17/03/2026 | Writer: Kaos GL
In its contribution to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights’ Report on Equal Political Participation, Kaos GL noted that LGBTI+ participation in political and public life in Turkey is systematically restricted due to legal gaps and discriminatory policies.
Kaos GL Association contributed to the Report on Equal Political Participation by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
In its contribution, the association noted that the participation of LGBTI+ individuals in political life and public affairs in Turkey is severely limited due to both legal gaps and public policies. The association stated that findings for 2025 reveal that channels for LGBTI+ participation are systematically blocked.
State policies are shaped by an anti-LGBTI+ orientation
Kaos GL’s contribution highlighted the absence of comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation covering sexual orientation and gender identity in Turkey. It was noted that political rhetoric and public policies create a framework that excludes LGBTI+ people. The declaration of 2025 as the “Year of the Family” and the announcement of the 2025-2035 period as the “Decade of the Family” were cited as evidence that state policies are being shaped by an anti-LGBTI+ orientation. During this period, some ministries and public institutions reportedly disseminated anti-LGBTI+ rhetoric, and statements targeting LGBTI+ people were made in sermons delivered by the Presidency of Religious Affairs.
LGBTI+ organizations’ activities are blocked through administrative and judicial mechanisms
The contribution also emphasized that the activities of LGBTI+ organizations are obstructed through administrative and judicial mechanisms. Examples of this pressure in 2025 include the closure of an LGBTI+ association and the initiation of criminal proceedings against its members. The closure of LGBTI+ student clubs at universities and the long-standing ban on Pride marches were also cited as restrictions on the freedom of assembly and association. The report included recent examples such as the detention of 53 people before the 2025 Istanbul Pride march and the imposition of arrests and travel bans on some participants.
LGBTI+ people are excluded from legislative processes
Kaos GL’s contribution also noted that organizations are not consulted in legislative and policy processes directly affecting LGBTI+ people. For example, no consultation was conducted with expert organizations during the preparation of the regulation introducing a minimum age of 21 for trans people to access hormone therapy. This demonstrates that public policies affecting LGBTI+ people are prepared without the participation of LGBTI+ individuals or field experts.
Sanctions and access barriers for LGBTI+ themed publications
The contribution drew attention to restrictions on media and freedom of expression. Fines and access barriers targeting LGBTI+ inclusive publications hinder a sustainable media environment. Access blocks imposed on Kaos GL’s website and social media accounts were cited as examples of this pressure. It was also noted that LGBTI+ inclusive media organizations are excluded from benefiting from public advertising opportunities.
Scope of anti-discrimination protections in Turkey is limited
Finally, the contribution highlighted that the scope of anti-discrimination protections in Turkey is limited. The Human Rights and Equality Institution of Turkey systematically rejects LGBTI+ complaints, and sexual orientation and gender identity are not included as motives in the Turkish Penal Code. This situation often results in impunity for discrimination against LGBTI+ people.
Participation in political and public life is severely restricted
Kaos GL’s contribution concluded that LGBTI+ people’s participation in political and public life in Turkey is severely restricted due to both legal gaps and systematic exclusion in practice. When the absence of inclusive anti-discrimination legislation, bans on freedom of expression and association, and institutional exclusion practices are considered together, effective channels for LGBTI+ participation are effectively closed.
Click here to read the full contribution
Tags: human rights, media, arts and culture, life, family, trans, lgbti
