Boy Scouts of America to begin accepting transgender boys

[NavyCanDo]

But yet my son's troop would not allow him to join the other scouts on overnight camping trips unless parents were with him, because of his High Functioning Autism.

[geronl]

Stick a fork in them...

although they might like that.... get their S&M badge

[Taxcontrol]

As an adult leader, I could tolerate the homo youth.  We had a plan on how to manage/control any aberrant behavior.

When they allowed adult homo leaders, I resigned after 25+ years.

This is just one more step towards full "inclusion" of any and all "genders" into the Scouting program...regardless of the fact that there are Girl Scouts, Venture Crews, etc...the Boy Scouts had to be destroyed and it is.

Though not as long as you "in the shirt", your story is similar to mine.  My son (1st class) and I (ASM) both quit when the BSA decided to follow money instead of honoring their oath to God.

[goatprairie]

When I was  bs many decades ago I doubt many of us knew what a homosexual was.....heck, at the age of 11 most of us didn't know diddly squat about sex, period.
Why should the sexual inclinations of boys be known? I had a shirttail cousin who was a bs at the same troop of mine. Late it  came out he was a homosexual.
Undoubtedly, there have been thousands of boy scouts who were homosexuals, but nobody knew it. Why is it important that homo groups make it an issue? Nobody in my times asked questions about sex or sexual identity. That had nothing to do with scouting. It still has nothing to do with scouting.
 But now divisions will be created. Again, why is it important that people involved know about the sexual inclinations of some scouts? 
Scouting is not supposed to be about sexual identity. The only reason I can think of why they, homo groups, are doing it is to destroy every last vestige of traditional America including the BSs.

[17 Oaks]

When I was  bs many decades ago I doubt many of us knew what a homosexual was.....heck, at the age of 11 most of us didn't know diddly squat about sex, period.
Why should the sexual inclinations of boys be known? I had a shirttail cousin who was a bs at the same troop of mine. Late it  came out he was a homosexual.
Undoubtedly, there have been thousands of boy scouts who were homosexuals, but nobody knew it. Why is it important that homo groups make it an issue? Nobody in my times asked questions about sex or sexual identity. That had nothing to do with scouting. It still has nothing to do with scouting.
 But now divisions will be created. Again, why is it important that people involved know about the sexual inclinations of some scouts? 
Scouting is not supposed to be about sexual identity. The only reason I can think of why they, homo groups, are doing it is to destroy every last vestige of traditional America including the BSs.

Why did the military go from don't ask, don't tell?


The entire purpose of outing to make it acceptable to the general public, this is a stated goal of NAMBLA.  As each taboo becomes commonplace then they introduce another  deviation.  Its not LGVT, anymore its LGBTQ.  Now the Q stands for questioning and is used in the broad sense, questioning, what, everything. 


To make it worse the Feds got involved and Congress/Obama BESTOWED upon them due to being a "minority" PROTECTION of their rights.  One might note that the only group that does not have Federal protection of their rights is White Males.


If a minority hates a white male that is OK and in fact protected by the Feds.  If a white male hates a minority be them gay or purple, then the white male is deemed as a racist and does not receive federal protection.


We are the enemy!  Fast forward another 20 years and that is giving Trump 8 years.  The next round of the far left will bring a near dictatorship and rule of progressive (communist-socialist) and they NEED an enemy just like Hitler needed one.  Study your history, ez to see where its going...

[Taxcontrol]

Ok, I am confused.  Is a transgender boy 1) a biological girl that now identifies as a boy? What we used to call a tom boy.  Or is it 2) a biological boy who now identifies as a girl.

Somebody please clarify for me.

[geronl]

1) a biological girl that now identifies as a boy?

I don't think Tomboys ever identified as boys.

[mountaineer]

Ok, I am confused.  Is a transgender boy 1) a biological girl that now identifies as a boy? What we used to call a tom boy.  Or is it 2) a biological boy who now identifies as a girl.

