Boy wanting to join Girl Scouts told 'no'

[Gaborn]

DENVER - Everyone has their favorite toys, no matter what age they are. For 7-year-old Bobby Montoya, it's Brats, Barbies and Strawberry Shortcake.

"I like girl stuff," Bobby said.

Bobby is a 7-year-old boy. His mother refers to him as a "he," but Bobby dresses and behaves like a girl.

"Bobby identifies as a girl, and he's a boy," Felisha Archuleta, Bobby's mom, said. "He's been doing this since he was about 2 years old. He's loved girl stuff, so we just let him dress how he wants, as long as he's happy."

Bobby is happy most of the time. But he says, sometimes in school, being a boy and dressing like a girl occasionally is tough. He's been bullied.

"It's hurting my heart," Bobby said. "It hurts me and my mom both."

Recently, Archuleta wanted to sign Bobby up for Girl Scouts. His older sister did it, and Bobby really wanted to join. Archuleta told 9NEWS when she brought Bobby to register, a troop leader told her Bobby couldn't join.

"I said, 'Well, what's the big deal?' She said 'It doesn't matter how he looks, he has boy parts, he can't be in Girl Scouts. Girl Scouts don't allow that [and] I don't want to be in trouble by parents or my supervisor,'" Archuleta told 9NEWS.

"It was like somebody told me I can't like girl stuff, and I have to change my name to something else," Bobby said.

Girl Scouts of Colorado released this statement to 9NEWS:

"Girl Scouts is an inclusive organization and we accept all girls in Kindergarten through 12th grade as members. If a child identifies as a girl and the child's family presents her as a girl, Girl Scouts of Colorado welcomes her as a Girl Scout. Our requests for support of transgender kids have grown, and Girl Scouts of Colorado is working to best support these children, their families and the volunteers who serve them. In this case, an associate delivering our program was not aware of our approach. She contacted her supervisor, who immediately began working with the family to get the child involved and supported in Girl Scouts. We are accelerating our support systems and training so that we're better able to serve all girls, families and volunteers."

Corey Barrett with the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Community Center of Colorado says the Center is seeing young people exploring their gender identity at an earlier age.

"There has definitely been this increase of questioning at an early age," Barrett said, "I think it's all about providing a healthy environment for them for that to happen. Everyone needs to be prepared or at least have an idea from a policy and procedure stand point how they're going to address that. And make sure that the public is aware of that."

The statewide nonprofit center for the LGBT population offers an educational program for parents and children going through a similar situation. The program also connects parents to others who are experiencing the same things. Find out more about those programs here, http://www.lgbtcenters.org/Centers/Colorado/25/Gay-Lesbian-Bisexual-and-Transgender-Community-Center-of-Colorado.aspx.

Story Here

So happy that this story has a happy ending

 

[Stinkles]

Just merge the two organizations. Or call it scouts. Who gives a shit? There is nothing about camping or knitting that has anything to do with penises or vaginas. Boys and girls and transgender kids live in the same world. Let them play in it too

 

[Log4Girlz]

That's good for her

 

[NomarTyme]

Parks and Rec episode!... kind of.

 

[commedieu]

PLEASE GOD READ THE OP FIRST EVERYONE.

 

[Orayn]

Just merge the two organizations. Or call it scouts. Who gives a shit? There is nothing about camping or knitting that has anything to do with penises or vaginas. Boys and girls and transgender kids live in the same world. Let them play in it too

I wouldn't want to mix the Boy Scouts' discrimination with the Girl Scouts' clean track record on such things.

 

[BocoDragon]

Good on them for doing the right thing immediately.

Just merge the two organizations. Or call it scouts. Who gives a shit? There is nothing about camping or knitting that has anything to do with penises or vaginas. Boys and girls and transgender kids live in the same world. Let them play in it too

I think that's pretty fair.

 

[outunderthestars]

Good to see a happy ending.

That said. I really wish Campfire USA was more popular.

They are a really cool alternative.

