28/05/2024 | Writer: Gül Yalçın
Kaos GL Association and Heinrich Böll Stiftung Turkey Representative Office celebrated their 30th anniversary.
Photograph: Şahan Nuhonoğlu
On May 24 in Istanbul, a panel discussion titled "The Life We Hope For" was organized, inspired by Heinrich Böll's quote, “Intervention is the only way to keep on being realistic.” The panel featured author Karin Karakaşlı, Kaos GL Program Coordinator Aylime Aslı Demir, HBS Turkey Representative Dawid Bartelt, and German Greens MP Max Lucks. Following the discussion, the celebration continued with stage performances by DJ Jilet Sebahat, Synthia, Akış Ka, and Florence Delight.
In his speech, HBS Association Turkey Representative Dawid Bartelt emphasized the intersectionality of the association’s work with the rights-based movement of Kaos GL:
“For years, we have collaborated with global partners for shared universal values and goals, and together, we continue to grow. We are much stronger than we were 30 years ago and should take pride in our progress. Kaos GL has made significant strides in defending the rights of LGBTIQ+ people in Turkey and raising awareness about these rights. With 30 years of experience, institutional heritage, and capacity, Kaos GL is vigorously defending not only LGBTIQ+ rights but also the rights of all rights-based civil spaces in Turkey.”
“The story of Kaos GL has never been solely about Kaos GL or only LGBTIQ+ initiatives”
Kaos GL Program Coordinator Aylime Aslı Demir summarized the 30-year journey of Kaos GL:
“The story of Kaos GL has never been solely about Kaos GL or only LGBTIQ+ initiatives. Kaos GL was one of the important pioneers of an independent LGBTIQ+ organization, but while organizing this movement, it also formed its current discourse through alliances with various social movements on a horizontal plane. These alliances included the anti-militarist movement, the feminist movement, the ecology movement, and the Kurdish movement. At times, we connected with the Alevi community through meetings and conferences, and we collaborated with Armenians. Therefore, it was the story of all those marginalized in this geography who had issues with the prevailing power structures. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this great collective ‘us’ over the past 30 years. Sometimes we walked together, and sometimes we parted ways, but it has always been our shared story. It is a pleasure to be able to celebrate together.”
Greens MP Max Lucks shared his experiences of the Pride March in Istanbul in his speech:
“I took part in the 2016 Pride march and was even arrested. The time I spent in that police station taught me a lot about the movement in Turkey, even though my own experience wasn't that important. As we were being taken to the police station on the bus, I noticed that my gay friends started talking to each other. They exchanged numbers and immediately created a network to keep in touch. This gave me a lot of inspiration and hope. Despite all the pressure from the government, they continue to be happy, never lose hope and keep fighting. This should be very inspiring not only for me, but for the political movement all over the world.”
“Let’s expand by creating more space”
Writer Karin Karakaşlı, who served as a consultant and jury member for Kaos GL’s Women to Women Story Competition, shared her thoughts on the next 30 years:
“The word ‘hope’ is a big one. There is no law, and thus no justice to seek. You are trying to survive by groping in the dark. So, instead of calling it a huge hope, let’s name it as ‘the life we hope for.’
Globally, ultra-nationalist, racist, xenophobic, and anti-immigrant ideologies have gained significant power, turning LGBTIQ+ people into common targets of attack. Turkey is no exception. There’s a disturbing notion of an ‘illegal terrorist organization’ called ‘being LGBT.’ The danger begins when you are instantly targeted, banned, and surrounded by violence whenever you proclaim your pride and stand in solidarity. Someone always speaks for you, despite you. Now, you are them.
The distances we’ve traveled are precious; they were not given to us. As we build the future, let’s not destroy the past. Let’s expand by creating more space. It pains me when spaces close, especially when these closures are not by the state. Let’s not objectify people. Let’s understand when to s remain silent and when to speak. Sometimes, you just need to hand over the microphone. When you do, a small revolution happens, and that person emerges. Sometimes, they are not in a condition to speak, and then you must take the floor—not on their behalf, but mostly for yourself.”
Tags: human rights
