18/04/2024 | Writer: Selma Koçak
The talk “Alevis: Religion, Body, Gender” was held yesterday, April 17, at the Mülkiyeliler Association Oral Sander Conference Hall.
Ayhan Yalçınkaya, Çilem Küçükkeleş and Remzi Altunpolat spoke at the event about the book Aleviler: Din, Beden, Cinsiyet Neşeden Kedere (Alevis: Religion, Body, Gender from Joy to Sorrow). The book, published by Dipnot Publishing House, delves into the intersectional experiences of Alevis and explores the intersections of religion, body and gender. It aims to promote solidarity between Alevis and those facing discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation, and to advocate for a united front against all forms of discrimination.
LGBTI+ rights activist Gani Met was commemorated during the event
In his opening speech, Ayhan Yalçınkaya paid tribute to Gani Met, a prominent LGBTI+ rights activist and one of the founders of the Pink Life Association, who recently passed away.
Yalçınkaya stressed the importance of discussing bodies, highlighting that Alevis tend to sidestep the concept of gender. He mentioned that Alevism studies often adopt a gender-blind anthropological perspective:
“The bodies of LGBTI+ individuals, whether alive or deceased, jolt our own bodily existence like a sudden slap. Our instinct is to swiftly flee. When encountering the bodies of LGBTI+ and transgender individuals, we instinctively seek escape. However, it’s not their bodies that we are fleeing from; rather, we recognize it’s our own body that we are avoiding.”
After Yalçınkaya’s introductory remarks, Remzi Altunpolat took the floor, beginning their address with a heartfelt tribute to Gani Met:
“Gani Met holds a unique place in my heart. I won’t sugar-coat it. She is special to me for her struggles, her kindness and the moments we shared. She is one of the unforgettable pillars of the LGBTI+ movement. But she’s just one of countless trans people whose deaths and funerals remain shrouded in mystery. We know about Gani Met because of her activism, but what about the others?”
“The violence against LGBTI+ people is perpetuated by a coalition formed by family, state, and traditional norms”
Altunpolat suggested that the perspectives of different religions toward LGBTI+ individuals merit discussion. They pointed out that the vilification of diverse bodies as “the other” traces back to pre-modern times. Altunpolat remarked, “Presently, being gay or trans is often depicted as being against the natural order. LGBTI+ bodies are often portrayed as repugnant. They are viewed as elements capable of disrupting the perceived 'healthy' body upheld by conservative and Islamist ideologies.”
Speaking on mourning, public grief and LGBTI+ deaths; Altunpolat delved into the societal attitudes towards LGBTI+s, highlighting the stigmatization and discrimination they face. They emphasized how being LGBTI+ is often perceived as a contagious disease, leading to the justification of violence against them in order to preserve societal norms. They underlined that this perspective results in LGBTI+ bodies being viewed as embodiments of evil, foreign and threatening to the status quo and added:
“The violence against LGBTI+ people is perpetuated by a coalition formed by family, state, and traditional norms. Can public grief be expressed when an LGBTI+ individual passes away? Reflecting on the deaths of LGBTI+s reveals how the political establishment continues to regulate bodies even beyond death.”
“The body of an Alevi and the body of an LGBTI+ person are considered equally impure”
Following Altunpolat’s presentation, Ayhan Yalçınkaya made the following remarks:
“If Alevi communities want to anticipate their future, they should study the experiences of LGBTI+ people. There’s a convergence between LGBTI+ and Alevi experiences. Both Alevi and LGBTI+ bodies are perceived as equally impure. Alevism is stigmatized as irreligious, much like LGBTI+ identities are labelled as impure. So there’s an intersection between Alevi and LGBTI+ bodies.”
Çilem Küçükkeleş emphasized the presence of heteronormativity and masculine norms within Alevism, particularly within the context of the Alevi women’s movement. She stated: “We’re examining the lived experiences of Alevis. Despite their progressive stance, Alevis still grapple with significant heteronormative and masculine tendencies. It’s crucial for Alevis to engage in self-reflection and address these issues within their community.”
Tags: human rights, women
