Istanbul Pride: Hand in hand against hate

 

After the last year’s theme “Resistance”, Istanbul Pride called to “Contact” this year, making it a huge celebration for the struggle against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.

 

As the police did not allow the Pride to start in the Taksim Square, participants started marching in front of the French Consulate-General. “Police, prostitute yourself and live proudly” was the main slogan at the starting point and the riot control vehicle TOMA standing there was covered with graffiti against hate.

 

Providing legal protection for LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex) people by including “sexual orientation and gender identity” in the Constitution remained as a main demand in this year’s Pride. Demands for right to life and equal marriage were both visible in the event, depicting the polyphony of the movement. Banners in Turkish were accompanied by the banners in Armenian, English and Kurdish. Anti-militarist banners were also visible.

 

Families of the LGBTI people took place in the Pride, as well. Shouting “Run away Tayyip [the Turkish PM], mothers are coming”, the rainbow family group Families of LGBTs in Istanbul (LISTAG) embraced their kids’ struggle, stating once again that “a different kind of family is possible.”

 

Holding its first ever meeting yesterday, Turkish Psychological Association’s LGBTI Unit attended the Pride as a new voice against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Besides psychologists, teachers stood by their students against the heterosexist education system.

 

The humorous language of the Gezi Park protests was present in this year’s Pride as well. Internet language and banners filled with references to popular culture proved another way of making politics. Taking place for the first time in Muslims’ holy month Ramadan, Istanbul Pride gave a strong message against the assumption that Islam and LGBTI people are mutually exclusive.

 

 

Ending in the Tunel Square with songs and dancing, the contact seems to be lasting as one could hear people shout from the different parts of Istiklal Avenue even after the Pride: Where are you, darling? Here I am, darling!

 

Translation: LGBTI News Turkey