05/03/2024 | Writer: Defne Güzel
While KuirFest was banned by the Governorship, TRT World’s hate documentary was supported by the RTÜK…
12th Pink Life KuirFest (QueerFest) was banned by the Ankara Governorship. Despite the ban order, which was interpreted as a return to state of emergency, KuirFest was held. While KuirFest was banned, TRT World’s hate documentary was supported by the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK).
Courses of the cases
The Constitutional Court (AYM) ruled that bans on marches do not infringe upon the right to assembly and demonstration.
Constitutional Court Rules on Anti-Homophobia March: Ankara Governorship’s ban order on the Anti-Homophobia March in 2016 along the route from Kurtuluş Junction to Kolej Junction has been deemed by the Constitutional Court as not infringing upon the right to assembly and demonstration.
The first trial of the Derin S. case was heard: The first trial regarding the murder of trans woman Derin S., who was slaughtered last year, was heard at the 36th Ankara Heavy Penal Court and postponed to May 23. The request of the associations, which follows the case, to intervene in the case was rejected.
The first hearing of the 3rd Eskişehir Pride March was held: The trial of 18 individuals detained during the Pride March in Eskişehir, due to the discriminatory and unlawful ban imposed by the governorship, has been adjourned to March 1st by the Eskişehir 4th Criminal Court of First Instance.
Boğaziçi Pride March case: The third hearing of the 9th Boğaziçi Pride March case was held on February 23. The trial was adjourned to April 5.
Constitutional Court lifted access ban on LGBTI+ dating app Hornet: The Constitutional Court has overturned the access ban imposed on the LGBTI+ dating and partner application Hornet in 2020, deeming it a violation of freedom of expression. As a result, Hornet is now accessible once again.
Targeting
An election manifesto based on gender inequality
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) targeted LGBTI+s without directly mentioning LGBTI+s: In announcing the MHP's election manifesto, the party’s deputy chairman expressed concerns about the erosion of traditional gender roles and positions in society saying: “The roles and positions of men and women in society are being eroded.”
Violation of rights
TRT World announced that it would broadcast an anti-LGBTI+ documentary, police attacked the Trans Pride Week protest, KuirFest was banned.
Threat of deportation in Kütahya: The migrant trans woman engaged in sex work in Kütahya is facing the threat of deportation.
Police attacked Trans Week: Police attacked the protest held by Trans Pride Week Committee in front of the Süreyya Opera House in Istanbul’s Kadıköy district. 11 people were detained under torture.
Access to LGBTI+ comics website was blocked: Access to the website Jiangzaitoon, known for publishing manga translations with LGBTI+ content, has been blocked.
Hate books in IBB bookstore: Books such as “Homosexuality Prevention Guide,” “Destructive Effect of Transgender Ideology”, and “Health Hazards of Homosexual Lifestyle” for sale in the Istanbul Bookstore, affiliated with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB), are targeting LGBTI+ individuals and promoting so-called “conversion therapies,” which are widely regarded as forms of torture.
Extortion in Denizli: Two individuals in Denizli were arrested by the police for extorting four people they met through internet sites.
Hate documentary from TRT World: TRT World announced that it would broadcast an anti-LGBTI+ documentary. RTÜK expressed its support through messages.
Incident of harassment in Tarlabaşı: A group pursued and recorded footage of trans women on Tarlabaşı Boulevard.
KuirFest was banned by the Ankara Governorship: KuirFest, scheduled to be held in Ankara from 23rd to 25th February, was prohibited by the Ankara Governorship. Despite the ban, activists proceeded with the KuirFest.
Translation: Selma Koçak
Tags: human rights, media, arts and culture, education, health
