Hero first trans boy in the Boy Scouts says Donald Trump is ‘ridiculous’
A hero nine year old who convinced the Boy Scouts of America to allow trans boys has shared his view on Trump.
Joe Maldonado, who has identified as a boy since he was two, previously sued the organisation after he was kicked out for being transgender.
Maldonado gave an incredibly articulate interview to MSNBC, discussing his experience of being a trans kid.
He also spoke out on how he feels about America – saying President Trump doesn’t make him feel proud.
Asked about how he feels about Trump reversing the rules on trans people’s right to use the appropriate bathroom, he said: “I think it’s wrong.”
“I think it’s ridiculous. This is just, oh my gosh, this is ridiculous,” he said.
“Because it doesn’t matter of your gender. It matters how you feel, not your gender.”
Transgender cub scout Joe Maldonado on protecting trans students: “It doesn’t matter of your gender. It matters how you feel.” pic.twitter.com/D0ygRPPx70
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) February 24, 2017
The boy previously became the first trans boy to join the Boy Scouts.
His pack leader Kyle Hackler, said it was an “historic” moment, as well as praising Joe for showing “an immense amount of courage”.
Helping him put on his new uniform and learn the Scout promise and salute, Hackler told Joe: “This means you’re the same as Scouts all over the world.”
“This is fun, I’m so proud,” added Joe.
“I am accepted, and I’m actually in the Boy Scouts.”
Despite being initially accepted into a group in Secaucus in October 2016, he was kicked out a month later after other parents complained.
His mother Kristie was then called by the group to prove her son was a boy, before being told he did not meet eligibility criteria.
In a statement the Boy Scouts (BSA) said the organisation was “pleased to welcome Joe and the Maldonado family back into the Scouting community.”
They added: “Moving forward, the BSA will continue to work to bring the benefits of our programs to as many children, families and communities as possible.”
