Transvestites test the limits of Turkey

09/11/2008 | Writer: KAOS GL

November 6, 2008
The Economist print edition

In A cramped makeshift theatre in Istanbul, a Kurd in a purple dress titillates the audience with the story of how he was born a man but found he was a woman. During his act, Esmeray wields a sharp tongue to expose the systematic violence faced by fellow transvestites.

Human-rights groups say hundreds of transvestites are detained, beaten, tortured or sexually abused every year. Many are driven into prostitution.
Tags: human rights