30/04/2023 | Writer: Gözde Demirbilek
We talked the #LeavingNoOneBehind campaign of SPoD Oğulcan Yediveren, Assistant General Coordinator of the association.
We asked Social Policies, Gender Identities, Sexual Orientation Studies Association (SPoD), about the #LeavingNoOneBehind campaign which was prepared in order to carry on studies to ensure that LGBTI+s can go to polls safely during the election process, to protect democratic political spaces, to provide LGBTI+ participation in politics, decision-making and policy-making areas and to make their voice heard.
SPoD Assistant General Coordinator Oğulcan Yediveren replied our questions regarding the policies pointing LGBTI+s as a target during the election process, LGBTI+ Right Convention which was opened for signature for parliamentary candidates, and expectations of the association after the election.
How is #LeavingNoOneBehind campaign going?
In fact, we had imagined a more enthusiastic campaign when we were planning it, however we decided to tone it down a bit due to the earthquake on February 6. Although we could not carry out an enthusiastic campaign we received very positive feedbacks. Many lubunyas (queers) says that our social media content and studies within the scope of the campaign make them feel stronger. We hope that these positive feedbacks will be reflected in the ballot box and lubunyas will go to the polls and vote for the right candidates for them.
Erdoğan targets LGBTI+s almost every day as the elections approach, what do you think about it?
It is evaluated from the surveys and the atmosphere in the provinces that Erdoğan and his party will lose the election. It seems that AKP no longer has any credibility for the significant part of the population. Therefore Erdoğan tries to do what he can, there is only one way to go for him, that is to say he reposes in the polarizing language. His medical condition is not good either. He doesn’t have the strength to make new and creative moves so he is resorting to old tactics.
How do you evaluate the rate of candidates who signed the LGBTI+ Rights Convention?
It has been almost two weeks since we opened the LGBTI+ Rights Convention for signature. For now, the signatories seem to be limited to Green Left Part and Workers’ Party of Turkey (TİP) parliamentary candidates. Only one candidate from Republican People’s Party (CHP) signed the conventions. We predict that candidates from other parties will also sign it in the upcoming days..
What are your expectations from the candidates after the election?
We will work with the elected candidates with the aim of establishing a commission in order to work for LGBTI+ rights in the parliament. We care about the cooperation between the candidates from different parties to ensure that human rights are not used as a political instrument and to determine a minimum standard regarding human rights.
Translation: Selma Koçak
Tags: human rights
