An eastern Iowa transgender boy will be going to an American Legion summer program called Boys State.

Emmet Cummings was born a female and is transitioning into a male.

He was selected by the Center Point Chapter of the American Legion to attend Boys State. But later, the state legion board denied his application, saying transgender boys aren't allowed.

On Friday, the board announced they will make an exception for Cummings.

"So hopefully I can show the Board of Directors that a trans student in Boys State isn't that big of deal," Cummings said.

Cummings applied to Boys State to further his interest in state government.

He says he's looking forward to seminars from the National Guard and possibly being part of the band.

He said he hopes the board will change the rules to allow all transgender individuals in the program, permanently.

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The American Legion will allow a transgender Iowa teen to participate in Boys State, a week-long civic education program.

Emmet Cummings of Center Point was born a female and is transitioning into a male. We told you last week the Legion originally denied his application, not allowing transgender boys in the exclusively male program.

TV9 has learned the Legion's board recently voted to make an exception for Cummings. His family told us Cummings was disappointed the Legion didn't go further and change its rules.

There's no word on whether he'll attend.