100 Women We Love: Jennifer Tyrrell

Ohio mom Jennifer Tyrrell became, as she puts it, an “accidental activist” when her son’s Boy Scout troop removed her from its leadership because she’s gay. Tyrrell was launched into the spotlight after the 2012 incident and emerged as the human side of the Boy Scouts of America’s cruel ban on gay scouts and leaders. (The organization has since voted to allow gay scouts but continues to ban gay leaders.) She teamed up with GLAAD to get her story out, and has spoken at the GLAAD Media Awards, on Dr. Drew, and as part of numerous news features. Tyrrell is now Field Director for Scouts For Equality as well as Co-Chair of the Ohio Freedom to Marry steering committee. It’s been quite a year for Tyrrell, who raises four “loving, well adjusted, amazing kids” with her partner Alicia. Tyrrell stresses “how important it is to make your voice heard. I never used to think that one person could make a difference. I was wrong. Stand tall and demand equality. It is the only way we are going to achieve it.” She’s in the process of writing a children’s book describing her journey for equality. -KL