Advancing Compassion Project presents Zach Wahls and “Scouts for Equality” in San Diego on Sept. 23rd to discuss the impact of the Boy Scouts’ ban on Gay Scouts and LGBT Leaders – and how to bring change to a national organization influencing millions of American youth.
Wahls, whose impassioned three-minute speech on marriage equality to the Iowa legislature quickly became the most watched political video on YouTube with over 17 million views, and who has since appeared on Ellen, David Letterman, Jon Stewart and others, recently formed “Scouts For Equality” to help end the anti-LGBT policies of the Boy Scouts of America. Advancing Compassion Project will be presenting Zachand Scouts for Equality in a forum addressing the impact of the Scouts’ policy on their members and leaders, and the message it sends to straight kids about the acceptability of anti-LGBT discrimination.
The event will be hosted at First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego in association with the church’s Social Justice and Rainbow Action groups as a benefit to support the ongoing efforts of Scouts for Equality to bring change to the Boy Scouts and to a new generation of Americans.
“As an Eagle Scout with two moms, I founded Scouts for Equality to seek an end to a policy of official discrimination by the Boy Scouts that has impacted gay scouts, their families and leaders for more than three decades,” said Zach Wahls. “I appreciate the chance to raise awareness for this important cause and thank Advancing Compassion Project for helping to support our efforts.”
Organizers say they are excited about the prospect of making Wahls’ San Diego appearance available to a wide audience with a low suggested donation.
“Zach Wahls is an inspiring example of a new generation of Americans bringing change to organizations like the Boy Scouts, which are not legally required to change their discriminatory policies, and so need to be shown the positive moral and ethical value of doing so,” said Tyler Dylan-Hyde, co-founder of Advancing Compassion Project. “With kids facing increasing pressures in our schools and society, and anti-LGBT bullying affecting so many youth, all of us have an obligation to help bring an end to policies that promote discrimination and tend to legitimize homophobia.”
In his recently-released book “My Two Moms: Lessons of Love, Strength and What Makes a Family,” Zach explores the values he learned from his two moms, Jackie and Terry, which were further developed by his journey toward Eagle Scout, the Boy Scouts’ highest achievement. AsZach explained in a recent interview: “I learned in the Boy Scouts that bravery is not the absence of fear but the mastery of fear. But as long as this policy remains the official position of the BSA, that lesson will ring hollow. I learned in the Boy Scouts the importance of standing up for what’s right.”
Advancing Compassion Project Presents Zach Wahls and Scouts for Equality Sunday, September 23, from 5-6 p.m. There will also be a book signing and community discussion following the Wahls’ address.First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego is located at 4190 Front St. in Hillcrest. Student tickets are available for $5. Visit advancingcompassion.org/event/zachwahls for more information
