Cover Photo: Kristian Strøm
Text: Seweryna Lewon
Edit: Mike Dent, Sophie Spickenbom
Human Library is an event during which you meet interesting individuals, who present their life or story as if it was a book. These can be people from different vulnerable or underrepresented social groups. You can then ask any questions you might have about their “title”. We had a chance to meet one of the “books” – Gesa, who shared her story about coming out at a late age and starting an LGBTQI+ initiative in her Scouting organisation.
What’s your name, what country are you from and what title were you representing during the Human Library event?
Gesa: My name is Gesa, I’m from Germany and I presented the title of my book as “Coming out as lesbian in my late 20’s and founding a Regional Rainbow Scouting initiative” – it’s a very long title (laughing).
Why did you decide to participate in the Human Library event today?
Gesa: Well, I experienced a Human Library event as a participant myself at an international Scouting event we have in Germany. I really liked the idea of sharing stories and listening to what other people have to say. I think that’s something we don’t take enough time to do in our hectic world today.
Do you think this is an important initiative to have at every Guide and Scout camp? If yes, then why?
Gesa: I think it’s important to create possibilities for people to share their stories and to listen to each other. It doesn’t have to be a Human Library event, there can be different ways to do it. But I think the format of sharing stories and listening to them is important.
Going back to your book title, you mention that you are a lesbian, that came out at a late age and that you started a Pride initiative in your organisation. Can we talk about the first part – how did you realise your sexual orientation?
Gesa: Well, at the beginning I didn’t know at all. It took me a long time to figure it out. It actually took having other queer people in my life that were out publicly, to realise I’m a lesbian. That way I got a chance to get an idea that I am something else, than straight.
Okay, and then the second part of your book title – you mention that you started a queer initiative in your organisation, can you tell me more about that?
Gesa: Sure! I learned about Rainbow Scouting when I visited the Norwegian National Jamboree in 2017, Bodø. It’s a city very far up north. I found out that they had a Rainbow Cafe there – that’s where I learned about that idea of Rainbow Scouting. I asked if I could join the cafe as an IST and I was lucky that they welcomed me. They let me experience their work of Rainbow Scouting. It inspired me so much, because I had never heard of it before.So I thought – this is something I want to bring back to my region. I wanted to give the opportunity for Scouts in Hamburg to experience this initiative.
Wow, does it feel like a full circle moment – since you are back in Norway, for an international camp, participating in the Human Library, at the Rainbow Cafe?
Gesa: Yes, it actually does! It’s really cool (laughing)
And what were the first, practical steps you took to start the initiative in your organisation back home?
Gesa: Well, there was one moment that I clearly remember of this Rainbow Scouting initiative in the Norwegian Jamboree. It was when we had a Pride parade around the whole campsite. I think it happened parallel to the Pride parade in Oslo, which was happening at a similar time. I just loved the idea of many Scouts dressing up, as people do during Pride and seeing all the colours and glitter. Just creating a chance to be visible – for themselves, for younger Scouts, that may not have come out of the closet yet. I thought: “This is something I would like to do in my city”. Because in Hamburg, the second largest city of Germany, we do have quite big Pride parades and I wanted to go there as Scouts. One of the first steps to do this was getting support from my organisation, to get a “Yes, you can to Pride as Scouts”. We got support, a lot of people joined and we organised our participation in the Pride parade.
How did you feel when you went to Pride for the first time as Scouts?
Gesa: I felt at home. I really had this strong sense of belonging and being at the right place, at the right time.
What did your presence, as Scouts at the Pride parade, symbolise?
Gesa: First of all, we wanted to be visible and spread the message that Scouting is inclusive – no matter what your gender identity or sexual orientation is. We wanted to show to other people and ourselves that everyone is welcome to join the Scouting movement.
Do you think Guiding and Scouting still has room to grow in terms of inclusivity and diversity?
Gesa: For sure, I think there is always space to grow and improve. I believe there are things that can be talked about more, but I also think we are on a good path. I think places like the Rainbow Cafe are a good start to create more inclusive spaces.