I wouldn't want to mix the Boy Scouts' discrimination with the Girl Scouts' clean track record on such things.

THIS THIS THIS. Boy Scouts are a terrible organization. Girl Scouts are pretty cool overall.

 

[ajf009]

PLEASE GOD READ THE OP FIRST EVERYONE.

ban wave incoming?

 

[Poyunch]

Parks and Rec episode!... kind of.

 

[DonMigs85]

I dunno, I wouldn't want to buy cookies from a Boy scout. He might've put boogers in it

 

[Orayn]

THIS THIS THIS. Boy Scouts are a terrible organization. Girl Scouts are pretty cool overall.

To be fair, there are pockets of dissent within the Boy Scouts that conveniently ignore the official policies of discrimination. It's just a shame it has to be that way...

ban wave incoming?

BANS FOR THE BAN GOD! GRAY NAMES FOR THE GRAY NAME THRONE!

 

[RumblingRosco]

I'm not sure I support Bobby being accepted to Girl Scouts. Obviously, if everyone involved is okay with it, then that's great and I have no qualms, but I have other somewhat related questions. Excuse my ignorance, and by no means do I mean to come off as a douche, but how does an individual with male genitalia, but identifies as a female, choose which restroom to use? Legally, they should use the male restroom, right, or is this not the case?

 

[outunderthestars]

I'm not sure I support Bobby being accepted to Girl Scouts. Obviously, if everyone involved is okay with it, then that's great and I have no qualms, but I have other somewhat related questions. Excuse my ignorance, and by no means do I mean to come off as a douche, but how does an individual with male genitalia, but identifies as a female, choose which restroom to use? Legally, they should use the male restroom, right, or is this not the case?

Well it's not like girls strip naked and all piss together into a single hole on the ground. Why would it matter?

 

[Stinkles]

I'm not sure I support Bobby being accepted to Girl Scouts. Obviously, if everyone involved is okay with it, then that's great and I have no qualms, but I have other somewhat related questions. Excuse my ignorance, and by no means do I mean to come off as a douche, but how does an individual with male genitalia, but identifies as a female, choose which restroom to use? Legally, they should use the male restroom, right, or is this not the case?

Who cares? It's already irrational that we have two types of restroom. Terror of penis and farting means bathroom areas are probably a third or so too big and illogically planned. You're defecating. You are pissing. It is not a mystery. Get over it society.

 

[DonMigs85]

Who cares? It's already irrational that we have two types of restroom. Terror of penis and farting means bathroom areas are probably a third or so too big and illogically planned. You're defecating. You are pissing. It is not a mystery. Get over it society.

But what about the smell of period blood

 

[Crumpet Trumpet]

PLEASE GOD READ THE OP FIRST EVERYONE.

lmao ikr

 

[RumblingRosco]

Who cares? It's already irrational that we have two types of restroom. Terror of penis and farting means bathroom areas are probably a third or so too big and illogically planned. You're defecating. You are pissing. It is not a mystery. Get over it society.

So you're saying if you were a woman that had been raped you'd be okay knowing that a male sex offender could be in the stall right next to you while you're sitting on a toilet with your pants and underwear at your ankles? Extreme case I know, but there's no clear benefit that I can see to de-segregating them, whereas there are clear negatives.

EDIT: In before "why is it a woman that had to be raped!"

 

[Deleted member 8095]

Parks and Rec episode!... kind of.

"This public forum, like all public forums, is a waste of time."
-Ron Swanson

 

[BocoDragon]

But what about the smell of period blood

It attracts bears!

 

[Stinkles]

But what about the smell of period blood

Manpoop, smells like old spice and winning.

 

[whitehawk]

Who cares? It's already irrational that we have two types of restroom. Terror of penis and farting means bathroom areas are probably a third or so too big and illogically planned. You're defecating. You are pissing. It is not a mystery. Get over it society.

My cousin works at a restaurant with unisex bathrooms. There just aren't any urinals. Makes sense to me. The guys probably wouldn't care if this trend followed, but I'm sure many girls would.

