Transgender children and young people are now able to join the UK Girl Guides, Rainbows and Brownies, breaking a 107-year-old year long tradition.
The organisation states in new guidelines that, “Girlguiding aims to support all girls and young women. This is understood in terms of the way a person self-identifies their gender identity — a person’s inner sense of self”.
Chief Executive Julie Bentley has described the Girl Guides as “the ultimate feminist organisation”.
She says the that group welcomes any young person who self-identifies as a young girl or woman.
“Girlguiding complies with the Equality Act 2010 which makes clear organisations providing single-gender services should treat people according to their acquired gender,” says Bentley.
The Girl Guiding website now has a page that advises unit leaders on key considerations to make to ensure young transgender members are able to fully participate in activities. The page reminds leaders to plan in advance, provide options, consider the facilities available when booking accommodation and be culturally aware when travelling overseas.
The guidelines also state that, “A person does not have to disclose to you if they are trans. If they do, you should respect their confidentiality”.
Parents will not be informed about the trans status of any other member, to protect their identity.
