Every child deserves a world where they are safe, seen, and celebrated. As we close out Pride Month, we want to recognise the importance of Child Rights particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. Children in Ireland, regardless of their identity, are entitled to the rights laid out with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC, 1989).
Child Rights and LGBT+ Community
Some of the most fundamental child rights are the right to identity (Article 8), to be free from discrimination (Article 2), the right to be heard (Article 12) and the right to get to live in a world where their best interest is prioritised (Article 3). For LGBTQ+ children or children who are growing up in LGBTQ+ families, these rights can be especially valuable and important.
Whether it’s a child questioning their gender identity, a teen coming out as gay, or a young person simply hoping their parents, siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles are accepted, Pride Month helps us to remember that everyone deserves to belong in this country and be treated with kindness and respect.
Museum of Childhood and LGBTQ+ Rights
As a museum dedicated to the stories, lives, and experiences of childhood, we have a significant role to play. We curate memories, showcase diverse histories, and give voice to the many ways children experience the world. That includes children who don’t always see themselves reflected in media, books, toys, school lessons or even within their communities.
We here at the Museum hope to create a space that is inclusive of all kinds of identities, and to ensure that every child feels both seen and heard, particularly those coming from historically underrepresented groups such as the LGBTQ+ community.
Voice and Visibility
From historic marches to modern classrooms, children have been speaking up for who they are and what they believe in. It is our responsibility as adults per Article 12 of the UNCRC to ensure that these voices are heard, respected, and integrated into the lives of children and young people. Pride Month marks a time to celebrate identities of all kinds and to make sure that oft under heard voices are given a platform. Article 29 of the UNCRC entitles children the opportunity to develop their personalities. By platforming, voices of different backgrounds (in this case the LGBTQ+ community) children are exposed to and able to explore identities to find what feels true and authentic to them.
It is important to us at the Museum that all children feel safe and represented with us and Pride month provides an opportunity to make sure that LGBTQ+ children and young people get to feel supported and seen.