LGBTQ+ members
Celebrate and support LGBTQ+ members
Our equality and diversity policy changed on 2 December 2025 and guidance is under review. Until that review is complete, this advice for Girlguiding members has not changed.
As a charity for all girls we strive to make sure that every girl and young woman is given equal access to the opportunities that we offer.
This can mean that we need to take a more bespoke approach on a case by case basis. So we invite all our leaders, or volunteers, who require support or advice on including any young members to use the resources and guidance available.
If you can't find what you need, or you want to talk things through with someone to make sure you are meeting the requirements of our equality and diversity policy, get in touch with your local commissioner or with the national info team for bespoke help and advice.
How you can create an environment where young members and volunteers can truly be themselves
It's vital that guiding remains a safe space for LGBTQ+ members - especially since they are still likely to experience discrimination elsewhere. Our guidance on sexuality and gender identity are designed to help you make a safe environment in your unit.
Planning activities and residentials
Find out more about some advice for including young trans members in activities, weekly meetings and residentials.
Join us at Pride
We have a presence at Pride events throughout the UK. These are planned and delivered by volunteers locally, with support offered at country and region level. If you'd like to get involved, contact your commissioner to find out if there are events happening near to you. Check out our top tips for going to a Pride event, too!
Attending Pride events reinforces our policy of being fair, open and inclusive. It highlights that members and supporters are welcomed irrespective of their faith, race, culture, nationality, sexual orientation or gender identity.
Pride events also offer the opportunity to celebrate the brilliant contributions of all our LGBTQ+ members, and to reach out to volunteers who may not have considered guiding before.
Support organisations
Contact these organisations for the most up-to-date information about supporting LGBTQ+ people.
Gendered Intelligence - a not-for-profit organisation working to increase understandings of gender diversity and improve the lives of trans people, especially young trans people.
They work throughout the UK, offering a broad spectrum of non-judgmental, practical services for young trans and gender questioning people and those who support them, such as mentoring, youth groups, parent support and downloadable resources.
Stonewall - Stonewall work with individuals, communities and institutions to let all lesbian, gay, bi and trans people, here and abroad, know they're not alone. Amongst a wide selection of resources and reports for further reading, they also provide an information service for LGBTQ+ people, a ‘What’s in my area?’ database, and coming out guides for young people.
Gender Identity Research and Education Society (Gires) - information for trans people, their families and the professionals who care for them.
It’s Pronounced Metrosexual - a comedy show and online resource with articles, graphics and other resources which explain gender in a clear and easy-to-access way.
The Gender Trust - helping trans people and those affected by gender identity issues.
Nonbinary.org - a non-binary gender visibility advocacy network. The website contains information and resources around non-binary gender.
Trans Media Watch - a charity that aims to improve media coverage around trans issues. The website contains a useful style guide of terms used in the discussions around trans people and gender identity.
Press for Change - the UK’s leading authority on trans law.
