In recent years the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) have reversed several long-standing and controversial rules aimed at barring the participation of certain groups from its programs based on their gender, gender identity, and/or sexuality. In 1988, the BSA allowed adult women to serve in leadership roles. In 2013, they lifted the ban on gay boys, and followed by allowing gay adults to serve in leadership roles in 2015. In 2017 the BSA opened their membership to transgender boys.1 Finally, in 2019, the BSA rebranded itself “Scouts BSA,” and for the first time allowed girls to participate in their mainline youth program. These changes all came after decades of legal and social pressure. Despite the changes, public perceptions remain that the organization is not a welcome place for LGBTQ people, girls, or women.2
Issues of masculinity and sexuality in the Boy Scouts have been intertwined with the predominantly...
