During a campfire gathering with Manhattan’s Troop 662, Curran shared his story with scouts who knew little about his past. As a young man, he had been removed from the organization at age 18 due to his sexual orientation. His 1981 lawsuit was the first to publicly challenge the Scouts’ policy banning openly gay members, though both his case and a later Supreme Court case upheld the organization’s right to exclude them.
Decades later, amid declining membership and institutional changes, the organization—now known as Scouting America—reversed course, allowing openly gay scouts in 2013 and leaders in 2015. Though Curran always felt connected to Scouting, his career in journalism and filmmaking kept him away until he was invited back as a volunteer leader in semi-retirement.
Wearing the uniform again brought back powerful memories, but with a new perspective. As a youth, Scouting felt like preparation for adventure; now, it feels like a meaningful calling. While recounting his experience, Curran became emotional, realizing the lasting impact of his expulsion. The scouts, however, reacted with surprise, seeing his story as something unjust and outdated.
Curran had been an accomplished scout in his youth, earning the prestigious Eagle rank and building confidence through the program. After coming out as a teenager and appearing in a newspaper story, he was initially supported by his troop. However, his removal came later when he applied for a national event. Determined to fight back, he worked with the ACLU, channeling his pain into a pursuit of justice.
His story, along with others, is now part of a broader history of LGBTQ+ inclusion in Scouting. Despite the organization’s past actions, Curran chose not to turn away and instead accepted an invitation to return, believing in the positive impact Scouting can have.
Today, his presence serves as a powerful example for young scouts, emphasizing empathy and shared humanity. While the organization continues to navigate political and cultural tensions, Curran remains focused on mentoring youth and embracing his renewed role.
Though he acknowledges setbacks in recent policy decisions, he remains hopeful about the future of Scouting. For him, returning is deeply personal—a source of joy and fulfillment rather than a political statement.
Now back in uniform, Curran is relearning old skills and reconnecting with the spirit of Scouting. Reflecting on his journey, he sees himself not as a central figure in history, but as a small yet meaningful part of progress—proof that while justice may take time, it can still prevail.
