Do I give the socks?

[pussinwellyboots]

I’m one of the leaders of a beaver scout colony - and I thought it would be nice to give each of the adult/young leader volunteers a small token gift at Christmas, so I’ve bought them each a pair of rainbow scout socks. However I now realise that they are scout pride socks, and whilst I am supportive of scouts supporting pride, I don't want to cause offence either to the recipient.

can I have a vote as to whether I should give the socks?

yes - YABU - socks in a rainbow colour may cause offence to the recipient

no - YANBU - they are scout socks in nice bright colours and would be a nice token gift for a volunteer.

I think it depends if they are actually scout pride socks, or if they’re just scout socks in a rainbow colour? If they are specifically scout pride socks then I wouldn’t give them out. If they’re just rainbow socks then it’s fine as rainbow is a nice bright pattern.

Its not about causing offence, I just wouldn't want to make a political statement with a Christmas /thank you present.

The Scout Pride collection from Scout Store is not just for Scouts but for everyone. We are committed to equality and building a more inclusive society, and have a wide range of products to show support for Pride events across the country and the LGBTQIA+ community.
These Scout Pride Socks feature the striking colours of the Rainbow Flag and the iconic Scouts fleur de lis. Made from 100% cotton, they're perfect for everyday wear and Scout Pride events.
These Rainbow Pride Socks are available for everyone to purchase, whether you want to show your support for the LGBTQIA+ community or just like the flag's vibrant colours.
The Rainbow Flag, or Pride Flag, is a symbol of LGBTQIA+ Pride. Its colours reflect the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community and the spectrum of human sexuality and gender.

Whether parents will bother to look into it or not, I don’t know, but I wouldn’t do it.

They are from the Scout Pride range.

Due to the political connotations its a bit of an odd gift. It on the other hand, I can see Beavers thinking their leaders all wearing rainbow striped socks to be amusing.

No i wouldn't.

Those are specifically listed as Pride socks but the description says

"These Rainbow Pride Socks are available for everyone to purchase, whether you want to show your support for the LGBTQIA+ community or just like the flag's vibrant colours."

So you could just say they're colourful socks.

Add a little note saying something like hoping to add a little colour to your winter or something like that.

As parent, and fellow scout leader, I wouldnt mind them but I know full well some parents will moan just to be moaning!

They are lovely socks and if they were not labelled specifically for pride they'd be great, but they are. I wouldn't want to be making such a political statement with a gift to a helper no matter how well intended.

*can I have a vote as to whether I should give the socks?

yes - YABU - socks in a rainbow colour may cause offence to the recipient

no - YANBU - they are scout socks in nice bright colours and would be a nice token gift for a volunteer.*

Your answers don't match the question asked.

Hmm
I’m completely on the fence. Definitely not a suitable present for children. What age are the young leaders?

I’d not give anything that demonstrates any opinions.
A token gift is nice though, especially when you’re a volunteer.

They are lovely socks and I would just give them out but explain. I think most would wear them with pride.

I personally wouldn't.Can you see if the shop will take them back and exchange them for general Scout socks.

They will all instantly think your pushing pride on them. Which you're saying you're not so don't do it. You'll end up having to explain your way out of it so many times if you give them.

They are lovely bright socks

I'm so sad rainbows get my hackles up now

I agree. It is not a gift, it is a political statement you want children to make.

you can be very supportive of the gay community without wanting to support organisations with a political agenda.

I’ve always loved a rainbow design. I was never bothered by anything political to do with the LGB pride flag and if this were before the TQIA+ letters were added I would say to hand out the socks. I previously considered myself part of the LGB community.

However, the LGB flag has since been co-opted. It no longer stands for what it did. What is worse is children are constantly being bombarded with political agenda - at school, in the media and in sporting and social groups.

I went to a community event and the QTIA+ flags were on display and were deliberately targeting very young children with their marketing. I’m talking toddlers. It was insidious.

Return the socks.

What age are the young leaders. I have teens who would love to receive these. They demonstrate your thoughtfulness and kindness of buying a girl and the inclusivity of scouting.

Young people don't see Pride as political in my experience more the rainbow showing welcomeness to all.

Probably best to avoid given the current climate. Also would teens / young people generally want to wear colourful socks? As an ancient adult I often get given fancy socks for e.g. Christmas but my own choice is black, with my black shoes, or white for trainers. So I don't wear the gift socks.

Definitely don’t give. It feels very like you’re pushing Pride and not everyone is going to be happy with those. I wouldn’t wear them.

If you can't exchange them, I would leave them on a table with an alternate inexpensive option like chocolate or sweets and let them decide for themselves

I wouldn’t.
a. because it might look like you’re making a statement.
b. because young people can be a bit sensitive / insecure about their sexuality. I remember not wearing a rainbow bracelet when I was young because I thought it would invite teasing / questions about whether I was gay (I didn’t really know myself, at the time).

I’m so on the fence on this, sorry! Could you run it past the other senior leaders, explaining you’re not trying to push anything? I’m leaning towards give, since the recipients are young adults.

My DS16 and DD20 think The whole Pride thing is now a capitalist attempt to make money from LGBT people and their allies.

My Beaver leader is gay so if he brought us these it really wouldn't bother me and I'd wear them to session. The kids would think it's cool we had bright matchy socks or totally wouldn't notice. I also can't imagine how the parents would notice and wouldn't expect them to police my socks.
If my heterosexual leader brought us them I'd think they were cheap on sale so she grabbed them just as socks.

I don't think you can assume that everyone will see them as simply nice coloured socks, particularly as they are specifically marketed as pride socks.
I wouldn't be happy receiving anything rainbow these days as it has been co-opted by groups with questionable agendas that I don't want to be assumed to be supporting.
At least they don't have the trans pride colours on them.