Somebody please clarify for me.

I don't know what you used to call tom boy, but that's not even close to being the same as transgender. It's just a girl who isn't into frilly, glittery, "girly" stuff and might prefer playing baseball or fishing to painting her fingernails. But she still is and wants to be female.

[musiclady]

I don't think Tomboys ever identified as boys.

Absolutely not.

I was a hard core tomboy - aggressive, competitive, athletic - and the problem was in the 1950's that girls like me were told, "When you grow up you're going to have to change who you are.".... and that made me mad.

But all I wanted was to not be put in a tiny little box wrapped up in a pink bow and told I couldn't be the way God made me to be.  I wanted to play baseball on a team, and I couldn't.  I wanted to be outside and do yard work rather than be inside dusting furniture.

In other words, I wanted to do things that only boys were allowed to do, not actually BE a boy.

I'm glad, though that I didn't have wacko parents because they might have tried to turn me into a boy when I was, and still am, completely female.

I still don't think that "transgender" people exist.   Only people who are mentally disturbed.

[musiclady]

I don't know what you used to call tom boy, but that's not even close to being the same as transgender. It's just a girl who isn't into frilly, glittery, "girly" stuff and might prefer playing baseball or fishing to painting her fingernails. But she still is and wants to be female.

This.

(I still would rather hike than paint my nails.  Some stuff never changes. ^-^)

[debrawiest]

I don't know what you used to call tom boy, but that's not even close to being the same as transgender. It's just a girl who isn't into frilly, glittery, "girly" stuff and might prefer playing baseball or fishing to painting her fingernails. But she still is and wants to be female.

I was a tomboy at times.  I grew up on a farm with 5 brothers. I had no choice but to play what they wanted to play. Football, basketball, snow forts, Tonka trucks.  Sometimes I could convince one or two to play dolls with me, but that was very infrequent.

[IsailedawayfromFR]

Here's where my money now goes after cutting off the BSA for their dissolution of core values we have in America
https://www.traillifeusa.com/corevalues/

Core Values
Understanding the Core Values and Culture of the Program
CHRIST-CENTERED
Trail Life USA (TLUSA) is a Christian Outdoor adventure program that emphasizes and teaches biblical moral values and requires all adult members to agree with, sign, and abide by the Trail Life USA Trinitarian Statement of Faith and the Statement of Values.  The program is unapologetically Christian.  However, the program is designed and intended to be presented without being “churchy” or “religious,” focusing on outdoor adventure, character, and leadership development.  The analogy for this principle has been referred to as “carrot cake.”  The carrots in the cake are not in big and obvious chunks, but are still present throughout the entire cake, as are the assumptions of a Christian worldview throughout the entire program.  At the same time, the TLUSA program is not intended to replace or compete with other youth groups, Bible studies, or church programs, but rather to complement them and give youth an opportunity to exemplify and demonstrate Christian values in their relationships with others.

CHURCH-OWNED AND OPERATED
The Charter Organizations (most commonly churches) in the TLUSA program do not merely allow the organization to use space to meet in their building.  The Charter Organization is expected to own and operate the Troop through selecting its adult leaders, integrating the Troop into the life of the church, and by involving the boys in mission trips, service projects and/or other ministry or ceremonial purposes.  Each Charter Organization influences its Troop differently, but is encouraged to take ownership of the Troop as an active part of its ministry offerings to the members of  the church and/or the community at large.

OUTDOOR-FOCUSED
We believe there is something special about being in the outdoors. This enables our program to instill “Adventure, Character, and Leadership” traits in boys and young men.  Camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities help build deep relationships and provide a special context for leadership, problem solving, conflict resolution, and character building.  We also value the outdoor focus of our program as a unique means of helping a boy see and appreciate the wonder, majesty, and grandness of God as reflected in His creation.

