A 10-year-old child, who self-identifies as a transgender girl, is saddened by the prospect of leaving the Girlguiding organization due to recent policy changes. Girlguiding recently announced that individuals identifying as female but assigned male at birth will no longer be allowed to remain in the organization past early September.
With a membership ranging from ages four to 18, Girlguiding boasts around 300,000 participants in various groups such as Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, and Rangers, alongside approximately 80,000 volunteers. Notably, the organization does not collect data on gender identity, making it challenging to determine the number of transgender members impacted by the new regulation.
The decision to exclude transgender girls from joining the organization aligns with a previous statement made in December, emphasizing membership exclusively for “girls and young women.” These policy adjustments, which mandate trans girls and women in female-only volunteer roles to transition to positions open to both genders, stem from a Supreme Court ruling in April 2025 defining “woman” and “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 as biological distinctions.
Girlguiding defended its stance by citing thorough evaluations, legal consultations, and feedback from various stakeholders, including senior members, youth participants, the council, and board of trustees. Legal disputes arose previously when a former unit leader raised concerns about safeguarding issues related to restroom and dormitory usage.
In response, a mother of a 10-year-old transgender girl within the organization highlighted the absence of demonstrated harm and advocated for practical solutions to manage risks. Expressing disappointment in Girlguiding’s decision, she emphasized the importance of inclusivity and challenged the notion of excluding children based on gender identity.
Moreover, a campaign group, Guiders Against Trans Exclusion (Gate), reported numerous volunteer resignations following the policy change, with expectations of more departures as members contemplate their continued involvement. Former leaders, including a psychology lecturer, initiated legal actions against Girlguiding, emphasizing concerns about safeguarding practices and the importance of maintaining single-sex spaces for girls.
Despite criticisms and resignations, Girlguiding reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for girls’ and women’s rights, safety, and dignity, while also supporting marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals. The organization urged for clear and youth-informed guidelines on single-sex spaces, currently under review by the Equality and Human Rights Commission, to prioritize the well-being of all girls in their programs.