 

[foodtaster]

it's good that he was denied from the girl scouts. Why have organizations if anyone can join any of them?

 

[Devolution]

But what about the smell of period blood

As if we're immune to other women's period smells.

 

[Stat Flow]

Yo them girl scout cookies be ON POINT.

 

[Yaboosh]

So you're saying if you were a woman that had been raped you'd be okay knowing that a male sex offender could be in the stall right next to you while you're sitting on a toilet with your pants and underwear at your ankles? Extreme case I know, but there's no clear benefit that I can see to de-segregating them, whereas there are clear negatives.

EDIT: In before "why is it a woman that had to be raped!"

So what is currently preventing a man from raping a woman in a women's restroom?

 

[Stinkles]

As if we're immune to other women's period smells.

Get thee to the forest and return when thou art clean in the sight of god and man. If a bear should devour thee, then consider thy soul unabsolved and damned for eternity.

 

[RumblingRosco]

So what is currently preventing a man from raping a woman in a women's restroom?

Well, for one, the moment a man walks in a women's restroom a woman knows to be on guard. In the unisex situation, it would be seen as normal for him to be here so neither the woman inside nor anyone outside that saw him go in would be alerted.

 

[outunderthestars]

So what is currently preventing a man from raping a woman in a women's restroom?

apparently the fear of the smell of menstrual blood.

 

[Slayven]

Who cares? It's already irrational that we have two types of restroom. Terror of penis and farting means bathroom areas are probably a third or so too big and illogically planned. You're defecating. You are pissing. It is not a mystery. Get over it society.

Hell no, it would be a nightmare at some places. Dudes are like ninjas when it comes to bathrooms. Woman not so much.

 

[ZealousD]

Legally, they should use the male restroom, right, or is this not the case?

I don't think there are actually too many laws in place that say a man can't go into the women's restroom. Isn't this kind of thing actually governed by the private businesses themselves?

 

[BocoDragon]

Who cares? It's already irrational that we have two types of restroom. Terror of penis and farting means bathroom areas are probably a third or so too big and illogically planned. You're defecating. You are pissing. It is not a mystery. Get over it society.

The bathrooms are segregated to shield women's eyes from the glorious utility of urinals. They might get jealous.

Freud defined it as "Urinal envy".

 

[Stinkles]

Is this a good point to point out that after 10pm, the women's rtroom is infinitely more disgusting in a public place than the men's, because they will not touch the toilet seat with their precious bums and instead hurl paper, fluids and feces around until it looks like the bathroom from Silent Hill?

Bouncers know what I am preaching.

 

[Yaboosh]

I don't think there are actually too many laws in place that say a man can't go into the women's restroom. Isn't this kind of thing actually governed by the private businesses themselves?

Interesting question. I doubt it is left up to the business owner.

 

[outunderthestars]

Is this a good point to point out that after 10pm, the women's rtroom is infinitely more disgusting in a public place than the men's, because they will not touch the toilet seat with their precious bums and instead hurl paper, fluids and feces around until it looks like the bathroom from Silent Hill?

Bouncers know what I am preaching.

This is terrifyingly true. Women's bathrooms are disgusting.

 

[RumblingRosco]

I don't think there are actually too many laws in place that say a man can't go into the women's restroom. Isn't this kind of thing actually governed by the private businesses themselves?

Well, I know in the state of Illinois that any business over about 4-6 people in size requires separate restrooms. Less than 4-6 (I forget the exact number) employees and a unisex bathroom is allowed.

 

[Grinchy]

Thanks. Now I am craving Girl Scout cookies.

 

[Misanthropy]

.

 

[Orayn]

Interesting question. I doubt it is left up to the business owner.

Why wouldn't bathroom configuration be left up to the business owner?

If I identify myself as a spoon do I get to join the silverware club? I'm all for finding out who you truly are and making sure that you find your identity but I still believe there are some things which should determine sex based off of XX/XY. Or just merge the clubs together like someone else said.

