Always outspoken and never afraid to make a statement, pop star Madonna took the stage Saturday night at the GLAAD Media Awards to present the Vito Russo Award to CNN anchor Anderson Cooper with a loud message aimed towards the Boy Scouts of America. As reported by the Associated Press on Sunday, Madonna appeared on stage dressed as a Boy Scout and called for the organization to life their ban on gays.
Madonna, with a bit of humor, said that she wanted to be a Boy Scout and possessed all the skills needed, but was turned down. The moment mocked the organizations current ban on gays sending off the message that the rules are "stupid".
"I can build fire. I know how to pitch a tent. I can rescue kitten. Most importantly, I know how to scout for boys. I think they should change their stupid rules."
The Boy Scouts reaffirmation of its ban on gays has come under fire over the last few years leading to major companies withdrawing sponsorship and most recently, musical stars like Carly Rae Jepsen and Train pulling out of the National Scout Jamboree in protest of the ban.
But BSA was just part of the issues that concerned Madonna. She spoke of the seriousness and effects of bullying on young gay, lesbian and transgender people.
"When I think about young kids in America who are being bullied and tortured, who are taking their own lives because they feel alone and judged, outcast and misunderstood, I want to sit down and cry a river of tears."
Sometimes tears are needed to reach those who should be listening. Madonna feels "it's an atrocity" that the world is this way and "can't take it anymore". She told the audience Saturday night that she wanted to start a "revolution" to make America the land of the free and home of the brave for everyone, especially those who are told they don't belong.
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