Click to read the article in Turkish
The Kaos Gay and Lesbian Cultural Research and Solidarity Association (Kaos GL) has published a report on hate crimes against LGBTI+s.
Hate crime is defined as assaulting a person or a group with the aim of harming them because of reasons such as their beliefs, political views, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity.
The Report on Hate Crimes Occurred in Turkey Based on Homophobia and Transphobia in 2018 aims to record hate crimes against LGBTI+s and includes interviews with individuals who were subjected to hate crimes.
Out of 62 recorded cases, 32 happened in İstanbul and 55 happened in public places. While only two cases were brought to court, 52 sufferers refused to apply to security forces. The report includes statements from 48 witnesses and 14 sufferers.
The most common places where hate crimes occurred are schools with 18 reported cases.
"I am afraid to go out"
"I am afraid to go to school since I was exposed. The school administration is aware [of the situation] but ignores behaviors against me," says a sufferer.
A bisexual man who was subjected to sexual harassment says, "I have difficulties in communicating with people. I can't make friends."
A lesbian who was subjected to insults and verbal attacks says, "I am anxious. I always think about if I will be subjected to such a verbal lynch again, if it will transform into violence, or if I will be kicked out of the dormitory."
"I always had to use sedatives, I could never sleep and was continuously crying," says a bisexual woman who was subjected to a verbal assault on social media.
Another bisexual woman who was exposed to physical violence says, "I had increased feelings of insecurity and hate. How can you love your country you if you are treated like this even by the police."
A gay man whose application for protection after being exposed to physical violence was rejected by the police tells that he couldn't use public transportation for some time after the incident.
A lesbian who was subjected to sexual assault and physical violence says that she is still concerned that she could be attacked again: "It still haunts my dreams. I still see he is trying to rape me. I am afraid to go out. I can't make a girlfriend. I can't have a relationship. I am scared to be hurt." (EMK/VK)
Click to read the full report (Turkish)
