18/09/2025 | Writer: Kaos GL
LGBTI+ individuals in Turkey are facing rising discrimination and rights violations, according to a new report by Kaos GL Association, highlighting gaps in legal protection and institutional accountability.
The 2024 report, based on civil society data, media monitoring, and focus group research, details the escalating challenges confronting the country’s LGBTI+ community.
“Political rhetoric and policies targeting LGBT+ individuals have intensified, restricting their ability to live safely and freely,” the report states.
It documents violations across multiple areas, including:
- Right to Life: LGBT+ individuals remain vulnerable to violence and targeted attacks.
- Freedom from Torture: Cases of police abuse and mistreatment during detention persist.
- Privacy: Outing and breaches of personal data compromise safety.
- Freedom of Expression: Social media and public platforms continue to impose censorship.
- Assembly and Association: Pride events and LGBT+ gatherings are often banned or dispersed.
- Employment: Discrimination, harassment, and dismissals affect workplace inclusion.
- Healthcare Access: Trans and other LGBT+ individuals face barriers to essential medical services.
- Education: Homophobic and transphobic behavior threatens students’ learning environment.
- Housing: LGBT+ people encounter discrimination in rentals and housing.
- Refugee Rights: LGBT+ asylum seekers face additional hurdles in seeking protection.
The report also highlights the ongoing risk of hate crimes and the continued use of “conversion therapy,” practices that international human rights groups consider abusive.
Institutional shortcomings compound these problems. Authorities including the Turkish Human Rights and Equality Institution (TİHEK) and the Ombudsman (KDK) have largely failed to investigate complaints or enforce protections, leaving victims with limited recourse to justice.
Kaos GL calls on the Turkish Parliament to adopt comprehensive protective legislation and urges the Presidency to halt discriminatory practices, while recommending that international stakeholders increase oversight and support for Turkey’s LGBTI+ community.
The report underscores a pressing need for both legal reforms and societal change to ensure the safety and rights of LGBTI+ individuals in Turkey.
Link: Full report here
Tags: human rights, women, media, arts and culture, life
