Trans volunteer Corry can truly be himself at Scouts
Everyone’s welcome at Scouts. This Trans Awareness Week, Corry tells us how Scouts has supported him and how he’s creating a welcoming environment as a trans volunteer.
I’ve been involved in Scouts since I was eight, after my friend invited me to a Cubs open evening. Alongside so many enjoyable experiences, Scouts was a great place for me to figure out how I was interacting with other people my age in terms of gender.
As a trans person, I’m lucky that Scouts has always been a positive outlet for me. I was very worried before coming out and I felt very alienated, because I didn’t have any examples of queer people to look to. I needed to build my own support system and start living freely. Unfortunately, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I was distanced from the people who made me feel safe to explore my identity.
My biggest piece of advice to LGBTQ+ young people and volunteers is to make sure you’re safe. Your safety should always come first. There are people who’ll understand you in every space, especially in Scouts. Our values mean it’s a very accepting environment.
Corry, Scouts volunteer
At Explorers, I came out as trans on my last night. I thought, ‘If it goes badly, I never have to see them again’. My experience was the opposite. They were so nice and immediately accepting. On that night, my Explorer Team Leader got us mugs with our names on as leaving presents. After I came out, they took my mug back so they could get me a new one with my chosen name on it.
Now, I volunteer in a Cubs team and I have a pin on my necker, so if anyone needs to talk to me about anything, I’ll hopefully have created an environment where they feel like they can talk to me. Together with the Cubs team and our Group Lead Volunteer, we make sure everyone’s treating each other with respect.
I’m definitely more of a crafty than outdoorsy Scout and I ran a successful craft badge at a recent District camp. I taught young people aged 10 to 14 how to make origami frogs and talked to them about why it’s important to learn how to sew. As well as my sewing on my badges, I mend my socks and clothes.
I love my volunteer role, as I get to see the impact I’m having on young people. Whether it’s a young person saying ‘Thanks for running this activity’ or seeing them smile after an event I’ve planned, it’s so rewarding.
I think it’s important for Scouts to recognise awareness events like Trans Awareness Week and Pride Month. As a young person, I’d have felt even more strongly that Scouts is a safe place for me. We need to encourage our young people and volunteers to accept everyone, and these occasions are a great way to learn.
Corry, Scouts volunteer