06/11/2023 | Writer: Selma Koçak
The new campaign of Women are Stronger Together Platform began in Kadıköy, İstanbul: “No family where there is exploitation, abuse and violence is sacred”
Women are Strong Together Platform gathered in front of Süreyya Opera House in Kadıköy for the launch of their campaign “Our lives won’t be restrained by your definition of family”. At the protest held on November 2nd, women carried LGBTI+ and trans flags as well as banners reading: “Lesbians are here”, “Sacred family is a lie”, “General morality is so outdated, dear”.
The women often chanted slogans such as “We don't walk out on neither the nights nor the streets nor the squares!”, “General morality, whose morality?” Trans murders are political” and “Our life is ours, let your definition of family be yours”.
Reading the press statement on behalf of Women are Strong Together Platform, İrem Kayıkçı said: “No family where there is exploitation, abuse and violence is sacred and this redefinition attempt is never benefit of women, children and LGBTI+ persons.”
“The ruling party justifies the constitutional amendment proposal, which redefines the family, by targeting LGBTI+s. hose leading the state commit hate crimes whenever they open their mouths. This is a hatred that is organised from the top down. While Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) broadcasts public service announcements targeting LGBTI+s everywhere, as Lubunyas (queers) we are not safe on the streets, at work or in our homes. Hate marches targeting LGBTI+s on the streets, are organized with the support and guidance of the state. In 81 providences, Justice and Development Party (AKP) and its supporters organized ‘Great Family Meeting’ and all mainstream media channels promoted these hate rallies. It is as if there is a war against our very existence by using of religious doctrines. It is getting more and more difficult for us to find a job, to find a house, even to use public transport. We are being pushed out of life. Trans murders are increasing day by day. Male violence is encouraged by law enforcement. However we have not given up, we have not left the streets, we have not left our lives to you. No to LGBTI+ hostility! We will not give up the fight against this hatred until the day we live our sexuality and our lives freely”.
Source: PİRHA
Women are Strong Together Platform had called for “Our lives won’t be restrained by your definition of family” protest on November 2nd at Kadıköy Süreyya Opera House, in İstanbul saying:
“There’s femicide within families, there's LGBTI+phobia within families, there’s labor exploitation within families, there’s abuse within families. While women and LGBTI+ people are struggling for their lives, the state is planning attacks on our right to alimony, preparing the constitution by fomenting LGBTI+ hostility and organising family workshops all over the country. We are meeting on November 2nd, at 19.30, in front of Süreyya Opera House with the slogan ‘Our lives won’t be restrained by your definition of family for the launch of our family campaign.”
Tags: human rights, women