SAFETY
Trail Life USA is committed to the health, welfare, and safety of our youth, volunteers, staff, and employees.  Physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health are integrated into everything we do to ensure as safe a program as possible.  The goal should always be to provide challenging, adventurous, and fun activities in a manner that no injuries occur beyond those that are readily treatable by simple first aid.

COURAGE
The morals and values of our country are deteriorating at an exponential rate and are becoming increasingly opposed to true Christian values.  As our organization grows and matures, future challenges will require increased character and courage by both adult and youth members as they stand for the timeless values articulated in the TLUSA Statement of Faith and Statement of Values which originate from the Holy Scripture and the teachings of the Church.  With this cultural pressure in mind, we will continually commit ourselves to the truths found in the scriptures, that we are to fear God and not man, and that the  fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and understanding.

MALE-CENTERED ADULT LEADERSHIP
TLUSA is a program focused on turning boys into godly men.  Our firm conviction is that this can only be done by allowing a boy the opportunity to interact, work with, and be mentored by and with other Christian men.  Women can serve in a number of roles in the organization including the National Board of Directors, National Advisory Board, Regional Leadership, Area Leadership, Troop Committee members, and even as the Charter Organization Representative (COR).  However, other than in the Woodlands Trail program for younger boys 5-10 years old, adult leaders in positions of direct contact to boys must be male.

VOLUNTEER-DRIVEN
Trail Life USA will be operated and supported by volunteers at every level. Troops connect with one another locally, and leaders are strongly encouraged to solve each other’s problems at roundtable discussions, online forums, and the like. Area Teams of experienced volunteers, possessing expertise in Advancement, Camping, Activities, Community Service, Marketing, and much more, stand ready to help. Direct Service Advisors are appointed by the Area Team to coach and mentor Troop leaders. Areas report to Regional volunteer committees, and Regions to the professional staff.  As a result — and by design — Home Office staff will be kept to a minimum. This is not only good stewardship but allows the members of the organization to take full ownership of and investment in the program.

PROGRAM FLEXIBILITY
The flexibility principle behind our program elements allows local Troops to adapt the program to fit the needs of their unit. A good example would be running only a Woodlands Trail and Adventurers program but not a Navigators program because of a lack of boys in a Troop or a lack of adult leaders.  There will be some elements of the program which are unyielding and mandatory, but many parts of the way the program is delivered can be customized to fit the immediate needs of the local Troop and Charter Organization.

SHARED LEADERSHIP
Since the founding of the organization by a wide coalition of leaders in Louisville, Kentucky in June of 2013, TLUSA has operated under the principle of shared leadership.  Shared leadership seeks to involve others in the process and not “hog” or “lord over” the authority and public nature of leadership.  While we recognize the need for strong leadership at every level, we also encourage the sharing of leadership by all those holding positions.  Examples of this principle might look like occasionally allowing other adult leaders to share in doing the Troopmaster’s minute, delegating responsibilities, instituting term limits for Committee Chairmen, or having adult and youth Chaplains recruiting others to pray  every now and then.

YOUTH-CENTERED LEADERSHIP
The youth should be leading other youth.  Our firm conviction is that the only way a young man is going to learn the art of true Christian leadership is to allow him to initiate, to lead, and even to make mistakes.  There is a constant temptation by adult leaders to step in and instruct the boys in weekly meetings, at campouts, and at other events to show the boys how things should be done “right,” “better,” or “smarter.”  While adults can and should advise, counsel, make suggestions to youth leaders, and provide oversight to those young men designated as leaders, youth should be allowed to plan, organize, make decisions, and be the primary leaders.

CHARACTER-FOCUSED, NOT AWARDS-FOCUSED
Some boys’ programs are very focused on helping the boy achieve as many awards as he can in the shortest period of time to achieve the highest rankings and awards the program has to offer.  In contrast, TLUSA is more concerned with building character than with earning badges and ranks.  While TLUSA has a robust and prominent ranking and awards structure, this will not be the focus of the program. The focus should always be on building character over merely earning awards.  This value is reflected by the fact that a young man cannot simply earn the Freedom Award quickly in a couple of years; he must stay in the program over an extended period of time — demonstrating maturity and leadership — to earn the highest award  in the program.

