The Scout Association will appear at Pride London’s parade this
weekend, in a public bid to attract gay and lesbian volunteers.
At least thirty adults from across the organisation - doubling
2009's turn-out - will take part in their second annual appearance at
the capital's gay celebration.
They will use the opportunity to promote inclusivity and challenge its predominately heterosexual image.
This weekend's appearance is particularly poignant as,
traditionally, many youth organisatiions have avoided actively
recruiting gay staff due to misconceptions about homosexuality.
Matt Mills, lead project worker at The Scouts Association, says:
“The Pride London Parade is a great opportunity for us to celebrate the
work we’re doing, to demonstrate our commitment to diversity and to
attract more leaders to the movement, whatever their sexuality.”
Currently, 44 per cent of Scouts volunteers are women.
Together, the Scouts Association provide adventurous activities and
personal development opportunities for 400,000 young people aged 6-25.