Why James Dale is back in court—30 years later
The memorandum of understanding between Scouting America and the DoD has eluded public view. James Dale is trying to change that.
Latest
Inside my wild and wonderful adventures in Italy
When I started the Morally Straight newsletter about five years ago, I had no idea I’d be where I am now. If you haven’t heard: These days, I’m living a deliciously wholesome and horny life in Italy! That’s right: The Boy Scout author is now, somewhat
Scouting America cancels LGBTQ+ inclusion space planned for summer Jamboree
As part of Scouting America’s very public battle with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, the organization has quietly scrapped plans for LGBTQ+ and other community spaces at this summer’s National Jamboree. Catherine Peluso, who until recently was the Jamboree Belonging Lead, told me that the Jamboree Community Spaces
A post-Hegseth reading list: The best analysis about what comes next for Scouting
Here’s some of the best writing and analysis to help you make sense of the news.
Tim Curran, the first gay man to sue Scouting America in 1981, is now a scout leader
He didn’t rejoin to make a point, or tie up some grand story. He became a volunteer because he wants to help local scouts.
Follow my new Italian life (and newsletter)
I moved to Italy, and I’m writing about it in a new publication called Finocchio.
Join me in conversation with James Dale and Tim Curran
Hello, dear readers. I’m popping back into your inbox to let you know about a very special event coming up in a couple of weeks. On June 11 at 5:30 p.m., I’ll be joining two of the people I profile in my book, James Dale and
A tribute to Randy Cline
I saw in Randy a scouter who held the same convictions that I did, and who fought to make space in the organization for people like me.
The book about trans youth that you need to read
"American Teenager" gives us a stunning, moving look into the lives of eight transgender, nonbinary, and genderfluid teens and their families across the country.
The future of this newsletter
Here's what you can expect from me going forward.
Dispatch from book tour
The past 10 days have overflowed with love and joy.
The 'Morally Straight' book is out today!
Pick up your copy wherever books are sold!
Newsletter
Is this a crazy idea?
The questions that set me on the book-writing journey.
Newsletter
What to expect from ArrowPride at NOAC 2024
"Fortunately, it’s not a historic thing that we’re doing. We’ve done this before. The OA community is starting to recognize and expect our community space," says Corey Channell.
Podcast
Inside the 'Morally Straight' Book, with Mike De Socio
My nonfiction book on LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Boy Scouts of America comes out on June 4.
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.
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.