SERVANT LEADERSHIP
Leadership with a servant’s attitude by both adults and youth is a core value of TLUSA.  Servant leadership is characterized by humility and the willingness to work alongside others and not just “boss” people around.  Leading by example and sacrifice are also qualities of servant leadership.

FAMILY-ORIENTED
While this will not be the case in every location, ideally the goal would be to create a “family-centered” youth-enrichment experience where on one night, in one location, boys and their dads can participate in Trail Life USA, and girls and their moms can be involved with American Heritage Girls.  There are many obvious strengths to this model, and those who are able to experience it will discover lasting impact and accelerated spiritual growth for every member of the family.

DECENTRALIZED DECISION-MAKING
Pursuant to the TLUSA By-Laws, after January 1, 2015, decisions regarding changes to the most important elements of the organization will be made by each Charter Organization casting a vote, and not by professionals or delegates chosen by professionals.  This principle will be used for any changes to the governing Board Members of Trail Life USA. To ensure fidelity to the principles and values of Trail Life USA, any changes to the Statement of Faith, Statement of Values, or membership standards would require an 80% vote by all Charter Organizations.

DEBT AVERSE
The National Board of Directors is committed to being debt averse.  The organization will continue to be self-funded with the annual budget for operating expenses growing in direct proportion to fees generated by the growth of the membership.  The organization will not accept gifts of property unless it can clearly benefit from the gift without incurring debt from operational or other costs associated with the property.

WALK WORTHY!
“… that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;…”

Colossians 1:10

[SZonian]

Here's where my money now goes after cutting off the BSA for their dissolution of core values we have in America
https://www.traillifeusa.com/corevalues/

Core Values
Understanding the Core Values and Culture of the Program
CHRIST-CENTERED
Trail Life USA (TLUSA) is a Christian Outdoor adventure program that emphasizes and teaches biblical moral values and requires all adult members to agree with, sign, and abide by the Trail Life USA Trinitarian Statement of Faith and the Statement of Values.  The program is unapologetically Christian.  However, the program is designed and intended to be presented without being “churchy” or “religious,” focusing on outdoor adventure, character, and leadership development.  The analogy for this principle has been referred to as “carrot cake.”  The carrots in the cake are not in big and obvious chunks, but are still present throughout the entire cake, as are the assumptions of a Christian worldview throughout the entire program.  At the same time, the TLUSA program is not intended to replace or compete with other youth groups, Bible studies, or church programs, but rather to complement them and give youth an opportunity to exemplify and demonstrate Christian values in their relationships with others.

CHURCH-OWNED AND OPERATED
The Charter Organizations (most commonly churches) in the TLUSA program do not merely allow the organization to use space to meet in their building.  The Charter Organization is expected to own and operate the Troop through selecting its adult leaders, integrating the Troop into the life of the church, and by involving the boys in mission trips, service projects and/or other ministry or ceremonial purposes.  Each Charter Organization influences its Troop differently, but is encouraged to take ownership of the Troop as an active part of its ministry offerings to the members of  the church and/or the community at large.

OUTDOOR-FOCUSED
We believe there is something special about being in the outdoors. This enables our program to instill “Adventure, Character, and Leadership” traits in boys and young men.  Camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities help build deep relationships and provide a special context for leadership, problem solving, conflict resolution, and character building.  We also value the outdoor focus of our program as a unique means of helping a boy see and appreciate the wonder, majesty, and grandness of God as reflected in His creation.

SAFETY
Trail Life USA is committed to the health, welfare, and safety of our youth, volunteers, staff, and employees.  Physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health are integrated into everything we do to ensure as safe a program as possible.  The goal should always be to provide challenging, adventurous, and fun activities in a manner that no injuries occur beyond those that are readily treatable by simple first aid.

