Former Eagle Scout James Dale spoke at the Wisconsin Union Theater Monday night as part of the Wisconsin Union Directorate's Distinguished Lecture Series. Stressing the ideas of community and awareness, Dale drew on his own experiences of discrimination to express his desire for change.
\It's about fighting for what should be, not for what you think you can get,"" Dale said of his efforts. ""It's not easy, but it's worth fighting the good fight.""
In scouting for 12 years, Dale was expelled from the Boy Scouts of America in 1990 after announcing he was gay. Dismissed from the group by letter, he was informed that homosexuality did not meet the group's standards of morality.
""I was shocked and saddened that this organization I cared so much about could just drop the iron curtain,"" Dale said. ""I didn't expect a coming-out party, but I expected that they would be supportive.""
He fought the decision in a legal battle that lasted 10 years, going all the way to the Supreme Court in an eventual 5-4 loss.
""This was one of those events where I knew that it was wrong and I was right,"" Dale said of his decision to begin a legal battle.
Despite his loss, Dale pointed out that since the lawsuit the Scouts and their image have suffered. Investors such as Steven Spielberg cancelled funding for the group, several parents refused to let their children join a ""discriminatory organization"" and the Scouts have been forbidden to participate in civil rights lawsuits.
""I lost, and I think that's a good thing for America,"" Dale said. ""I think people get it, because discrimination isn't something that's natural.""
Dale also stressed his belief that legalizing same-sex marriages is a key to the fight for equal rights, pointing out acquiring the legal benefits of marriage would be a big step forward.
""I believe honestly that with things like marriage, things like HIV and drugs will become less of a problem with more of a community,"" Dale said.
Dale said he was optimistic for change, feeling that continued efforts to educate and discuss issues can lead to a movement towards equality.
Student responses to the speech were generally positive.
""He seemed very human, and he knew what he was talking about,"" said UW-Madison freshman Peter Wirtala.
""It was very informative,"" added fellow freshman Craig Cady. ""I found him to be an inspiration to everyone just to stand up.\
