New Girl Scout troop starts at Utah gay pride center
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Girl Scouts are opening a troop at a gay pride center in Salt Lake City that officials say will welcome transgender youth and children from LGBT families.
In an era where the Girl Scouts of the USA has struggled with declining membership and recruiting enough adult volunteers, the idea was conceived by a Utah staffer who helps create troops outside the typical scouting mold.
Though the national organization says it isn't the first to openly invite transgender youth, the new group is drawing attention in conservative Utah where lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender groups have long struggled to find acceptance and were only recently given anti-discrimination protections.
"Girl Scouts is all about empowering girls to become leaders who make the world a better place," said Shari Solomon-Klebba, who has helped start troops at shelters and refugee centers. "Why not at the Pride Center?" ...
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