In December of 2014, a 17-year-old girl named Leelah Alcorn took her own life. Leelah knew she’d never get to be the person she was because her family denied her the medical treatment that she needed to transition. Leelah wanted her death to mean something. She wanted her story to inspire others to promote understanding and acceptance of transgender people. Our organization was inspired by her last wishes.

We are Trans Minors Rights; an organization in Pennsylvania advocating for and empowering transgender youth. We are pushing for legislation that would allow young people to make their own decisions regarding puberty blockers. Our proposition is that transgender minors ages 14 and up in Pennsylvania should have legal and confidential access to puberty blockers. This coincides with the current law in Pennsylvania that allows minors (14+) to access birth control without requiring consent from a parent. Puberty blockers are similar to birth control in that they do not make any permanent changes to the body and normal bodily functions resume after stopping treatment. The American Academy of Pediatrics has proven that puberty blockers increase the quality of life for young transgender people (much in the same way that birth control increases the quality of life for young females).

40% of transgender people attempt suicide at some point in their lives (The Trevor Project). The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychological Association agree that gender dysphoria is a serious condition and the best method of managing the symptoms is acknowledgement and encouragement in their transition. Unfortunately, many young people don’t receive the support that they need from their families.

By signing this petition, you move us one step closer to introducing a new bill to congress that would allow minors (14+) in Pennsylvania to be able to access puberty blockers without the requirement of consent from a parent or legal guardian. This will give them time to explore their gender identities and discuss the next steps in their transitions with their loved ones. Our dream is to start at the state level and eventually get similar bills passed across the U.S. These protections for transgender youth could save hundreds of lives.

Thank you for your support and don’t forget to share this petition with friends and loved ones.