MAPLEWOOD, N.J. — A New Jersey boy has become the first openly transgender member of the Boy Scouts one week after the Boy Scouts of America changed its policy to allow transgender children to join the organization.

‘‘I am accepted,’’ Joe Maldonado said Tuesday night as he put on a Cub Scout uniform.

The 9-year-old joined Pack 20 in Maplewood following the organization’s decision to allow transgender scouts, The Record newspaper reported. Maldonado had been banned from a Cub Scout group in Secaucus before the policy change.

‘‘This is fun; I’m so proud,’’ he said during the meeting.

Scout leader Kyle Hackler taught Maldonado the Cub Scout salute and oath. ‘‘This means you’re the same as Scouts all over the world,’’ Hackler told Maldonado.

The Northern New Jersey Council of Boy Scouts had told Joe he would not be allowed to continue to be a member.

Associated Press