COURAGE
The morals and values of our country are deteriorating at an exponential rate and are becoming increasingly opposed to true Christian values.  As our organization grows and matures, future challenges will require increased character and courage by both adult and youth members as they stand for the timeless values articulated in the TLUSA Statement of Faith and Statement of Values which originate from the Holy Scripture and the teachings of the Church.  With this cultural pressure in mind, we will continually commit ourselves to the truths found in the scriptures, that we are to fear God and not man, and that the  fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and understanding.

MALE-CENTERED ADULT LEADERSHIP
TLUSA is a program focused on turning boys into godly men.  Our firm conviction is that this can only be done by allowing a boy the opportunity to interact, work with, and be mentored by and with other Christian men.  Women can serve in a number of roles in the organization including the National Board of Directors, National Advisory Board, Regional Leadership, Area Leadership, Troop Committee members, and even as the Charter Organization Representative (COR).  However, other than in the Woodlands Trail program for younger boys 5-10 years old, adult leaders in positions of direct contact to boys must be male.

VOLUNTEER-DRIVEN
Trail Life USA will be operated and supported by volunteers at every level. Troops connect with one another locally, and leaders are strongly encouraged to solve each other’s problems at roundtable discussions, online forums, and the like. Area Teams of experienced volunteers, possessing expertise in Advancement, Camping, Activities, Community Service, Marketing, and much more, stand ready to help. Direct Service Advisors are appointed by the Area Team to coach and mentor Troop leaders. Areas report to Regional volunteer committees, and Regions to the professional staff.  As a result — and by design — Home Office staff will be kept to a minimum. This is not only good stewardship but allows the members of the organization to take full ownership of and investment in the program.

PROGRAM FLEXIBILITY
The flexibility principle behind our program elements allows local Troops to adapt the program to fit the needs of their unit. A good example would be running only a Woodlands Trail and Adventurers program but not a Navigators program because of a lack of boys in a Troop or a lack of adult leaders.  There will be some elements of the program which are unyielding and mandatory, but many parts of the way the program is delivered can be customized to fit the immediate needs of the local Troop and Charter Organization.

SHARED LEADERSHIP
Since the founding of the organization by a wide coalition of leaders in Louisville, Kentucky in June of 2013, TLUSA has operated under the principle of shared leadership.  Shared leadership seeks to involve others in the process and not “hog” or “lord over” the authority and public nature of leadership.  While we recognize the need for strong leadership at every level, we also encourage the sharing of leadership by all those holding positions.  Examples of this principle might look like occasionally allowing other adult leaders to share in doing the Troopmaster’s minute, delegating responsibilities, instituting term limits for Committee Chairmen, or having adult and youth Chaplains recruiting others to pray  every now and then.

YOUTH-CENTERED LEADERSHIP
The youth should be leading other youth.  Our firm conviction is that the only way a young man is going to learn the art of true Christian leadership is to allow him to initiate, to lead, and even to make mistakes.  There is a constant temptation by adult leaders to step in and instruct the boys in weekly meetings, at campouts, and at other events to show the boys how things should be done “right,” “better,” or “smarter.”  While adults can and should advise, counsel, make suggestions to youth leaders, and provide oversight to those young men designated as leaders, youth should be allowed to plan, organize, make decisions, and be the primary leaders.

CHARACTER-FOCUSED, NOT AWARDS-FOCUSED
Some boys’ programs are very focused on helping the boy achieve as many awards as he can in the shortest period of time to achieve the highest rankings and awards the program has to offer.  In contrast, TLUSA is more concerned with building character than with earning badges and ranks.  While TLUSA has a robust and prominent ranking and awards structure, this will not be the focus of the program. The focus should always be on building character over merely earning awards.  This value is reflected by the fact that a young man cannot simply earn the Freedom Award quickly in a couple of years; he must stay in the program over an extended period of time — demonstrating maturity and leadership — to earn the highest award  in the program.

