Remember the Girlguides thread? We have our first success!

[AgnesBadenPowell]

A few weeks ago I posted here and in AIBU about Girlguiding UK and their transgender policy - I'm a leader. I'm also using the App so can't link to the threads but will come back later when I'm on a laptop.

I did not expect such a large response - over 800 posts in all. The support has been amazing. Via those threads, some people made contact with me and another leader and bravely agreed to speak out about their concerns.

We now have a story published in today's Sunday Times! This couldn't have happened without your support, input and encouragement. I'm grateful to everyone.

The only downside is the original article was heavily edited at the 11th hour to make way for other stories. Lots of other points and quotes were cut out. I made it clear to the reporter that I love Guiding and it was a tough decision to be publicly critical. I was also clear that GG's policy, however misguided, was written with good intentions. This was all lost in the editing.

The important thing is the message is out there now and GG will have to do something.

Do also check out the comments - lots of common sense and reasonableness. If we can demonstrate that there's lots of interest then we have more chance of a follow up so please leave comments if you can; I plan to stay in touch with the ST.

www.thetimes.co.uk/article/gender-swap-boys-spark-guides-revolt-wtcv7xjk5?shareToken=772e2cb2a2f2c493cf7fdcdbc245ab9b

I'm off to name change and then go to lunch but I'll be back later. Thanks again

I read through the original thread but didn't post. Really great work and the comments are mostly very sensible.

Great work Agnes, thank you 🙏🏻

And one of the commenters has linked the petition

I understand it must be disappointing for you having seen the original article but honestly the published article is a huge win.
Well done

I can't see the comments, and the article seems quite short. Can anyone who can login give an example of what's being said?

@Mner have they? Excellent!

great work. fantastic

And well done OP, that's hugely brave of you

Here is the text of the short version was published:

Guide leaders are rebelling against a policy that lets boys claiming to be female share showers and tents with girls on camping trips. The organisation forbids leaders telling parents.

Helen Watts, 33, is one of at least 20 rebel unit leaders to write to Girlguiding’s national headquarters in protest at the rules, published in January last year, which apply to all girl guides aged 5 to 25.

They say Girlguiding has dismissed their concerns. Now they want girls and parents to be asked their views. Watts, who leads a west London Rainbows unit for girls aged 5 to 7, said: “I don’t think a transgender person necessarily presents a danger to anyone else, nor would I want to exclude them . . . but the emphasis is being placed on their needs and not on the needs or views of the other girls.”

Some rebels have been attacked online as “bigoted Terfs [trans-exclusionary radical feminists]”.

Lindsay and Richard, who live in the north of England, have a daughter about to go away on her first camp. “You are putting the onus on a young girl to say whether or not she is uncomfortable sharing with a boy,” they said. “It could lead to her being labelled transphobic if she says she is unhappy.”

Girlguiding said: “We offer bespoke guidance for any leader who is looking to run an activity, like a camp, involving a trans child.”

@marycoconnor

This is amazing. Well done.

Excellent, well done

@dekfiji this is the most liked comment

Well done Agnes.

@dekfiji a few more comments

Those are promising and balanced comments, rather than a whiplash "transphobia!" reaction.

Good job

Fantastic op. Well done. I think the comments are good too

Thank you for posting the article with a share token, AgnesBadenPowell. I am heartened by the comments - and the link to Amy Desir's petition.

The tide is starting to turn, which is great news.

This does mean that TRAs will up their efforts but the more they do the more that people will see their ideology for what it is and reject it.

A tick in the win column! Well done!

It is a FABULOUS article - even though shorter than you hoped it gets across the main points - especially that trans trumps girls and that they weren't consulted.... I think you are going to get more interest! And I truly truly hope you are working with the Mail about doing a great feature - it's right up their street and would reach SO many people.... Good luck and congratulations - and Im not surprised you got such a strong response on Mumsnet - just an indication about how important this REALLY is

Really well done, that's definitely a win. Well done for being willing to be 'out' and hope you - like Amy and others - are not affected by too much abuse, online or in person.

Well done!!!

Excellent work Agnes.

I hope you are spared a shitstorm because you've spoken out, what you've done is incredibly brave.

Stay strong!

this is great. Safeguarding is fundamental to participation.