It’s already been a big year for the transgender community. And by the looks of it, it’s just going to get better and better—all thanks to stories like this.
In a big step towards equality, The Girl Scouts of America is welcoming all girls into it’s ranks, including transgender girls. According to a recent policy change on their website, the organization accepts anyone that is “recognized by the family and school/community as a girl and lives culturally as a girl.”
“Our position is not new,” said GSA’s Andrea Bastiani Archibald to CNN. “It conforms with our continuous commitment to inclusivity.”
The recent development has ignited quite the backlash from many conservative groups across the U.S, including the American Family Association. The group quickly went on the attack, claiming that because of the policy change, Girl Scouts had lost their “moral compass.” In response, the group began a petition on May 13 asking Girl Scouts to go back and change their membership to “biological girls” only. So far, they have received over 38,000 signatures in support.
“This means girls in the organization will be forced to recognize and accept transgenderism as a normal lifestyle,” the petition reads. “Boys in skirts, boys in make-up and boys in tents will become a part of the program. This change will put young innocent girls at risk.”
Despite the attacks, Girl Scouts shows no signs of backing down on their promise of inclusivity. In fact, a day after the American Family petition went online, Dr. Archibald responded by reaffirming her original stance in a powerful online post. “There is not one type of girl. Every girl’s sense of self, path to it, and how she is supported is unique,” she wrote. “As we face a complex and rapidly changing 21st century, our nation needs all girls to reach their full potential, which has been our focus for more than 103 years.”
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