LGBT Refugees Came Together in Four Different Cities

 

Within the context of the 7th International meeting against Homophobia, LGBT refugees and asylum seekers held meetings in the satellite cities of Eskişehir, Isparta, Kayseri, and Nevşehir in the months of April and May. The meetings were held in cooperation with KAOS-GL, the Iranian Queer Organization (IRQO), and the Heartland Alliance (USA); and counted with the participation of about 50 LGBT refugees. 

  

LGBT and asylum seekers came together on April 23th, 2012 in the city of Eskişehir. The meeting was held at the Civil Society Development Center’s offic, and for about two hours the attendees discussed their problems and possible solutions to tackle them. Following the meeting, participants had dinner together along the river and expressed their appreciation for the event. 

 

LGBT and asylum seekers met at the Altınöz Hotel in Nevşehir on April 25^th, 2012, to discuss their problems and suggest specific solutions to them.

After the meeting, participants shared a meal and engaged into further discussion. They expressed being grateful to KAOS-GL for organizing the event, which they enjoyed very much.

 

At about 10am on April 29^th, 2012, 30 LGBT refugees and asylum seekers came together in the city of Kayseri to discuss their problems and propose specific solutions to them.

Following the meeting the participants had a picnic at the foothill of Erciyes Mountain, which was accompanied by Persian songs. Regardless of the rainy weather, the conversation was lively and participants expressed their enjoyment about the meeting.

 

LGBT refugees and asylum seekers met at the picnic area of Gököay in the city of Isparta on May 3^rd, 2012. The attendees shared their problems and proposed specific solutions to them over lunch.

Refugees who participated in the meeting stated that they could not go out as often in Isparta that had a wonderful day overall. Some of them also said that this was their first time in Gökçay and were thankful about the meeting.

 

Our goal was for LGBT refugees and asylum seekers to share the discrimination and violence they face while in Turkey, as well as the challenges in access to equal medical services. In the meetings we discussed not only problems but also possible solutions with the participants.