Hermaphro Scout Drawings

The Boy and Girl Scouts of the 1950s focused on loyalty, obedience, patriotism, and subservience. The organizations enforced stereotypical gender roles, and their wholesome image persists despite contemporary intolerance of homosexuality. Girl Scouts were encouraged to be thrifty and avoid gossip; Boy Scouts were told to do their best.

However, looking to the handbooks of the 50s, a surreal image of the Boy Scouts is painted. Merit badges are earned for organizing parties, helping mom cook dinner and washing dishes. Illustrations of young boys being taught to swim by idealized “supermen” can be read in multiple ways. This body of work aims to combine the two organizations and question what really determines gender and whether it is necessary.