TL;DR
- DAR votes against banning trans women
- Decision preserves existing membership eligibility
- Anti-trans lobbying faced strong opposition
- Inclusivity group formed within DAR
- Trans members celebrate historic win
In a bold move that has sent ripples through the historical society community, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) voted against a proposal to ban transgender women from joining their ranks. This decision, made on June 26, 2026, marks a significant moment for inclusivity within an organization that has been around since 1890.
Transgender Americans, who are often overlooked in discussions about patriotism and history, were given a voice in this historic vote. “Transgender Americans are patriots, family members, volunteers, historians, and descendants of Revolutionary War ancestors just like anyone else,” asserted Ginnie Sebastian Storage, the 47th President General of the DAR.
The vote came after years of pressure from certain members who sought to redefine the organization’s criteria for membership to exclude trans women. In fact, the DAR had previously amended its guidelines in 2023 to protect trans members against discrimination, a move that some members clearly felt threatened their traditional values.
Despite the pushback, the organization stood firm. “The new language does not change the criteria for membership,” confirmed DAR spokesperson Bren Landon. This was a crucial point of clarification, especially after right-wing media outlets spun the narrative to suggest a sudden policy shift.
In February 2025, the governing body of the DAR had already rejected a proposal from its Texas chapter that aimed to ban trans women. However, the anti-trans sentiment did not die down. A group calling themselves Daughters Advocating for Restoration emerged, claiming to fight for the “preservation of Historic American Societies for Women” by attempting to close what they viewed as a loophole allowing trans women into the organization.
Laura McDonald, a leading member of this group, expressed her desire to maintain a strict definition of womanhood, stating that they aimed to prevent “men who self-identify as women” from being eligible for membership. This kind of rhetoric is a familiar tactic among anti-trans activists, aiming to delegitimize the identities of trans individuals.
In response, a counter-group called Daughters for Inclusivity formed, advocating for the rights of trans women within the DAR. One member poignantly pointed out the irony of a group founded to combat prejudice against women now perpetuating similar discrimination against trans women. “I cannot fathom that a group formed because of prejudice against women is now doing the same thing to our trans sisters,” she wrote.
The matter came to a head during the 135th Continental Congress, where members cast their votes. The final tally was 1,481 against to 984 in favor of defining woman as “born female,” effectively allowing trans members to remain part of the DAR. This decision was celebrated by many, including trans members who expressed their relief and gratitude for the support they received from allies within the organization.
Teagan Livingston, a trans DAR member since 2022, shared her joy in the Daughters for Inclusivity group, stating, “The comments I’m reading in this group offer hope. Although I likely don’t know any of you, thank you so very much for being such steadfast allies. In this current political climate, you’ve no idea how very much that means to me and other trans daughters!”
This vote not only preserves the dignity of trans women within the DAR but also reinforces the values of respect, service, and sisterhood that the organization claims to uphold. As the fight for LGBTQ rights continues, this decision serves as a reminder that progress is possible, even in the most traditional of spaces.