UNITED STATES: Transgender child joins Girl Scouts

Submitted by crinadmin on

Summary: "If a child identifies as a girl and the child's family presents her as a girl, Girl Scouts of Colorado welcomes her as a Girl Scout," the group said in a statement.

[27 October 2011] – A seven-year-old transgender child has been allowed to join the Girl Scouts of Colorado in the US. 

This marks a turnaround decision, as when first taken to register, Bobby Montoya, from Denver in Colorado, who lists his favourite toys as Bratz and Strawberry Shortcake, was refused admittance because "he has boy parts," according to a registering official. 

Bobby said it was tough news to hear. "It was like somebody told me I can't like girl stuff and I have to change my name to something else." 

But the organisation since released a statement saying they support transgender children.

"Girl Scouts is an inclusive organisation and we accept all girls in Kindergarten through 12th grade as members," the statement read.

“Our requests for support of transgender kids have grown, and Girl Scouts of Colorado is working to best support these children.”

"If a child identifies as a girl and the child's family presents her as a girl, Girl Scouts of Colorado welcomes her as a Girl Scout."

[Sources: Fox News, 9News] 

 

Further Information: 

Country: 
United States
Issues: 
Gender and girls

Please note that these reports are hosted by CRIN as a resource for Child Rights campaigners, researchers and other interested parties. Unless otherwise stated, they are not the work of CRIN and their inclusion in our database does not necessarily signify endorsement or agreement with their content by CRIN.