03/04/2024 | Writer: Kaos GL
Kaos GL and May 17 Association made a joint statement regarding the police intervention against the Yeryüzü Sofrası (Open Table) event to be held on Bayram Street.
Photograph: Nazmi Dikbaş
The whole text of the statement is as follows:
“The tradition of ‘Open Tables’ during Ramadan, pioneered by the Anticapitalist Muslims in 2011, symbolizes the vision of coexistence in equality, siblinghood, shared abundance, and diversity on Earth, particularly during iftar* gatherings.
The tradition, which evolved into a symbol of coexistence and solidarity, faced disruption on April 2 when the Bayram Street 12 Platform attempted to set up an Open Table on Bayram Street. The initiative aimed to highlight housing and employment rights violations against trans individuals in the area and express solidarity with them. However, LGBTI+s encountered a police barricade preventing them from entering Bayram Street, resulting in the detention of eight people before they could reach their destination.
While the government’s ongoing ban policy on Pride Marches, even outside of Ramadan, under the pretext of religious observance, is a clear infringement on the rights of expression, association, and religious freedom. This extends to their obstruction of initiatives like the Open Table. The government not only violates housing and employment rights for Bayram Street residents and impede fundamental liberties but also undermine the principles of equality and inclusivity!
We know this struggle from Ülker Street to Esat and Eryaman cases. With our rallying cry, ‘We are transvestites, we are here, get used to it, we are not going away,’ we pledge to stand in solidarity and organize alongside trans individuals who live, work, and seek shelter on the streets.
We refuse to be confined to LGBTI+ ghettos. Our city belongs to all of us, and we will not abandon it. We are not going to give up our ghettos or our city.
During the Gezi Resistance, we stood together on the same streets, united in our Pride March and at the Open Table. These spaces became symbols of solidarity against discrimination. We will march on the same street and we will also set the Open Tables!
Bayram Street 12 Platform is not alone. Bayram Street is ours, Bayram Street belongs to trans people! Get used to it, make peace, we are not leaving!”
*Iftar is the meal eaten after sunset during Ramadan in Islam.
Tags: human rights
