07/02/2024 | Writer: Oğulcan Özgenç
In this section of our #localelection24 feature series, we discussed the social service policies of local governments towards the LGBTI+ community with Betül Asker, the Social Service Coordinator at SPoD.
With local elections approaching, the promises and projects of candidates towards voters are being reflected in the press and becoming visible. However, the needs and demands of the LGBTI+ community remain invisible. One of the primary concerns of LGBTI+ individuals regarding local governments is equal access to social service mechanisms.
To what extent do the social service policies of local governments in Turkey cover LGBTI+ individuals? What kind of challenges do LGBTI+ individuals face in accessing social service mechanisms at the local level? What steps need to be taken to improve these policies? Do local governments respond to the social service policies of civil society organizations working on LGBTI+ rights?
We discussed all these issues with Betül Asker, the Social Service Coordinator at the Social Policy, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation Studies Association (SPoD).
The difficulties faced by LGBTI+ individuals in accessing social services at the local level in Turkey and the proposed steps to overcome these challenges were revisited through a detailed analysis provided by Betül Asker, the Social Service Coordinator at SPoD. Asker’s insights shed light on the protection of LGBTI+ rights and the establishment of an inclusive social service system.
Underlining that social service should be inclusive of all those who are discriminated against for any reason, who are disadvantaged, and who need empowerment, Betül Asker delved deeply into various obstacles encountered by LGBTI+ individuals in accessing social services. Central among these challenges is the pervasive lack of awareness and understanding among social service professionals regarding the unique needs and experiences of LGBTI+ individuals. This knowledge gap often translates into inadequate support and services, exacerbating issues such as housing discrimination, employment barriers, and limited access to healthcare. Furthermore, Asker underscored the intersectional nature of these challenges, emphasizing how factors such as gender identity, socio-economic status, and geographic location compound the difficulties faced by many in the LGBTI+ community. Additionally, housing issues, discrimination, and difficulties in accessing social assistance services experienced by individuals whose assigned gender does not match their gender identity were examined in detail.
Asker proposed comprehensive solutions to overcome the obstacles faced by LGBTI+ individuals in accessing social services. In response to the identified challenges, Betül Asker proposed a multifaceted approach aimed at addressing systemic barriers and fostering greater inclusivity within social service systems. Key proposals include the development and implementation of specialized training programs for social service professionals, designed to enhance their cultural competency and sensitivity to LGBTI+ issues. Additionally, Asker emphasized the importance of establishing community partnerships and collaborative initiatives between local governments, civil society organizations, and LGBTI+ advocacy groups to expand access to support services and resources. Furthermore, she highlighted the need for comprehensive policy reforms aimed at dismantling discriminatory practices and ensuring equal treatment under the law for LGBTI+ individuals. These proposals include local governments organizing LGBTI+ focused training programs and social service professionals becoming more knowledgeable in this area. Additionally, she emphasized the need to strengthen collaboration between LGBTI+ rights organizations and expand support programs.
Asker highlighted that local governments play a crucial role as key stakeholders in the access of LGBTI+ individuals to social services. However, she pointed out that inclusive policies have not been adequately formulated and implemented at the local level so far. Stressing that this situation leads to the violation of LGBTI+ rights and social exclusion, she reminded local governments of their responsibilities in this regard. On the other side Asker underlines the fact that local governments refraining from being mentioned together with LGBTI+s people saying: “Local governments do not want it to be heard even if they support LGBTI+s.”
Betül Asker’s analysis ensures a thorough examination of the obstacles and problems faced by LGBTI+ individuals in accessing social services. However, she calls for urgent action to implement proposed solutions and for local governments to play a more active role in this regard, emphasizing the protection of LGBTI+ rights and the creation of an inclusive society.
Translation: Selma Koçak
Tags: human rights
