A quick Mazal Tov to Ben Litwin, a member of CBE, who (like his brother before him) was just inducted as an Eagle Scout. The court was held at CBE tonight and I got to participate, which was a really lovely thing to be a part of that life cycle event for this bright teen.
Having said that (and without being critical of the local troop or the family at all) the Boy Scouts are not my favorite organization because of their stance on LGBT issues (a position increasingly complicated with the imminent overturning of CA Prop 8, DADT and the recent spate of bullying attacks). This is especially sad because they really do a lot of great stuff, especially viz. creating a healthy identity for boys (as they become men) and a safe space to explore not only practical skills and community service but what constitutes manhood. There's a reason many synagogues used to host Boy Scout troops, and that's the reason I was glad to be a part of this Eagle Court. And, seeing the kids from my own community who are in this troop and clearly find meaning in the experience, I imagine I'll be at more courts (and hosting more) in the future.
So, to strike a little balance, I'm adding Keshet's Video from the GA in New Orleans, as part of their "Do Not Stand Idly By" efforts (and if you haven't, please go and add your name to their efforts to combat discrimination against LGBT individuals).
No comments:
Post a Comment