Newsletter
The new era of Scouting America
The rebrand is meant to reflect the organization's inclusion of all youth, and signals a new era.
Mike De Socio
Hi, I’m Mike De Socio. I’m an independent journalist based in upstate New York, telling stories about the change-makers shaping our world.
Newsletter
Come see me on book tour!
I'll be stopping in bookstores across the Northeast (plus two further west) starting in June.
Newsletter
The first time I wrote about the gay membership debate
My reporting on this topic goes back more than a decade to my days as a high school journalist.
Podcast
The Power of Petitions, with Greg Bourke
Greg Bourke's activism for gay adult inclusion in the BSA made a big impact in the campaign for policy change.
Newsletter
Got a question? I might have the answer
This is your regular reminder that my archive is chock full of resources!
Newsletter
An (unofficial) uniform guide to LGBTQ+ pride
Can you wear rainbow swag on your Scout uniform? How Scouters make decisions about what to wear, and when.
Newsletter
Lessons learned from the activists who fought for LGBTQ+ inclusion
The Scouters and allies who led the campaign for inclusion can teach us a lot—especially as LGBTQ+ rights are under attack today.
Podcast
Doing the Work Behind the Scenes, with Justin Bickford
In this episode of the Morally Straight Podcast, I’m talking to Justin Bickford. Bickford is an Eagle Scout and Scouter from Florida who became an early and key volunteer with Scouts for Equality in 2012. Why it matters: Bickford poured countless hours into SFE during the early days. He
Newsletter
Want to make trans youth feel more welcome? Start with this training
This resource can help start the conversation in your council.
Newsletter
The most surprising thing I learned reporting my book
The history of the BSA's anti-gay policy held many unexpected twists and turns.
Newsletter
Your guide to marching at Pride
Showing up to Pride as a Scouter can be a great way to support LGBTQ+ Scouts, and cast a wider net for membership growth.
Newsletter
Why Pascal Tessier's story was a powerful force for change
A quick recap of my podcast interview with the 'first' openly gay Eagle Scout.
Podcast
The 'First' Openly Gay Eagle Scout, with Pascal Tessier
As a teenager, Pascal Tessier found himself in the right place at the right time to make an impact for gay inclusion.
Newsletter
700 subscribers: Thank you!
Here’s something fun: There’s now just about 700 of you receiving this newsletter every week! I remember starting this newsletter three (!) years ago, with a mere 70 subscribers I imported from a defunct email list I assembled during college. I fully expected all 70 of them to unsubscribe,
Newsletter
Living History Project: The power of an accepting adult
For LGBTQ scouts, even a single affirming adult can make an enormous difference in their life.
Newsletter
How Cheryl Katon helped the BSA navigate LGBTQ policy changes
A quick recap of my podcast interview with the former scout executive.