Homophobic Rhetoric and Rising Hostility Leave LGBTQ Individuals Feeling Vulnerable
Turkey’s LGBTQ community is expressing deep concerns about their future under the extended rule of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. During his re-election campaign, Erdogan consistently targeted LGBTQ individuals, accusing them of threatening traditional family values and labelling them as “perverse.” Now, with Erdogan’s victory in the historic run-off election, the community fears a surge in homophobic hate and discrimination.
Erdogan, an Islamic-rooted leader, capitalized on the divisive rhetoric by rallying his supporters against the LGBTQ community. He openly criticized opposition challenger Kemal Kilicdaroglu for his inclusive stance, promising to respect everyone’s beliefs, lifestyles, and identities, including those of LGBTQ individuals. In a public gathering, Erdogan posed the question to his supporters, asking if the main opposition party and the pro-Kurdish group were LGBTQ-friendly, to which the crowd responded with resounding negative answers.
The impact of Erdogan’s rhetoric is palpable among Turkey’s LGBTQ community. Ilker Erdogan, a 20-year-old LGBTQ activist, shared his fear and anxiety, stating that discrimination, homophobia, and hatred have been ingrained in his life since birth. The constant targeting by the government has taken a toll on his mental well-being, leaving him in a state of distress and feeling suffocated.
Ameda Murat Karaguzu, a 26-year-old project assistant at an LGBTQ association, has also experienced a surge in hate speech and acts of hostility. Karaguzu blames the government’s inflammatory language for the increase in violence, highlighting the lack of legal consequences for those who harm LGBTQ individuals. The situation has created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity, where physical threats and verbal insults are becoming alarmingly frequent.
Tugba Baykal, a 39-year-old documentary filmmaker, is deeply concerned about the future of LGBTQ associations and activists. She anticipates that the right-wing majority in parliament will attempt to shut down LGBTQ organizations and potentially criminalize activists, leading to an exodus of LGBTQ individuals from Turkey. Baykal, who already had plans to leave the country prior to the elections, laments the lack of a hospitable environment that would make her decision more difficult.
The uncertain future under Erdogan’s continued rule has led many LGBTQ individuals to question their safety and livelihood. Ilker Erdogan defiantly asserts his right to exist, rejecting attempts to erase his identity. He reminds authorities that he is a Turkish citizen, and they cannot justify their actions to eliminate him without any valid reason.
Tugba Baykal echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of persevering in the struggle for LGBTQ rights despite the challenging circumstances. She believes that the community must continue to fight for their rights and advocate for a more inclusive and tolerant society.
As Turkey’s LGBTQ community faces an uphill battle, international attention and support are crucial. Advocacy groups and human rights organizations worldwide must stand in solidarity with Turkey’s LGBTQ individuals, condemning discrimination and calling for the protection of their rights. Only through collective efforts can the LGBTQ community in Turkey hope for a more accepting and inclusive future.
