03/09/2025 | Writer: Kaos GL
At the September 1 World Peace Day march in Ankara, LGBTI+'s joined with a banner reading “We march with pride, we call for peace.”
On September 1, World Peace Day, the Ankara Labor and Democracy Forces gathered at Kolej Square and marched to Sakarya Street. LGBTI+'s joined the march with a banner reading “We march with pride, we call for peace”, carrying LGBTI+ and trans flags in the cortege.
Hundreds of people took part in the march, carrying banners and placards that read “We have words to say and the power to bring peace”, “Peace now”, and “Work, peace, freedom.” Chants frequently included “Raise your voice for peace, deng bide aşitî,” “Women insist on peace,” “No to war, peace now,” and “Long live the fraternity of peoples—Turk, Kurd, Armenian.”
Speaking at the press statement, Sinejan Kurt from the Ankara Women’s Platform drew attention to the growing authoritarian pressures worldwide, stating that women defend their rights, their lives, and their hope for peace. On behalf of the Labor and Democracy Forces, Aydın Şimşek, Ankara provincial spokesperson of the Green Left Party, said that as long as war continues in the Middle East, permanent peace in Turkey is not possible.
The statement also drew attention to the wars in Palestine and the Middle East. “The wars continuing in our neighboring countries are dragging Turkey into destruction as well,” said Aydın Sinan, emphasizing that the future of Syria should be determined by the Syrian people themselves without foreign interventions. Pointing out that the trustee (kayyım) policies target the people’s will, Sinan added: “Peace flourishes on a ground where the people’s will is not usurped and equal citizenship is guaranteed.”
During the march, DEM Party İmralı Delegation member Sırrı Süreyya Önder, and journalists Cihan Bilgin and Nazım Daştan, who lost their lives, were also commemorated. Participants embraced Önder’s struggle for peace with the slogan “Our promise to Sırrı will be peace.”
Tags: human rights, trans, lgbti, lezbiyen, gey, biseksüel, interseks