SERVANT LEADERSHIP
Leadership with a servant’s attitude by both adults and youth is a core value of TLUSA.  Servant leadership is characterized by humility and the willingness to work alongside others and not just “boss” people around.  Leading by example and sacrifice are also qualities of servant leadership.

FAMILY-ORIENTED
While this will not be the case in every location, ideally the goal would be to create a “family-centered” youth-enrichment experience where on one night, in one location, boys and their dads can participate in Trail Life USA, and girls and their moms can be involved with American Heritage Girls.  There are many obvious strengths to this model, and those who are able to experience it will discover lasting impact and accelerated spiritual growth for every member of the family.

DECENTRALIZED DECISION-MAKING
Pursuant to the TLUSA By-Laws, after January 1, 2015, decisions regarding changes to the most important elements of the organization will be made by each Charter Organization casting a vote, and not by professionals or delegates chosen by professionals.  This principle will be used for any changes to the governing Board Members of Trail Life USA. To ensure fidelity to the principles and values of Trail Life USA, any changes to the Statement of Faith, Statement of Values, or membership standards would require an 80% vote by all Charter Organizations.

DEBT AVERSE
The National Board of Directors is committed to being debt averse.  The organization will continue to be self-funded with the annual budget for operating expenses growing in direct proportion to fees generated by the growth of the membership.  The organization will not accept gifts of property unless it can clearly benefit from the gift without incurring debt from operational or other costs associated with the property.

WALK WORTHY!
“… that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;…”

Colossians 1:10

It's a very sound program initiated by many ex-BSA members who are painfully aware of the warts, problems and in some cases, corruption that has affected the BSA.  Their Charter reflects this.  TLUSA will probably never grow as large as the BSA and that is perfectly fine...kids need a good place to go, away from the worldly nonsense that has infected the BSA.  Once I get over my BSA hangover and decompress, I plan to offer my services as we have at least one Troop locally that I'm aware of.  Not inclined to let 25+ years of outdoor and leadership experience go to waste...

[goatprairie]

Absolutely not.

I was a hard core tomboy - aggressive, competitive, athletic - and the problem was in the 1950's that girls like me were told, "When you grow up you're going to have to change who you are.".... and that made me mad.

But all I wanted was to not be put in a tiny little box wrapped up in a pink bow and told I couldn't be the way God made me to be.  I wanted to play baseball on a team, and I couldn't.  I wanted to be outside and do yard work rather than be inside dusting furniture.

In other words, I wanted to do things that only boys were allowed to do, not actually BE a boy.

I'm glad, though that I didn't have wacko parents because they might have tried to turn me into a boy when I was, and still am, completely female.

I still don't think that "transgender" people exist.   Only people who are mentally disturbed.

My wife was not a tomboy, but as a child she preferred to play with the boys because  "they had more fun." 
However, her male friends were always giving her the lesser heroic roles when playing games. When they played cowboys and Indians or cops and robbers, she was the one who was always getting tied up.
But she still liked running around doing daring things rather than playing timid games the girls of her age played.
 By the way, she grew up in England. She was always a bit of a rebel by her own admission. She didn't like being told what she could or couldn't do or what her limitations as a female were supposed to be.

[mountaineer]

Ditto, @musiclady on just wanting to have the opportunities boys had, without wanting to be one!

Up until about 7 years ago, until we moved out of that town, I played pickup basketball every day with guys aged 18-72 at a local college (students, staff, faculty) - came home with jammed fingers, bruises, even a black eye. My husband just shook his head.

[Smokin Joe]

Are transgendered boys...

... boys who think they are girls?
... girls who think they are boys?

I can never figure the term out.

I can't either, but I hope they don't grow up to be plumbers. If they can't get the basics right, I don't think that would turn out well.

[Smokin Joe]

I still don't think that "transgender" people exist.   Only people who are mentally disturbed.

