CRC and LGBT

LGBTQ+ people have been oppressed for generations, and we hear a lot about how it violates their human rights, but not too many people are sure about the rights guaranteed to LGBTQ+ youth by the UN. Although these rights are not enforceable, they are unquestionably what we all deserve.

The first bill that LGBTQ+ youth should look to is the convention on the rights of a child, the only countries who have not signed this bill are Somalia, and even stranger the United States.

The most obvious of these rights that relate to this topic and that all children (that aren't Somalian or American, sorry) are entitled to are articles 9 and others which are your rights to be free of mistreatment and to have a family that loves you. If you are not Fortunate enough to have either of these things there are several other articles that give you the right to be in foster care and to live away from an abusive relative.

Secondly, you are entitled to a name, an identity, and to have opinions (articles 7,8, and 12) all these articles apply to transgender children. You also have the right to source information that contributes to your well being (17), you also have the right to find and share information (13). (Speaking of which share our blog posts please).

You have the right to learn about these rights, just another way reading this post is one of your rights. (42)

But lastly, according to articles 2, 4, and 5 both your parents and your government (unless you're American or Somalian) have the responsibility of protecting all these rights. According to Article 2: “1. States Parties shall respect and ensure the rights set forth in the present Convention to each child within their jurisdiction without discrimination of any kind, irrespective of the child's or his or her parent's or legal guardian's race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, property, disability, birth or other status. 2. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure that the child is protected against all forms of discrimination or punishment on the basis of the status, activities, expressed opinions, or beliefs of the child's parents, legal guardians, or family members.”

So be aware that even though (if you're a young member of the LGBTQ community) you are one of the most internationally persecuted minority groups you have rights, and you should not let anyone stop you from using them and according to article 15

“1. States Parties recognize the rights of the child to freedom of association and to freedom of peaceful assembly.”

So get out there and protest!