George Takei Helps Fund Gay Boy Scout Web Series on Indiegogo

The series about a fictional Boy Scout-like organization will include gay characters as it explores how the identity of American males has changed over the last few decades

George Takei helps raise money for Boy Scouts web series
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George Takei has helped a Los Angeles-based production company crowdfund $100,000 to produce a web series, which will take place at a Boy Scout camp and spotlight the organization’s discriminatory policies toward the LGBT community.

Also read: Disney World Pulls Funding for Boy Scouts Over LGBT Ban

“As a former Boy Scout myself, it pains me deeply that the BSA still boots out gay Scouts when they turn 18. This web series will help educate and inform, as well as entertain. That gets a big thumbs up from me,” the former “Star Trek” star, who is openly gay and a gay rights advocate, wrote on his Facebook on Friday with the link to the Indiegogo campaign.

Takei’s message quickly gave the project from Gray Oak Productions the boost it needed during its final hours to secure an extra $10,000 to meet its $100,000 goal.

Also read: ‘Hunger Games’ Star Josh Hutcherson Launches Campaign to Help Low-Income LGBTQ Youth

“Camp Abercorn,” created by gay Eagle Scout Jeffrey Simon, will help educate and inform, as well as entertain with a cast including Brad Leland (“Leftovers”), Declan Michael Laird, Morgan West, Tyler Cook, and 16-year=old comedian Zach Louis.

See video: George Takei Explains Why He Cannot Stand William Shatner on ‘Real Time’

“Our stories celebrate the true value of Scouting and confront its faults in an honest way,” Simon said in a statement.

One such storyline will include a closeted gay “Eagle Guide” in the show’s fictional Compass Guides of America organization approaching his 18th birthday.

Also read: George Takei Uses Facebook to Publicize Anti-Gay Attack

The show isn’t solely dedicated to the gay experience, however. It explores how the identity of American males has changed over the last few decades, and what it means for a boy to become a “man.”

“We are so thankful to George Takei,” producer Matt Andrews said. “The next challenge is convincing him to be in the show.”

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