Sadly, that seems to get a lot of encouragement nowadays, too.

[musiclady]

My wife was not a tomboy, but as a child she preferred to play with the boys because  "they had more fun." 
However, her male friends were always giving her the lesser heroic roles when playing games. When they played cowboys and Indians or cops and robbers, she was the one who was always getting tied up.
But she still liked running around doing daring things rather than playing timid games the girls of her age played.
 By the way, she grew up in England. She was always a bit of a rebel by her own admission. She didn't like being told what she could or couldn't do or what her limitations as a female were supposed to be.

She sounds a lot like me - a rebel and an adventurer!  I had 7 broken bones as a child, numerous stitches, and innumerable bruises wounds that only required butterfly bandages.   (I also beat up bullies on the playground ^-^ )

I still have a reflex reaction against being told what to do.  I would have been a very bad soldier!

@goatprairie

[Wingnut]

She sounds a lot like me - a rebel and an adventurer!  I had 7 broken bones as a child, numerous stitches, and innumerable bruises wounds that only required butterfly bandages.   (I also beat up bullies on the playground ^-^ )

Man, show up for medical service with those child hood war wounds today and many of us would be removed from our homes and our parents investigated for child abuse by the local office of Child Protective Services!

[musiclady]

Ditto, @musiclady on just wanting to have the opportunities boys had, without wanting to be one!

Up until about 7 years ago, until we moved out of that town, I played pickup basketball every day with guys aged 18-72 at a local college (students, staff, faculty) - came home with jammed fingers, bruises, even a black eye. My husband just shook his head.

I know there are lots of females who like "girlie" things, but there are also a lot of us who don't (even as adults - I hate shopping!), and it was difficult to be a competitive athletic girl in the 50's.

For me there were no opportunities for sports as a child (other than GAA, where half the girls giggled if they let a ground ball go past them, or dropped a fly ball).  The first chance I had to compete was college, where I was one of only about 1500 women country-wide who played on an intercollegiate basketball team (I'll tell you about my ankle injury sometime!).  The college only allowed women in the fieldhouse during our practices, on Tuesday night and Saturday morning, so we couldn't even practice shooting outside of practice, or play pick up basketball in the gym.

For most people 'feminism' is only what the leftist idiots who are messed up people have made it, but for me it was a very real need.  I think that you're enough younger than I am, so that things had already started improving for us "tomboys" (who, as you said, were very much female, and didn't want to BE male), and I'm glad of that.

I think I would have been a suffragette. 

[musiclady]

Man, show up for medical service with those child hood war wounds today and many of us would be removed from our homes and our parents investigated for child abuse by the local office of Child Protective Services!

I've thought of that!  With all the blood and bruises I had between the ages of 7 and 12, I most surely would have been taken out of my parents home.  My Mom said that she was afraid for me because every time I went out of the house to play I came back wounded.  ^-^

Fortunately, my Dad was medical and knew how to bind wounds (and had interned in the hospital ER where I was taken for X-rays), so everything was cool.

[Bigun]

I've thought of that!  With all the blood and bruises I had between the ages of 7 and 12, I most surely would have been taken out of my parents home.  My Mom said that she was afraid for me because every time I went out of the house to play I came back wounded.  ^-^

Fortunately, my Dad was medical and knew how to bind wounds (and had interned in the hospital ER where I was taken for X-rays), so everything was cool.

I still don't know how I survived to adulthood. But I loved every minute of the time spent getting there!

[Wingnut]

@Bigun @musiclady

We were the original "Free Range" children!

[Bigun]

@Bigun @musiclady

We were the original "Free Range" children!

I don't know if we were the originals but we sure as heck were part of the line!

[mountaineer]

I suspect that these girls-who-think-they're-boys-and-so-demand-to-join-Boy Scouts are going to play the "girl card" whenever the boys start roughhousing, wrestling around, etc., (the way boys do) at a troop meeting or campout.