Thursday, February 16, 2017

First transgender Boy Scout officially welcomed


A New Jersey boy has become the first openly transgender member of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA).

Just one week after the BSA changed its policy to allow transgender children to join, Joe Maldonado donned his uniform as the newest member of Pack 20 in Maplewood.

"I am accepted", said the nine-year-old, as his mother fought back tears.

The youngster had previously been banned from Pack 87 in Secaucus because his birth certificate stated that he was born a girl.

In 2013, the National Annual Meeting of BSA voted to allow gay members into the organisation. And two years after, an executive committee officially ended its longstanding ban on gay scout leaders.

Congrats Joe!


BSA is an example of equality and inclusivity


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