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

I built Queer Scout from the ground up to create welcoming travel experiences for LGBTQ travelers and allies. What began as a small idea grew through years of hard work and support from an incredible community.

After years of building this business, Queer Scout now faces a federal trademark lawsuit. The Boy Scouts of America (now operating as Scouting America) has filed a lawsuit seeking to force the company to stop using the name Queer Scout.

Defending a federal lawsuit is extremely expensive, and as the owner of a small independent business, it’s not a fight I can take on alone.

About the case

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.

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.

Yet, for some reason, they decided to oppose Queer Scout.

In speaking with our attorneys, 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.

News Coverage

Coverage of the case has appeared in several media outlets, including:

Trademark litigation in federal court can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars — a daunting reality for a small independent business like mine.

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 small LGBTQ-owned company has the resources to defend itself and continue to exist.

More than just a lawsuit

This situation goes beyond just a business name.

It raises broader questions about whether small independent companies—and LGBTQ entrepreneurs in particular—can exist openly in the marketplace without being pushed aside by larger institutions.

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 launch a strong legal defense and 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 continue the work they’ve 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 the work it was built to do.

Thank you for standing with Queer Scout.

— Sam

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