Inbox: Finding activities for LGBTQ+ inclusion

At the beginning of the year, when I asked what you all wanted to see from this newsletter in 2022, one reader posed this question:

What types of activities are happening around the country that demonstrate inclusiveness and strengthen the bonds of friendship?

My first instinct was to look to some international Scouting organizations that, as I’ve noted in the past, have done a lot more work developing LGBTQ+ inclusive program and activities. But while the example set by Scouting Nederland and others is impressive, this reader asked specifically: “What types of activities are happening around the country” — this country.

Indeed, not all programming is transferrable across cultures. So I want to use this week’s newsletter to do two things: Highlight some resources I’ve found in the American context, and ask you all to contribute your ideas.

So, here’s what I found:

• The Safe Zone Project is a trove of resources for LGBTQ+ awareness and training. I was particularly impressed by the list of youth activities they’ve compiled. You can filter by group size, knowledge level, trust level, time limit and subject area. Some of the offerings that caught my eye: A game of scenarios that helps participants practice how they would handle different situations related to gender and sexuality; a framework that allows youth to ask questions they otherwise might be afraid to ask; and a “vocabulary extravaganza” that helps youth learn LGBTQ+ terms and concepts.
• GLSEN, a national organization that promotes LGBTQ+ inclusion in schools, has a guide to classroom resources that could be applicable in Scouting, too. One activity, geared toward younger students, asks participants to reflect on their various identities by creating an “identity flower.” Another activity for middle schoolers prompts them to challenge assumptions and develop empathy. And a lesson for high school students allows participants to explore “self-identification” and discuss what labels mean to them.
• The Welcoming Schools initiative of the Human Rights Campaign has a large collection of resources as well. One offering: A lesson plan for supporting trans and non-binary youth, including a “Gender Snowperson” activity for helping youth understand gender identity.

I realize that many of these resources and activities are geared toward the classroom, but it seems that many of them could be adapted to Scouting environments. I’m also hoping you can help fill the gaps.

So now it’s up to you to sound off: What activities do YOU use for your scouts to demonstrate inclusiveness and strengthens the bonds of friendship?