A transgender activist who performs burlesque under the stage name Violette Hue was part of a committee advising Girlguiding, a prominent youth organization, on how to support transgender girls and women. Paula Southin, 58, who was born male, held a role on a key committee tasked with exploring opportunities for transgender individuals within the organization, according to reports.
Girlguiding announced in December that it would restrict membership to biological girls and young women, a decision praised by some following a Supreme Court ruling that sex in equality law refers to biological sex. However, whistleblowers claim that despite this ruling, leaders within the organization remain influenced by the transgender rights movement. Southin, who was a former Girl Guide leader, had previously expressed strong opposition to the organization's ban on transgender girls.
Southin was appointed to an advisory panel that met seven times between January and March to discuss how Girlguiding could assist trans girls and trans women. The panel explored ideas for connecting with trans people, considering inclusivity and legal aspects, though the organization stated this consultation was not intended to reverse the membership decision. Concerns have been raised about Southin's public persona, including provocative online performances and images, though there is no suggestion of wrongdoing.
Southin resigned as a Guide leader after the organization decided to stop accepting new transgender girls. On social media, Southin stated that the policy change "sickens me to the core" and argued that the Supreme Court ruling did not explicitly ban transgender people from single-sex spaces. Girlguiding has stated that it has not received any safeguarding reports involving transgender individuals.
Whistleblowers within Girlguiding's London headquarters have described an environment where expressing "gender-critical" views, which hold that biological sex cannot be changed, is discouraged. One former employee reported feeling psychologically unsafe and that dissenting views were unwelcome. Another current employee indicated that the prevailing attitude within Girlguiding is that transgender women are women, leading to an avoidance of discussions about biological reality.
Girlguiding's head of girl experience, Gemma Benton, reportedly posted a since-removed image on Facebook of a dog with a label that read "I bite terfs," a derogatory term for feminists who hold traditional views on biological sex. This has drawn criticism from those who believe the organization should not be influenced by trans rights activism.
The organization launched a consultation involving around 500 people to explore ways to support trans girls and women. Suggestions published on its website include exploring events, activities, and campaigns involving trans people, and setting up trans-friendly spaces linked to the movement. A spokesperson for Girlguiding stated that the recent policy changes were driven by the Supreme Court ruling and that the organization has sought independent, professional advice. The safety and safeguarding of members remain the top priority, and the task force aimed to offer a safe space for ideas without seeking to reverse the decision.
Parents are reportedly taking legal action against Girlguiding's decision to allow existing transgender members and volunteers to remain until September, citing safeguarding concerns. An activist group, Guiders Against Trans Exclusion (Gate), is reportedly campaigning to overturn the ban and has lobbied politicians. Some Girl Guide units have reportedly considered switching to the Scouts or forming alternative groups to navigate the new policies.