Clifton: Girl Scouts' trans inclusion unveils social ignorance

Next time you see the local Girl Scout troop selling cookies, you can rest assured that purchasing those Samoas or Thin Mints will send money to an inclusive organization.

So inclusive, they're allowing trans children to join — and if that doesn't sit well with you, at least listen up.

Girl Scouts of Colorado initially denied seven-year-old Bobby Montoya entry into a Denver troop, citing his "boy parts" as the reason, despite Montoya's gender expression, and according to Montoya's mother, "outspoken" gender identity. Girl Scout officials reversed the decision.

The unfortunate reality is that this isn't the norm for many organizations, including employers nationwide. In many states, trans people can still get fired without any protections.

Following the decision and the resulting controversy, the Girl Scouts made a bold statement clarifying its policy: "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."

Apparently the official who initially denied Montoya was unaware of the organization's policy. If anything, the statement will tattoo the policy into that staffer's memory for years to come.

Decisions like the one made initially by the Girl Scouts of Colorado official reflect a larger lack of understanding in America regarding gender identity and expression.

In an interview with openly gay CNN anchor Don Lemon, psychologist Dr. Alduan Tartt remarked, "He should not have been allowed interest into the Girl Scouts. It's for girls. It's not for boys that want to be girls."

Tartt later states that it's damaging for Montoya's mom to allow him to express his gender identity at such a young age "because he doesn't really know who he is. Think about it. He's not going to be accepted by boys and he's not going to be accepted by girls."

Hmm, that sounds similar to many past conversations regarding gays and lesbians. The whole "it's just a phase" and "not going to get acceptance" dialogue is just as damaging for children coming to terms with their gender identity.

Part of the larger issue is that some confuse sex, a.k.a. Montoya's "boy parts," and gender, which is more so between one's ears. One doesn't pop out of the womb automatically liking the color pink and My Little Pony or preferring the color blue and action figures. Those are learned, socialized behaviors usually reinforced by parents, educators and most television shows.

It's also important to note that sexual orientation and gender identity are different. According to the American Psychological Association, gender identity refers to one's internal sense of being male, female or something else. For example, a trans person could identify as heterosexual.

Here's the real question I ask you to consider, regardless of your initial stance: If Montoya were your child, would you take a protective role during his gender identity development, or would you enforce a "you were born a boy, so you will act like one" standard for him to live up to?

The latter is what Don Lemon seemed to suggest in his dialogue with Tartt, which was upsetting for me to watch. Lemon's interview suggested that due to societal pressure and Montoya's young age, the child's mother should not allow him to express his gender identity. You'd think a gay man at least would at least show some empathy with the ‘T' in LGBT, though this interview and his past remarks on trans people show a willful ignorance.

And surely, he is not alone. Many others, gay or straight, continue to grapple with their understanding of trans people, let alone children.  

But if you asked me, I would allow my child to explore his gender identity and join the Girl Scouts.

Parents don't always like how their child turns out or the decisions they make. I can attest to that from my own relationship with my parents — it took time for them to better understand my queer identity.

Though, with one of them, what I heard when I came out despite some obvious discomfort was: "You're still my child, and I still love you."

That's the message we should send kids who are exploring gender identity — that they are still embraced, protected and supported. It's the message Felisha Archuleta, Montoya's mother, sends to her child. She said, "I know it's going to be a really hard road for Bobby. I feel if we are there for him, we will get through it together."

Regardless of how you feel — parent or not — it's important to break free from any ignorance on gender identity development and remember the humanity of those different from us.

Derrick Clifton is a Communication senior. He can be reached at derrick.b.clifton@u.northwestern.edu