Daughters of the American Revolution votes to keep trans women in membership

On June 26, during its 135th Continental Congress in Washington, D.C., the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) voted 1,481‑984 against a proposed amendment that would define “woman” as “born female,” thereby preserving eligibility for transgender women. The veteran nonprofit, founded in 1890 and limited to women who can trace lineage to Revolutionary‑War patriots, had already amended its bylaws in 2023 to bar discrimination against trans applicants.

President Pamela Rouse Wright told members that “the new language does not change the criteria for membership,” confirming that trans members are already welcomed. A small faction called Daughters Advocating for Restoration had pushed to exclude trans women, but their effort was defeated. The outcome prompted mixed reactions: some members expressed relief, while others, like a California delegate, said they would curtail voluntary donations and participation. As one commentator noted, “The vote means the group’s leaders will get their way: They can now open membership to anyone who considers themselves to be female.”