June is Pride Month!
South East Scotland Scouts welcomes everyone, regardless of gender identity or sexuality so Pride Month is a great opportunity to celebrate our LGBT+ members and to highlight our Equal Opportunities Policy which is clear that there is no place for discrimination against our members on the basis of sexual orientation.
To mark Pride Month UK Scouts are running a month-long series of online events including fun activities, useful webinars, thought-provoking discussions, and practical training and support, all focused on pride in our values. To find out more or to register go to https://www.scouts.org.uk/events/2021/pride-2021/
There are also many practical ways that we can make Scouting within South East Scotland more inclusive and support our LGBT+ members.
- Incorporate Pride activities into your programme. One way to do this is to work on Scout-A-Delic’s LGBT+ Awareness Badge. Whilst this is not a uniform badge I have approved it for our members to wear on their uniform if they wish.
- Be vigilant for signs of homophobic bullying and language; this should not be tolerated. See Scouting’s guidance on preventing and dealing with bullying
- Supporting Trans Volunteers through the Appointment and Vetting process
Taking time to learn more about how to support all members regardless of sexual orientation will help us make Scouting in South East Scotland more inclusive for everyone!
Martin Elliot
Regional Commissioner