Girl Scouts of Greater New York will not participate in events that exclude LGBTQ+ people.
February 24, 2022
When we recite the Girl Scout Law, members of our organization – young people and adults alike – state their commitment to “be a sister to every Girl Scout.” Every Girl Scout.
That is why we are asking Girl Scouts of Greater New York troops not to participate in the Richmond County St. Patrick’s Day Parade, due to its discriminatory policies.
It is well known that the organizers of the Richmond County St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Staten Island have a history of excluding members of the LGBTQ+ community from marching. The rules and regulations for participation state: “This parade is not to be used for and will not allow political or sexual identification agendas to be promoted.” But by barring the participation of proud LGBTQ+ people as well as any representation of their presence within the Staten Island community, the organizers ARE promoting an agenda – one of discrimination and exclusion.
Should individuals or troops choose to participate in the Richmond County St. Patrick’s Day Parade, they may not represent Girl Scouts of Greater New York by wearing their uniforms, carrying a banner, or otherwise displaying the Girl Scout brand.
We understand this news may be disappointing for Girl Scouts who planned on marching. You may be asking yourself, “If I personally am not biased against members of the LGBTQ+ community, why should my Girl Scout and I be excluded from this celebration?”
The answer to this question brings us back once again to a commitment made as part of the Girl Scout Law: “I will be responsible for what I say and do.”
The Girl Scout community on Staten Island and across the five boroughs is a powerful force for good. The values we stand for and strive to uphold simply do not align with the stated values of the Richmond County parade organizers. Those who choose to participate in their event are condoning discrimination and exclusion. Most importantly, Girls Scouts and their families who identify as LGBTQ+ stand to be hurt by witnessing their sister Girl Scouts take part in an event that does not welcome them.
Girl Scouts of Greater New York condemns excluding LGBTQ+ people and organizations, and will not participate in events where organizers discriminate.
We know the timing of this announcement is not ideal. However, the harmful impact a Girl Scout presence in the parade stands to have on LGBTQ+ identifying Girl Scouts within our community is too important to ignore.
Conversations about discrimination can be complicated and uncomfortable, for both children and adults. But talking about the problem can give us all the opportunity to be part of the solution, and truly make the world a better place. We encourage Girl Scout volunteers and caregivers to visit Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.’s Raising Awesome Girls blog as a resource to help guide these conversations in an age-appropriate way.
