Hi, my name is Sam, and I’m the founder of Queer Scout.

Earlier this year, Scouting America (formerly the Boy Scouts of America) faced national attention after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Pentagon officials publicly pressured the organization over its diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments.

Weeks later, Scouting America filed a federal lawsuit against Queer Scout — a small gay-owned travel brand I created.

I never imagined that building a company around adventure, connection, and creating spaces where LGBTQ people can explore the world as themselves would lead to a federal courtroom.

As a self-employed gay entrepreneur, facing litigation brought by an organization with national recognition and significant resources has been overwhelming.

While the lawsuit names my companies, the reality is simple: Queer Scout and OUT in Colombia are my livelihood. These are small businesses I built from the ground up, and defending them means standing up for years of work, sacrifice, and the belief that LGBTQ people deserve spaces where we can be visible, celebrated, and ourselves.

But thanks to this community, we are still here.

Because of your support, Queer Scout was able to retain an experienced federal litigation team and officially respond in federal court — giving this small gay-owned business something every entrepreneur deserves when facing a much larger organization: a fighting chance.

Because of this community, what once felt impossible became possible.

Now, the fight continues.

NEWS COVERAGE

Our story has now received national and international media coverage, including:

Forbes - LGBTQ Travel Company Queer Scout Sued Over Trademarks Amid “Political Pressure”

The Arizona Republic - Boy Scouts sue Arizona LGBTQ travel company, raising concern about motive

The Advocate - Scouting America accuses LGBTQ+ travel agency Queer Scout of trademark infringement

The Independent (UK) - Boy Scouts sue LGBTQ travel group “Queer Scout” over its name

Metro Weekly - Scouting America Sues Queer Scout in Trademark Fight

LOOKOUT - Is Scouting America Defending its Brand? Or Sending a Message?

WATCH: Happening Out Television Network discusses the Queer Scout lawsuit and why this fight matters

ABOUT THE CASE

On June 1, with your support, we officially responded in federal court. Our filing makes clear that we are refusing to retreat and that we intend to defend our name, our business, and the work we have built.

Before this lawsuit was filed, the Boy Scouts of America had already opposed my application to register the Queer Scout trademark through the standard administrative process.

That’s where disputes like this are typically handled.

Instead of allowing that process to play out, they chose to escalate the situation by filing a federal lawsuit — dramatically increasing the cost and stakes.

I can’t speak to Scouting America’s motivations. What I can say is that the timing — and the decision to escalate this dispute into federal court — has raised questions far beyond our small business.

My “crime”? Running a travel company for LGBTQ adults called Queer Scout.

What makes this even more confusing is that there are hundreds of other businesses and organizations using the word “Scout” — including youth-oriented programs much closer to traditional scouting — and they haven't been sued.

The Boy Scouts of America have even previously argued in federal court that “Scout” is a generic term that cannot be monopolized by any one organization.

In speaking with our attorneys, we believe this case may also raise broader First Amendment and civil liberties questions — including whether trademark law can be used to silence identity-based expression, and whether it is being applied selectively.

The first major milestone has been reached. Now comes the long road ahead.

Rather than quietly folding under legal pressure, I’ve chosen to stand up and defend the business I built.

This campaign is helping ensure that a self-employed gay entrepreneur has what every small business owner deserves: a fighting chance to defend what he built for the LGBTQ community.

MORE THAN JUST A LAWSUIT

This situation goes beyond just a business name.

It raises broader questions about whether small independent companies — including LGBTQ entrepreneurs — have a fair opportunity to build something, express who they are, and stand behind their work when challenged by institutions with far greater resources.

Standing up for Queer Scout also means standing up for the visibility and entrepreneurial spirit that helped build it.

STANDING TOGETHER

This campaign is an opportunity for the community to rally around a small independent business and help ensure that it has the opportunity to defend itself.

I’m incredibly grateful for any support people are willing to offer—whether through a contribution or simply by sharing this campaign.

Transparency is important to me, and I will continue sharing updates as the case progresses so supporters can see how their support is making a difference.

If 1,000 people give $100, we can continue building the strong legal defense needed to keep this fight moving forward.

If you’re in a position to give more, I’m incredibly grateful. And if $100 isn’t realistic, anything you can contribute — $10, $25, or $50 — makes a real difference and means a lot to me.

If you believe small businesses deserve the opportunity to defend themselves and stand behind what they have built, I would be deeply grateful for your support. Together, we can ensure that a small independent business has the opportunity to stand up, be heard, and continue moving forward.

Thank you for standing with Queer Scout.

Thank you for choosing visibility over silence.

— Sam

-------------------------------

GoFundMe may suggest an optional tip to support the platform. You can adjust that amount if you prefer.