Pride Profile: Trina Weiland
"Scouting teaches kindness, so there is no reason that we all can’t respect each other despite our differences."
Trina Weiland has a unique perspective on Scouting.
She grew up before Scouts BSA admitted young women, and didn’t join Scouting until she was an adult. Her introduction to the program came through a summer camp staff role, and she’s since spent time at Northern Tier and volunteered with her local council.
More recently, Weiland served as the lead adviser for the Women in Scouting space at the National Order of the Arrow Conference this summer. I asked Weiland to reflect on her experience in Scouting as a bisexual woman. Her responses are below, lightly edited for clarity and brevity.
What would you tell your younger Scouting self?
As a female, I wasn’t given the opportunity to participate in Scouting as a youth, so I came into Scouting at a much older age. When I first registered in the program in my late 20s, I was pretty sure of myself and my identity.
What future do you want to see for LGBTQ+ people in Scouting?
Equality and acceptance. Scouting teaches kindness, so there is no reason that we all can’t respect each other despite our differences. Also, I would love to let more people know we are an open organization now, and that we accept everyone into the Scouting program.
Why is Scouting worth it?
Scouting gives you the opportunity to grow as a person and as a citizen. It takes us outside of our comfort zones so we can develop as people and leaders while giving back to our community. Besides, who doesn’t love camping and the outdoors?
What else should I know about your Scouting story?
I have been around Scouting my entire life, but when I officially registered, I did so to work at a council camp. It was that summer when I was called out for the Order of the Arrow. After a couple summers at that camp, I was given the opportunity to work at Northern Tier for a couple of summers and winters before my job situation changed away from teaching.
Eventually, I registered more locally and got involved at the district and council level. I still continue that work along with my associate section adviser position with the OA. Lately, it has been my privilege to work with the Admonition Team. I was never in Scouting as a youth, although I was a sister scout since I had brothers in the program. My perspective about Scouting is unique since I don’t have kids, so I have never been involved at the unit level other than working as a commissioner.
