Small group of gays in Turkey mark 12th annual Pride event
This city hosted the 12th annual lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Pride events from July 1 to July 3 this year, according to news reports.
Carrying a large rainbow flag, more than 150 people marched down Istiklal Street in Istanbul as part of the festivities. The activists urged that the government take action against anti-gay discrimination. Pride events in Turkey were first planned in 1993 as the Christopher Street Day Sexual Liberation Activities, which the governor of the city banned at the last minute claiming it would be contrary to Turkey’s traditions and moral values and might disturb the peace. The conflict prompted the establishment of Lambda Istanbul, which remains one of the most active gay rights organizations in the country. The group started its work with efforts to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS among gay men. Now, with potential European Union membership looming, anti-gay discrimination has ebbed and gays are more visible in Turkish society.
Original Link: New York Blade Magazine
Carrying a large rainbow flag, more than 150 people marched down Istiklal Street in Istanbul as part of the festivities. The activists urged that the government take action against anti-gay discrimination. Pride events in Turkey were first planned in 1993 as the Christopher Street Day Sexual Liberation Activities, which the governor of the city banned at the last minute claiming it would be contrary to Turkey’s traditions and moral values and might disturb the peace. The conflict prompted the establishment of Lambda Istanbul, which remains one of the most active gay rights organizations in the country. The group started its work with efforts to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS among gay men. Now, with potential European Union membership looming, anti-gay discrimination has ebbed and gays are more visible in Turkish society.
Original Link: New York Blade Magazine
