Later, upon further inquiry by the child's mother, the Girl Scouts admitted a mistake was made. Under their policy, transgender children are allowed to join and participate. Here's the story.
The existence of transgender children is not a myth. I have a friend whose young son pleaded relentlessly to live as a girl. My friend, who wants the best for her child, decided to allow it after consulting with numerous mental health professionals. The child is now entering kindergarden where she will "present" as a girl and use a girl's name. To protect my friend's privacy, I'm not going to say any more about their story other than to report that the child is now happy.
When I was young, I told everyone who would listen that I'm a girl and want to be treated as one. I did everything possible to live as a girl, but to no avail. Nobody recognized the validity of what I was saying. Nobody accepted my decision. I was told I was wrong and that I needed to straighten up. When I protested further, punishment was applied in swift and persistent manner. I realized I had no choice and learned to live as a boy. The path of true fulfillment was denied me. I hope some young people have better fates.
I applaud the Girl Scouts for their enlightened policy -- they accept any child who identifies as female.
Were you in the Girl Scouts or Brownies? Did you have fun with them?
It makes me really happy to read stories of children who are allowed to live their life as the gender they feel they truly are. I'm glad she was allowed to join the Girl Scouts. (I have not participated, as it was never something that appealed to me.)
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Times are changing, for the better! This pleases me a lot. We still have a long way to go though.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad this child was allowed to join Girl Scouts. It would have been frustrating to read otherwise. :S
I was in Girl Scouts from first grade to seventh grade. It was a fun experience, because I made a lot of friends and the activities were a blast. But once I got into middle school, dance and theater won over my free time and I put aside that part of my life...
I am really glad the Girl Scouts had a change of heart. If this child feels like the Girl Scouts is where they want to be, they should be able to do so and do so proudly. I was in Brownies and Girl Scouts for a few years and I loved it! Heather
ReplyDeleteI was a Brownie for a few years. I'm so happy that the Girl Scouts let that child join. Now if only there was something we could do about the Boy Scouts...
ReplyDeleteI was in boy/eagle scouts. Haha! Actually it happened because I was attached to my brother and wanted to do anything he did (he's my halfbro who's about 6-7 years older). I did everything he did when I was little that I could. I never did girl scouts though.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad they approved the kid joining. My FTM friend was still arguing over the validity of living in a mixed dorm or a male dorm because for the first year, he was forced to live in a female dorm. It was a very frustrating situation.
I read that article. I was a girl scout brownies through seniors, then was a leader when Kiddo was in daisies and brownies. I enjoyed being a daisy leader more than anything else. Daisies is the kindergarten level.
ReplyDeleteGirl Scouts can now add badges for "Style", did you know that? Though I'm more impressed with the new badges for learning about money. Girl Scouts has always been inclusive - unlike BSUSA.
I was a brownie and don't remember much other than learning the Make New Friends song. My parents were never big on letting us do much outside of school, so no girl scouts for me.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was young, cowboy's were cool and I loved playing cowboy--guns and all. I liked playing as an Indian more--I think because I always had a thing for the underdogs.
That is so cool, I am glad that they came around. Way to be fair and give kids a chance to express themselves. They already have it so hard nowadays :)
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised they're that advanced of an organization. I don't know anything about them (except for the cookies of course), so maybe they're pretty accepting in general. Good for them.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad the Girl Scouts accepted her for who she really is.
ReplyDeleteI was in Brownies and Guides for many, many years as a child. I didn't really like it at the time, but I learned to socialize much better (I was extremely shy) and I learned a lot of valuable skills. I'm a whiz at knots!
Wow, very interesting story and I am so glad that they allowed the child to participate. inclusion is so important for so many reasons, and sense of belonging. Wow, I cant imagine what it must have been like for you to feel so many barriers to your self expression when you were young. And I am so glad you are able to share this stuff with us as an outlet for you.
ReplyDeleteI didnt have girl scouts or brownies where I grew up (very small rural community) so instead I was very active in sports (xcountry skiing, canoeing, hiking, camping, cycling, etc...)
xo J
Good on them for making her feel good about herself and for feeling included.
ReplyDeleteEveryone deserves to live their lives the way that makes them happy as long as they are not hurting others. I am sorry you were denied this and glad your friend's child has a different faith.
ReplyDeleteDaphne.
It's great that they realized their mistake and accepted the child. No child should be made to feel excluded. I was a Brownie and a Girl Scout for a couple years when I was younger and I loved it. I loved getting to spend time with other girls my age and do fun activities. :)
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I applaud your strength, and I am glad so much has changed. From the transgendered people I know in real life I've also heard that they knew of their mismatch early on as children but couldn't live as their true gender until they grew up (and "hormones destroyed their body" during puberty, which must be terrible). I have a question which is difficult to phrase so I won't leave it here in the comments, but expect an email from me soon-ish!
ReplyDeleteI must applaud girl scouts for stepping up and taking a stand - and
ReplyDeleteI was never a Girl Scout but always bought cookies. They were son good.
The Girl Scouts are a very open, progressive organization. They are very accepting of the LGBT community. Wish I could say the same of The Boy Scouts. I'm actually a lifetime member of The Girl Scouts, though I don't participate in anything anymore.
ReplyDeleteThat's so progressive and cool! I'm so glad they have a policy like that.
ReplyDeleteI'm so proud to say I was a Girl Scout until I was in my teens. I'm so glad that they allowed the transgendered child to join in. The organization is founded on friendship and growth into strong women...and if that child intends to live as a girl, she will have the support from her friends at an early age. Boy Scouts on the other hand with all their BS haterate makes me sick.
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