Boy Scouts of America welcomes first transgender member
Joe Maldonado attended his first meeting this week
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A nine-year-old boy who was denied membership in the Cub Scouts because he is transgender, has finally been welcomed into the pack.
Joe Maldonado attended his first meeting in Essex County, New Jersey, this week after the Boy Scouts of America formally changed its policies to welcome children like him.
Seeing Joe in his Cub Scouts uniform was an emotional moment for his mother, Kristie Maldonado.
“It was amazing. They welcomed him. I can’t believe it had to come to that point to get him back into the Cub Scouts,” Ms Maldonado told The Independent.
Joe’s mother said she fought back after her son was excluded from another Cub Scout pack in Secaucus, New Jersey, last year because of his gender identity.
“Looking back, I’m glad that I didn’t just walk away when he got thrown out. I knew it was not right for them to do that to my child. He had every right to be there with his friends. I had to do something,” Ms Maldonado said.
The Boy Scouts of America used to base eligibility on the gender that appeared on a child’s birth certificate. That changed on January 30.
“Starting today, we will accept registration in our scouting programs based on the gender identity provided on an individual’s application," Chief Scout Executive Michael Surbaugh said.
Joe Maldonado began his transition two years ago, his mother said.
“It was about two years ago that he changed his name. But it’s been there all along, from age 2 or 2 and a half. I just didn’t know what it was," she added.
During her fight to get Joe into the scouts, Maldonado faced a backlash on social media. But she said that she was determined to find acceptance for her son and other transgender children.
“I know there are really cool people out there”, Ms Maldonado said. “If you feel your child deserves to do something or get something, being transgender should not stop it. You should fight for your child’s rights, because they wanted to be treated equally like everyone else.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments