Nat Geo asks #AreYouTougher as messages of equality scare them from #ToughScout hashtag
National Geographic Channel has partnered with the Boy Scouts of America to produce a show called "Are You Tougher Than A Boy Scout," despite the BSA's policy that bans gay scouts and leaders. GLAAD joined gay Eagle Scout Will Oliver in urging National Geographic to run a disclaimer saying the company does not agree with the BSA's discriminatory policy. Representatives from National Geographic failed to denounce the policy after meeting with GLAAD and Will on Monday, following the delivery of over 120,000 Change.org petition signatures.
While the show premiered Monday night, LGBT advocates and allies managed to take over the #ToughScout hash tag, which the National Geographic Channel was using to promote the show. GLAAD and other advocates were so successful with the social media campaign, that the National Geographic Channel encouraged users to start using #AreYouTougher instead, despite promoting #ToughScout on promotional materials found at http://toughscout.com (click above to see a screenshot of the site).We wonder what hash tag they'll come up for next week. Check some tweets:
Wonder how @natgeochannel's social media team is enjoying the responses they got on #AreYouTougher and #ToughScout? Not flattering. #LGBT
— Scott Wooledge (@Clarknt67) March 5, 2013
A #ToughScout knows it's OK to be gay. Let @natgeochannel know as well glaad.org/toughscout @glaad
— Dustin Lance Black (@DLanceBlack) March 5, 2013
Are You Tougher than Discrimination? #toughScoutbit.ly/WEbBRl
— Jeremy Hooper(@goodasyou) March 4, 2013
Hey @boyscouts: #AreYouTougher than anti-gay bigotry?A truly #ToughScout supports equality for all&an end to the BSA's gay ban! #LGBT @glaad
— John M. Becker (@freedom2marry) March 5, 2013
#AreYouTougher than bigotry? Tell NatGeo to air a disclaimer saying the boyscout policy is wrong! instagr.am/p/WdYOy_CMVE/
— Jennifer Tyrrell (@Jen_Tyrrell) March 5, 2013