13/03/2024 | Writer: Suay Yüksel
At the forum organized by the May 17 Association, discussions centered around the challenges faced by LGBTI+ individuals residing in Çankaya regarding access to urban and health service.
On Monday, March 11th, the “Çankaya’s lubunyas (queers / LGBTI+ residents of Çankaya) are meeting” forum, organized by the May 17 Association, featured a presentation of the “Çankaya City Tales” report by Defne Güzel. The report addresses the challenges faced by LGBTI+ individuals living or working in Çankaya regarding access to urban and health services, along with proposed solutions.
Güzel commenced her presentation by acquainting the audience with the May 17 Association and delving into the specifics of the Local Advocacy Program subgroup, Çankaya Girls. As she embarked on the presentation of the “Çankaya City Tales” report, Güzel provided insights into its objectives, methodologies, and the demographic composition of the participants, revealing that a significant portion both resides and works within Çankaya. While acknowledging that many participants expressed some level of contentment with their living and working circumstances in the area, Güzel emphasized that a staggering 93 per cent reported feeling unsafe on a regular basis, highlighting pervasive security issues in Çankaya. Moreover, Güzel underscored the strategic need for LGBTI+ individuals in Çankaya to often conceal their identities. Additionally, she pointed out a concerning statistic: 96 per cent of participants did not receive assistance from local organizations when confronted with violence, underscoring a prevailing trust deficit in local entities compared to non-governmental organizations.
“A series of subsequent forums will delve into the needs of the LGBTI+s before the local elections”
Güzel, drawing extensively from participant testimonials within the report, highlighted another critical finding: the inadequately publicized HIV-related services offered by the municipality. Within the report’s sections titled “What Lubunyas Want” and “Areas need to be improved,” participants expressed a collective desire for several key initiatives. These include advocating for the promotion of non-discriminatory services, expanding LGBTI+-friendly spaces, establishing shelter centers tailored to the needs of the LGBTI+ community, and offering gender sensitivity training to municipality employees.
Güzel highlighted that more than half of the participants assessed their health status as good or fair, yet nearly half reported being diagnosed with depression and anxiety. Despite this, Güzel emphasized the challenges faced by LGBTI+ individuals in accessing healthcare services due to fear of encountering phobic attitudes, limiting their ability to assert their rights. Güzel advocated for the establishment of anti-discrimination policies and complaint mechanisms, along with the implementation of sanctions in cases of discrimination as underlined in the “Recommendations” section of the report. Furthermore, Güzel emphasized the need to regulate municipal legislation and policies to safeguard LGBTI+ individuals against discrimination, establish collaborations with LGBTI+ organizations, and develop inclusive employment policies. Quoting Yıldız Tar, Güzel concluded by underscoring that the responsibility now lies with Çankaya Municipality.
Following the presentation, participants shared their experiences, aspirations, needs, and inquiries.
After the “Çankaya’s lubunyas are meeting” forum, a series of subsequent forums will delve into the needs and aspirations of the LGBTI+ community before the upcoming local elections. This forum series aims to meticulously address the issues confronting LGBTI+ individuals in Çankaya and devise actionable recommendations to address them.
Tags: human rights, health
