Girlguiding in the UK has announced a major change to its membership policy, stating that males who identify as trans will no longer be eligible to join the organization following a recent Supreme Court decision on sex and gender.
In an update shared with members, the organization said, “Following the Supreme Court decision relating to sex and gender, Girlguiding's Board of Trustees confirmed that trans girls and young women, from 2 December 2025, would no longer be able to join Girlguiding.” It added that the decision “was made to make sure we were operating lawfully and following our governing charity documents, which affect how our membership eligibility is defined.”
The group emphasized that its broader mission remains unchanged, stating, “Girlguiding exists to empower girls and young women and help create a more equal world. Our values and beliefs have not changed.” It continued, “We remain committed to standing up for the rights, safety and dignity of girls and women, and to supporting marginalised communities, including LGBTQ+ people, to improve the lives of girls.”
Current male member who are trans will be permitted to remain in the organization during a transition period. “Current young members who are trans girls can stay with Girlguiding until 6 September 2026,” the update said.
The organization also outlined changes for volunteers, noting, “Any trans girl or trans woman who is currently volunteering in a role open to women only, will need to move to a role that is open to all volunteers by 6 September 2026.”
Girlguiding added that further details will be shared with members, stating, “We are updating our members with further operational information about the timings for this change.” It also said it is seeking additional clarity from regulators, noting, “We want the forthcoming Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) guidance to be clear, workable and informed by the voices of young people and volunteering organisations, to ensure that the wellbeing of all girls remains at its heart.”
In an update shared with members, the organization said, “Following the Supreme Court decision relating to sex and gender, Girlguiding's Board of Trustees confirmed that trans girls and young women, from 2 December 2025, would no longer be able to join Girlguiding.” It added that the decision “was made to make sure we were operating lawfully and following our governing charity documents, which affect how our membership eligibility is defined.”
The group emphasized that its broader mission remains unchanged, stating, “Girlguiding exists to empower girls and young women and help create a more equal world. Our values and beliefs have not changed.” It continued, “We remain committed to standing up for the rights, safety and dignity of girls and women, and to supporting marginalised communities, including LGBTQ+ people, to improve the lives of girls.”
Current male member who are trans will be permitted to remain in the organization during a transition period. “Current young members who are trans girls can stay with Girlguiding until 6 September 2026,” the update said.
The organization also outlined changes for volunteers, noting, “Any trans girl or trans woman who is currently volunteering in a role open to women only, will need to move to a role that is open to all volunteers by 6 September 2026.”
Girlguiding added that further details will be shared with members, stating, “We are updating our members with further operational information about the timings for this change.” It also said it is seeking additional clarity from regulators, noting, “We want the forthcoming Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) guidance to be clear, workable and informed by the voices of young people and volunteering organisations, to ensure that the wellbeing of all girls remains at its heart.”
