World

Photo: The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

Madonna presents CNN news anchor Anderson Cooper with the Vito Russo Award at the 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at the Marriott Marquis on Saturday March 16, 2013 in New York. Madonna presented CNN news anchor Anderson Cooper with the Vito Russo Award. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Wearing a replica of one of the organization's uniforms, Madonna called on the Boy Scouts to lift its ban on gays while also calling for a "revolution" to prevent discrimination and abuse of the gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual community.

Speaking Saturday night at the GLAAD Media Awards, Madonna started off in a mischievous mood. She joked that she wanted to become a part of the Boy Scouts herself, but was turned down, even though she had the qualifications.

"I can build fire. I know how to pitch a tent," said Madonna, sporting a Boy Scouts troop leader hat and a blue shirt and shorts set that included replicas of Boy Scout badges.

"I can rescue kitten. . Most importantly, I know how to scout for boys," she said, before adding, "I think they should change their stupid rules."

The Boy Scouts of America does not permit openly gay people from serving in the organization, a decision that has come under increasing fire over the years.

Later, she got serious as she talked about the conflicts in the world and of the bullying of young gay, lesbian and transgender people.

"When I think about young kids in America who are being bullied and tortured, who are taking their own lives because they feel alone and judged, outcast and misunderstood, I want to sit down and cry a river of tears," Madonna said.

Noting that she has teenagers herself, she said, "It's an atrocity to me, I don't accept it."