1. Provide an example.
2. Why?

 

[Devolution]

So you're saying if you were a woman that had been raped you'd be okay knowing that a male sex offender could be in the stall right next to you while you're sitting on a toilet with your pants and underwear at your ankles? Extreme case I know, but there's no clear benefit that I can see to de-segregating them, whereas there are clear negatives.

EDIT: In before "why is it a woman that had to be raped!"

I get on edge when it's the early morning, the building has just opened, and I'm the only one in the women's restroom. I don't really think it will make much of a difference. I can see your concerns but honestly when it comes to predators they're probably less inclined to try something when another man can walk right in.

 

[ZealousD]

Well, I know in the state of Illinois that any business over about 4-6 people in size requires separate restrooms. Less than 4-6 (I forget the exact number) employees and a unisex bathroom is allowed.

There's a difference between requiring multiple restrooms and actually saying a man can't go into the women's restroom or vice versa.

 

[outunderthestars]

Why wouldn't bathroom configuration be left up to the business owner?

building codes require a certain number and type of bathroom stalls depending on the type and size of the business.

If I identify myself as a spoon do I get to join the silverware club? I'm all for finding out who you truly are and making sure that you find your identity but I still believe there are some things which should determine sex based off of XX/XY. Or just merge the clubs together like someone else said.

They actually have co-ed scouting. http://www.campfireusa.org/

 

[Ultratech]

Serious question: Why is this is becoming more of a common occurrence?

I suppose a better question would be: "Why do boys identify themselves as girls (and vice-versa)?" And why does it seem to becoming more and more common?

 

[RumblingRosco]

There's a difference between requiring a "men's" and "women's" restroom and actually saying a man can't go into the women's restroom or vice versa.

I guess, it seems to me that they wouldn't require the different restrooms at all if they didn't have legally defined purposes. I could be wrong of course; it wouldn't be the first time the US government has an ambiguous/not complete law.

Serious question: Why is this is becoming more of a common occurrence?

I suppose a better question would be: "Why do boys identify themselves as girls (and vice-versa)?" And why does it seem to becoming more and more common?

I suspect several factors. Mostly, socially, it's more accepted now adays. Also, it wouldn't surprise me if the mass pharmaceuticals being consumed and then pumped into our water supply aren't causing humans to develop with a different chemical balance than they were in the past. Of course, I'm totally pulling shit out of my ass at this point and by no means do I know what the fuck I'm talking about.

 

[Yaboosh]

Why wouldn't bathroom configuration be left up to the business owner?

Businesses have to contain a certain amount of restroom facilities by law. I imagine certain states have laws against unisex bathrooms after a certain size business, but I don't know that for sure.

 

[BocoDragon]

Serious question: Why is this is becoming more of a common occurrence?

I suppose a better question would be: "Why do boys identify themselves as girls (and vice-versa)?" And why does it seem to becoming more and more common?

Less social taboos.

More honesty.

More and more marginalized people feeling that it's right to make their voice heard.

They've always been there... society just made them feel like they had to hide it before.

 

[Yaboosh]

Serious question: Why is this is becoming more of a common occurrence?

I suppose a better question would be: "Why do boys identify themselves as girls (and vice-versa)?" And why does it seem to becoming more and more common?

Because thankfully a person is feeling more and more comfortable with being the way that they truly are. It is wonderful that you are hearing more and more of this.

 

[outunderthestars]

Serious question: Why is this is becoming more of a common occurrence?

I suppose a better question would be: "Why do boys identify themselves as girls (and vice-versa)?" And why does it seem to becoming more and more common?

Because we are finally becoming a more accepting society.

Because thankfully a person is feeling more and more comfortable with being the way that they truly are. It is wonderful that you are hearing more and more of this.

fistbump.jpg

 

[Misanthropy]

.

 

[Deleted member 8095]

Serious question: Why is this is becoming more of a common occurrence?

I suppose a better question would be: "Why do boys identify themselves as girls (and vice-versa)?" And why does it seem to becoming more and more common?