Pride Profile: Michael Kintscher
"Your identity may define who you are, but it does not limit what you can do!"
Michael Kintscher is probably best known for a role they held in 2014, as the Western Region Chief for the Order of the Arrow.
But a lot has changed since then. Kintscher has since fully embraced their identity as a nonbinary transgender and gay individual. And they’ve brought their passion for LGBTQ+ inclusion to all areas of their life, through a continued involvement in Scouting and their university.
I asked Kintscher to reflect on their experience in Scouting. Their answers are below, lightly edited for clarity.
What would you tell your younger Scouting self?
Your identity may define who you are, but it does not limit what you can do! It really does get better, but that process doesn't start until you let yourself be who you know you really are.
What future do you want to see for LGBTQ+ people in Scouting?
I see an organization that extends the same community-building expertise to welcoming and accepting LGBTQ+ people as they are and connecting them with a supportive chosen family.
Why is Scouting worth it?
Scouting provides many connections and leadership and personal management skills that are useful all throughout life, no matter what path you take.
What else should I know about your Scouting story?
I realized I was gay at a National Jamboree, when a friend came out to me. I publicly came out as gay on the flight home from the 2015 centennial National Order of the Arrow Conference, hours after receiving my Distinguished Service Award in front of 15,000 people. I remember trembling as I pressed the "post" button before turning my phone on airplane mode as the five-hour flight took off—on a post that was essentially, "By the way, I'm also gay.”
I started in a troop that was very unsupportive, but through the OA I have found a welcoming community. They don't always know the right thing to do, but they are always there to learn and listen, and support as best they can!
