06/02/2021
Scouting is for EVERYONE!
This matters! Thank you Tayler Hein for sharing your story here!
"As of today, I am the first ever openly nonbinary full-time employee in the Boy Scouts of America. I just got my paperwork. It’s official. Happy .
Honestly, I’m in a bit of a state of shock. I’ve known this was coming for months & I’m still pretty unprepared for the emotions that are coming up.
If you would have told me at 7 years old “No, you can’t be a Cub Scout, but one day you’ll get to work full-time for the BSA LEADING Cub Scouts as your 100% true & authentic self,” I would have laughed in your face.
I plan to share more of my scouting journey going forward, but for now, let me leave you with this; SCOUTING IS FOR EVERYONE.
In the past, it unfortunately was not… but I am living proof that those times are on their way out. I understand that currently, there are still some issues that quite frankly need a lot of work… & that’s what I’m here for. I am here to do the hard work. The uncomfortable work. The work that needs to be done.
The values & skills that you learn in scouting are something that you don’t really find in a lot of other places… and that is why I believe that it is so important that every child gets the opportunity to access it.
So if you are scared to join scouting, if you are worried because you are different, if you're worried your children will be ostracized for being themselves, if you want to know if things have changed… I am here for you. I am on your side. I am your friend in scouting, and I welcome you.
Yours in scouting,
Tayler Hein | They/Them | Scoutreach District Associate
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
Illowa Council"
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