Pride Profile: Andy Martin
“More than anything, I want the LGBTQ+ community to see the Scouting community as an ally.”
Pride Profiles are stories that revisit and reintroduce some of Scouting’s LGBTQ+ leaders and activists. This story was part of a collection of profiles destined for a national Scouting conference that was cancelled last year due to the pandemic. So I wanted to share it here, and give you all a chance to learn about Andy Martin’s experience in Scouting.
I asked Andy, who is a colonel in the United States Air Force, to reflect on a few questions related to Scouting. Below are some of his answers, edited for length and clarity.
What future do you want to see for LGBTQ+ people in Scouting?
My hope is that LGBTQ+ scouts and scouters will find a safe, welcoming and warm environment where they are accepted and are treated with dignity and respect. A place where youth can learn all of the lessons that Scouting has to offer and where adults can teach, inspire and serve as an example for their scouts. I want LGBTQ youth to be able to learn about Baden-Powell, about being citizens of character and not have to hide who they are. More than anything, I want the LGBTQ+ community to see the Scouting community as an ally.
Why is Scouting worth it?
I think Scouting is worth it because the most important lessons I learned in life, I learned in Scouting. I may have relearned them again in other venues, but I could always relate back to my days as a scout. The perseverance, determination, love of travel and the outdoors, desire to keep learning, sense of morality, leadership skills, eagerness to serve others, and love for my family, friends and our country all started at pack and troop meetings and outings in southeastern Nebraska.
Additionally, Scouting is worth it because the program is designed to help youth develop into healthy, productive adults who make positive contributions to their communities and our country. Our future is in our children, and I have not found a better venue for teaching good character and values.
Lastly, Scouting is worth it because youth are allowed to choose their own adventure. The opportunities that I had as a scout allowed me to find activities that I enjoyed and where I was able to achieve goals that I thought were beyond my reach. Those achievements, and the support and encouragement of countless scouters, gave me the confidence to look for bigger goals to tackle. No two scouts’ journeys are identical and the flexibility of the Scouting program to welcome scouts from all walks of life and make them better prepared to be good citizens who can face the world and be successful is amazing.
— As told by Andy Martin
Scouting Honors: Eagle Scout, Silver Beaver, Hornaday Award
OA Honors: Vigil Honor, DSA
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Identity: Gay
