Youth in Girl Scouts
GSNI welcomes Girl Scouts across many diverse identities including girls, transgender youth, and gender expansive youth.
Why no cisgender boys?
Girls and trans youth face unique challenges and oppressions in their lives due to their gender identities. We strive to create a safe space that is inclusive, equitable, and accessible for marginalized gender identities. A place where, as Girl Scouts, they can build courage, confidence, and character so they can make the world a better place.
How can I make Girl Scouts an inclusive place for ALL Girl Scouts?
Resource: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Guide-to-Being-an-Ally-to-Transgender-and-Nonbinary-Young-People.pdf
Creating a safe and affirming space benefits all Girl Scouts, not just those who are LGBTQ+. All Girl Scouts will interact with the LGBTQ+ community as family members, friends, and fellow community members even if they are not LGBTQ+ themselves. For this reason, making Girl Scouts an inclusive space matters all the time, not just when an LGBTQ+ individual is involved.
If you hear comments about being gay or trans used as an insult or negative description, hear a homophobic or transphobic joke, or hear other stereotypes or hurtful language being used, take time to talk about it. Your responses could include:
- Ouch! That comment/joke was hurtful/homophobic/transphobic, please don’t do it again.
- Actually, that is a stereotype, not all XYZ people do/say/experience that. May I share another perspective?
- When you say ABC, you are insulting the XYZ community. Can you think of a different word to use?
Use role models from the LGBTQ+ community when looking for guest speakers or historical figures for troop meetings. Seeing positive representations of LGBTQ+ people can help counterbalance negative representations and stereotypes that young people may pick up. And it demonstrates that our LGBTQ+ Girl Scouts can have a future in leadership too!
Celebrate LGBTQ+ holidays like:
- International Transgender Day of Visibility (3/31)
- National Coming Out Day (10/11)
- Pride Month (6/1 through 6/30)
How can I best support an LGBTQ+ Girl Scout:
- Keep the Girl Scout and their well-being in mind.
- Allow them to talk about their feelings and experiences.
- Ask them if they are getting support elsewhere or need anything from you.
- Respect their privacy.
If you don’t know the answer to something, that’s ok! Tell them you aren’t sure and will find more information.
Do I have to use a Girl Scout’s pronouns?
Yes. Asking for and using correct pronouns is a way to treat everyone with respect. Introducing yourself and including your own pronouns is a wonderful way to make space for others to do the same. If you make a mistake, apologize, correct yourself, and move on. If you hear someone else make a mistake with your pronouns or another Girl Scout’s pronouns, correct them, and move on. For more information, please see https://www.mypronouns.org.
What do I tell people if they have questions about another Girl Scout?
Let them know that due to the individual Girl Scout’s right to privacy, you cannot discuss specifics about any member and remind them that Girl Scouts is a welcoming and inclusive environment.
How do I respond to or support parents or volunteers who argue or question the policies/procedures?
Please refer them to their Membership Engagement Specialist, Director of Membership, or Chief Operating Officer.
Do I have to provide separate bathrooms, dressing rooms, or showers for LGBTQ+ Girl Scouts?
All Girl Scouts are entitled to privacy while using restroom facilities. This includes toilets, changing areas, and showers. Please continue to practice good privacy strategies including access to private changing spaces and times for all individuals, whenever requested. Members have the right to use the facilities of their choosing (men’s, women’s, or gender-neutral facilities where available).
For overnight events, where should everyone sleep?
Girl scouts who are LGBTQ+ can share a room and all facilities with other Girl Scouts. Unless a Girl Scout states otherwise, no separate sleeping arrangements are necessary. There is no need to “out” or discuss a Girl Scouts’ gender identity with other youth or adults. If questions or issues arise, address the issue with respect, protecting the needs of the LGBTQ+ youth, and in an age-appropriate manner.
During the registration process, provide an opportunity for Girl Scouts and families to share what they need to be successful for the overnight and provide an opportunity for accommodations such as private shower facilities or sleeping arrangements as requested.
What if I don’t have the right words?
From the time of Shakespeare to the teen slang of today, language is always changing. Do your best to learn more, but don’t fault yourself if you feel two steps behind. If you have a question, feel free to ask the person who used it or look it up. Follow the lead of the Girl Scout and the language they use to describe themselves.
Keep in mind though, that the language we use matters, and that we are setting an example for the Girl Scouts we serve. Language can be used to purposefully demean others, like when the wrong pronouns are repeated after multiple corrections. Or it can be used to purposefully include others. Default to gender neutral terms and pronouns that avoid promoting a binary when gender doesn’t need to be specific.
- People of all genders do these jobs: firefighter, police officer, mail carrier.
- Addressing a group: everyone, folks, honored guests, friends, kiddos, Girl Scouts
- Pronouns: they, them, theirs
What if two Girl Scouts are dating?
It is strongly encouraged that groups make group agreements and that one of the group agreements states that the relationships built through Girl Scout activities are intended to be platonic. Public displays of affection during Girl Scout events are discouraged. Volunteers and employees held to the same standards.
What if LGBTQ+ topics are raised by youth or come up naturally during Girl Scout activities?
If topics relating to LGBTQ+ identities are raised organically, it is acceptable to discuss them on the level of identity, education, and experiences. Avoid allowing the conversation to turn to the act of sex. Please use your best judgement and, if unsure, in consultation with GSNI staff in deciding whether the use of a Sensitive Issues Permission Slip would be required. In that case, tell any individuals involved that you would like to place a hold on the conversation and that you will return to it once the permission slips have been issued. With older Girl Scouts or with groups with LGBTQ+ youth, you may want to make use of the Sensitive Issues Permission Slip at the beginning of year to allow for the conversation to happen when it arises.
What if volunteers or employees identify as trans+ or gender non-conforming?
The same guidelines are applicable regardless of whether the individuals are youth, volunteers, or employees.
I don’t feel equipped to navigate gender issues, what can I do?
Talk to the individual, talk to parents (if they are engaged and know), talk to the appropriate staff member. Educate yourself and consider attending our LGBTQ+ and other DEI training opportunities. We are excited to help and support you and there are lots of resources for you.
We all have a responsibility to treat every individual with respect and dignity, and to honor the way they show up in the world.
What should I do if a Girl Scout comes out to me?
Express appreciation. The fact that they have trusted you with this information is a big deal.
Ask if they need any support or assistance, or if they are getting support and assistance from anywhere else.
If a Girl Scout is sharing their gender identity, ask what name and pronouns you should use for them AND if you may use that name and pronoun all the time or only in certain circumstances. It is important to remember they may not be out in all settings.
Respect the Girl Scouts’ privacy by not sharing this personal information with anyone else unless the Girl Scout has asked you to or given you permission to. The Girl Scout may not have shared this information with their family and friends or may not be living openly. Disclosing this personal information causes unnecessary stress on the young person and can put them at risk.
Do not question or deny the identity the Girl Scout has shared with you.
