25/03/2025 | Writer: Kaos GL
During the Newroz celebrations held at Yenikapı Square, a group attacked individuals who raised the LGBTI+ flag. The Trans Pride Week Committee and the Istanbul LGBTI+ Pride Week Committee stated, "We, the queers, are the subjects of that space, just like everyone else in that area."
Photo: Ali Dinç/bianet
On Sunday, March 23, Newroz celebrations in Istanbul were held at Yenikapı Square under the slogan "Democratic Society for Freedom."
During the event, speeches were delivered by HDK Co-Spokesperson Ali Kenanoğlu, Gültan Kışanak, Tuncer Bakırhan, Co-Chair of DEM Party, Sırrı Süreyya Önder, DEM Party Istanbul MP, and Kezban Konukçu, DEM Party Istanbul MP.
This year, a group attacked individuals who raised the LGBTI+ flag in the square. The people at the event and the organizing committee intervened in the attack. LGBTI+ individuals had to leave the area early due to security concerns.
The Trans Pride Week Committee and the Istanbul LGBTI+ Pride Week Committee issued a statement on social media regarding the incident:
“Today, we, the queers who gathered with the call of Newroz for the 11th Istanbul Trans Pride Week and the 33rd Istanbul LGBTI+ Pride Week, were in the Yenikapı rally area. Despite every word implying that we were not the subject of that space, every mocking glance, and LGBTI+phobic discourse, we met. Despite the state's and law enforcement's allergy to the rainbow flag, we proudly waved our flags again, showing our existence. After an attempted attack on us today, we had to leave the area early due to security concerns.
We resisted the attack in solidarity with feminist organizations, the Newroz Organizing Committee, and DEM Party. However, we, the queers, are the subjects of that space, just like everyone else there. You will get used to us, sooner or later, and we will be there again next year. We are Kurds, we are queers, and we are here."
Tags: human rights
