Young people expressed a notable sense of detachment from LGBTI+s compared to other social groups

22/03/2024 | Writer: Selma Koçak

Young People’s Political Preferences Research Report, conducted by the Youth Organizations Forum (GoFor) and KONDA Research and Consultancy, has been released.

The study reveals that a considerable number of young people in Turkey expressed a notable sense of detachment from LGBTI+ community. It also highlights that there is a negative correlation between levels of religiosity and support for LGBTI+ rights. That is, as levels of religiosity increase, positive perceptions of the LGBTI+ community decrease.

The research report indicates that, following Syrian and Afghan migrants, the social group perceived as the most distant by respondents is the LGBTI+ community, with 47.8 percent expressing such sentiment. Additionally, women reported feeling closer to LGBTI+ community compared to men.

The study included the following observations:

“The government’s campaign against the LGBTI+ community and the prevalence of anti-LGBTI+ rhetoric may be exacerbating societal prejudices against this group. Furthermore, the limited visibility and representation of LGBTI+ people in politics appear to be significant barriers to bridging these groups.”

In the survey, when asked, “If the party you support nominates a candidate for mayor from the following profiles, which one or ones would lead you to reconsider voting for the party you support?” the highest response, at 31.1 percent, was “LGBTI+ candidate.” Women exhibited a more favorable disposition towards voting for a young or LGBTI+ candidate compared to men. The research underscored the presence of anti-LGBTI+ sentiments within society.

Only 22 percent of the youth believe that LGBTI+ rights should be guaranteed

According to the survey, only 22 percent of respondents believe that LGBTI+ rights should be guaranteed. Interestingly, a majority of young people who support the guaranteeing of LGBTI+ rights identified themselves as voters of the Workers’ Party of Turkey (TİP).

The research highlighted a polarization regarding the protection of LGBTI+ rights:

“Young people who align with nationalist, conservative, Islamist, and nationalist ideologies overwhelmingly oppose the guaranteeing of LGBTI+ rights, whereas those with other ideologies tend to adopt a more moderate position.”

Click to read the report in Turkish.

Tags: human rights