The American Parents Coalition is warning parents about the YMCA’s policy on gender identity and who may be allowed to bunk with girls.
The coalition said Wednesday that parents need to know YMCA determines access to overnight cabins, locker rooms, and showers on the basis of gender identity, The Daily Wire reported.
“Parents deserve the truth — especially when it involves the possibility that their children could be put in a situation where they’re expected to share private spaces with members of the opposite sex,” American Parents Coalition Executive Director Alleigh Marré said.
“Too many YMCA branches are putting gender ideology ahead of child safety by allowing locker rooms, showers, and cabins to become a free-for-all. This is unacceptable. Parents must question their local YMCA to ensure their child’s safety and advocate for sex-based spaces where they do not exist,” Marré added.
The YMCA said “all campers and staff have access to the facilities aligned with their gender identity and comfort within facility and resource limitations.”
Camp Olson in Longville, Minnesota, is one such camp
“Access to gendered spaces (e.g. restrooms, overnight accommodations) should be based on gender identity. Sex assigned at birth, physical characteristics, or presentation should not dictate the use of gendered space. Trans individuals may select either restroom,” per the camp’s guidelines. “Requiring someone to use a bathroom or other gendered space of the gender they do not identify can be detrimental to an individual’s well-being and safety and puts Camp Olson at risk for discrimination complaints.”
Females not feeling comfortable with this guideline an alternate space because “no one should be required to use an alternative restroom because they are trans.”
The same holds true with rooming assignments, which are also based on “gender identity.”
“All campers will be asked to select a cabin gender where they will feel most comfortable for that session upon registration,” the guidelines state.
Parents do not need to be informed if another camper identifies as transgender.
“If an individual comes out and/or chooses to be their authentic self at Camp Olson, this means they feel safe and brave enough to share a personal part of themselves that others may not see, understand or accept. It is crucial to note that an individual should not be outed without their permission, whether intentionally or accidentally, to other participants, staff, or their own families,” the camp said.
