Parents and children devastated by Girlguiding’s ban on trans women and girls

Parents and volunteers have spoken out about the impact of a recent ban on trans women and girls from participating in Guide groups.

It follows an announcement in late 2025 that “trans girls and young women will no longer be able to join Girlguiding.”

Now, the organisation has said that existing Guides will also have to leave when new policies come into effect in September 2026.

Parents devastated

Speaking to the Guardian, parents and volunteers have described the change in policy as ‘deeply distressing’. They are also concerned it will have a ‘catastrophic impact’ on their children.

One mother, who has two daughters in the Guides, commented on her eldest’s indecision, knowing her younger sister can no longer participate in their local group:

It’s a very tricky position for her to be in … Girlguiding has taught her values of kindness and compassion, and now she’s being told those values have limits and that limit is your younger sister. It’s very difficult.

In a statement released last year, Girlguiding claimed to have made decision ‘with a heavy heart’. One volunteer responded:

We know Girlguiding didn’t want to do this but we still want to hold them to account for the decisions they’ve made and make it really clear they are hurting people.

Principles contradicted

Pressure from the government, the Supreme Court and TERF groups has left Girlguiding struggling to maintain its own principles. Last year’s statement concluded with the claim:

For over 100 years, we have been a welcoming space for all girls to have new experiences, support their communities, build friendships and grow their confidence.

While Girlguiding may feel a little different going forward, these core aims and principles will always endure and we remain committed to treating everyone with dignity and respect, particularly those from marginalised groups that have felt the biggest impact of this decision.

Unfortunately, solidarity with a marginalised group counts for little in an announcement that they are to be excluded. The Canary‘s Maddison Wheeldon wrote in March 2026:

One of the Girlguiding mottos is: ‘We help girls know they can do anything’. As long as they’re the right kind of girls.

Protests organised

On 12 April, Guiders Against Trans Exclusion (GATE) are organising protests in six cities across the UK. So far, protests have been confirmed in London and Edinburgh, with more expected to follow.