The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is a legally binding human rights treaty that defines minimum standards for the rights of children. The U.S. and Somalia are the only two UN members that have not ratified the UNCRC. Please vote to ratify. For more information regarding the UNCRC, please visit: http://childrensrights.ie/childrens-rights-ireland/un-convention-rights-child

About This Campaign
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) grants various rights to children. However, this campaign aims to address the importance of the right to express one’s views without discrimination as set forth in Articles 2 and 12 of the treaty. Article 2 states that all rights of children should be respected “without discrimination of any kind, irrespective of the child's…race, color, sex…” Article 12 asserts that “…Parties shall assure to the child who is capable of forming his or her own views the right to express those views freely in all matters affecting the child”.

Unfortunately, potentially due to the country’s failure to ratify the UNCRC, this is not always the case for children in America. The following instances highlight children who have suffered greatly due to their inability to freely express their sexuality and/or gender identity and have, therefore, ‘missed’ the free will to be themselves.

People who have been Affected
Leelah Alcorn (Nov. 1997 – Dec. 2014): Born, Joshua Ryan Alcorn, Leelah Alcorn was a transgender girl whose suicide resulted in international attention. Leelah mainly struggled with acceptance from her conservative, Christian parents who failed to come to terms with their daughter’s gender identification, merely sending her to Christian-based conversion therapy in an attempt to convince Leelah to accept her birth gender. Alcorn committed suicide by walking in front of oncoming traffic on the highway. She posted a suicide note on Tumblr, discussing societal standards, discrimination, abuse, and lack of support affecting transgender people. Attracting attention, petitions were created to enact a ban on conversion therapy in the U.S., under what would be known as the “Leelah Law”. This received a supportive response from President Obama

 Kyler Prescott (July 2000 – May 2015): Kyler Prescott was more than a transgender boy. He was a pianist and activist for marriage equality and animal rights. Kyler’s parents were extremely supportive of his gender identification, even using male pronouns and asking whether his feminine childhood photos should be removed from the  home. Still, Kyler struggled with puberty and endured cyber bullying, which ultimately led to his suicide at only 14. Details of how the teen died in his bathroom are still unrevealed, as his mother chooses not to know. Kyler’s story was featured on Caitlyn Jenner’s docu-series “I Am Cait”.

Ash Haffner (Dec. 1998 – Feb. 2015): 16 year old Ashlyn Haffner killed himself in the exact manner as Leelah Alcorn, walking into oncoming traffic. His mother discovered his body and revealed that her son had been a victim of bullying for years, which only worsened after Ash began transitioning as a man. It can be assumed that Ash’s method of suicide was in honor of Leelah Alcorn and her beliefs written in her suicide note. Is this the only way that transgender and/or gay children can get their voices heard?

What Can You Do?
Vote. Vote. VOTE! Signing signifies a country’s intent to work toward implementing the rights outlined in the UNCRC. However, the U.S. Senate must pass “implementing legislation” with 66% vote. If you agree with the UNCRC, vote for its’ ratification.

Addtl. Information: If you or someone you know is suffering with sexuality and/or gender identification issues, there is help available. For confidential support call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Transgender Lifeline on +187 756 588 60.