Pride Profile: Ethan Syster

Ethan Syster has made the most of the Scouting program.

An eagle scout from North Carolina, Syster has served as a lodge and section chief in the Order of the Arrow, and rose through the ranks of the OA’s National Communications team, most recently as the national communications coordinator.

He’s also embraced Scouting’s high adventure and leadership training programs. I asked Syster to reflect on his experience navigating all of this as a gay man. His answers are below, lightly edited for clarity and brevity.

What would you tell your younger Scouting self?

Be true to yourself, your personal identities, and our shared values represented in the Order of the Arrow’s admonition. The rest will fall into place. It can be difficult, and take a lot of courage, to embrace aspects of your identity that others may not accept. The OA is a brotherhood, and we are each committed to loving and accepting our fellow brothers regardless of who they are. We are all committed to our core shared principles of brotherhood, cheerfulness and service.

What future do you want to see for LGBTQ+ people in Scouting?

I want Scouting to be an organization where LGBTQ+ individuals feel welcomed and accepted. I am especially hopeful that Scouting will be an organization where LGBTQ+ youth get to enjoy the same great experiences that I have had in Scouting without the fear that others may see them differently because of their LGBTQ+ identity. I am excited by the progress that we, as an organization, have made in making this vision come closer to a reality, but I think that we still have a lot of progress to make and that each of us has a responsibility to ensure all young people feel welcome in Scouting, regardless of their identities.

Why is Scouting worth it?

Scouting is worth it because it provides youth with essential skills for life and teaches these skills in a way that is fun. Some of my best friends are individuals that I have met in the Scouting program, and I am grateful that we have had the opportunity to experience Scouting together. Many of the skills that I use every day in school, work and other aspects of my life, are skills that I developed through Scouting. Beyond that, Scouting is full of opportunities to find adventure and make memories. Because of Scouting I have been able to travel and experience all sorts of opportunities that I never would have had otherwise.

What else should I know about your Scouting story?

Outside of the OA, I was involved with National Youth Leadership Training and National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience. I served on staff for multiple courses at different high adventure bases, and eventually had the privilege of serving as senior crew leader for a course at the Summit.