Cub Scout troop because of her sexual orientation. Since then, more than 275,000 people – including Wahls and thousands of scouts, scout leaders and former scouts – have signed her petition, urging the Boy Scouts of America to reinstate her and to end their policy banning gay youth and leaders from serving.

“On behalf of the thousands of scouts, scout leaders and former scouts who’ve signed the petition in support of Jennifer, we’re hoping that the Boy Scouts of America will take this moment to end its policy of discrimination against gay Americans,” said Wahls. “It is both disappointing and discouraging that the Boy Scouts continue to fixate on the identity of adult leaders instead of the content of their characters. In the Boy Scouts, I learned valuable lessons about bravery, respect, and not passing judgement on others. If only the Boy Scouts would practice what they preach and end this discriminatory policy against families, youth and leaders.”

Tyrrell’s petition has also garnered support from scores of celebrities, including Josh Hutcherson, Benicio Del Toro, Julianne Moore, Fran Drescher, Ricky Martin, Kelly Osbourne, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and more.

Tyrrell said that she was honored to have the support of Wahls and scores of scouts and scout leaders just like him.

“I feel so lucky to have the support of thousands of scouts, scout leaders and former scouts. These are people who know firsthand how valuable scouting can be, but also know how damaging the policy prohibiting gay youth and gay leaders can be for troops and communities,” said Tyrrell. “I remain extremely hopeful that this network of current and former scouts and scout leaders can create the type of change within the Boy Scouts organization, and that soon we will see a Boy Scouts that truly values tolerance, diversity, and respect within its membership.” 

by Spectrum Medical Care Center

Nurse Practitioner Ari Kravitz

When I started medical transition at 20 years old, it was very difficult to get the care I needed for hormone replacement therapy because there are very few providers trained in starting hormones for trans people, even though it’s very similar to the hormones that we prescribe to women in menopause or cisgender men with low testosterone.

I hope more providers get trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare, so they can support patients along their individual gender journey, and provide the info needed to make informed decisions about their body. I’ve personally seen my trans patients find hope and experience a better quality of life through hormone replacement therapy.

Keep readingShow less

Descanso Resort swimming pool and lounge area

Descanso Resort, Palm Springs' premier destination for gay men, just received Tripadvisor's highest honor, a Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" award for 2023. Based on guests' reviews and ratings, fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor's 8 million listings around the world receive the coveted "Best of the Best" designation. Descanso ranked 12th in the top 25 small inns and hotels category in the United States. Quite an accomplishment!

Open less than two years, Descanso Resort offers gay men a relaxing and luxurious boutique hotel experience just minutes away from Palm Springs' buzziest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping. Descanso has quickly established itself as a top destination for sophisticated gay travelers, earning hundreds of 5-star guest reviews and consistently ranking in Trapadvisor's top positions alongside brother properties Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort.

Keep readingShow less
Photo by Pexels

Abortion Rights

Sponsored by Planned Parenthood

Abortion is not just a women's issue. Reproductive rights, including abortion, affects everyone, including queer people. Our involvement in the fight for abortion rights is both crucial and interconnected to the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Here are five reasons why LGBTQ+ communities are involved in abortion rights.

Keep readingShow less