03/04/2026 | Writer: Kaos GL
“Let us be clear: being LGBTI+, fighting for rights, and organising are not crimes!”
Fifteen LGBTI+ associations operating in Türkiye released a joint statement regarding recent incidents in which individuals claiming to be officials from various state institutions and units have contacted several LGBTI+ activists, as well as so-called “intelligence-gathering” activities targeting the LGBTI+ movement. The associations reacted to the criminalisation of the movement, stating:
“Activists are being encouraged to provide more information about the movement, speak about other activists/organizations, and share their networks; in other words, recruitment attempts are being initiated. This situation points to a systematic policy of intimidation aimed at isolating LGBTI+ people, instilling fear, and weakening the struggle.”
In their statement, the associations also noted that the state approaches the LGBTI+ movement as if it were “an illegal, clandestine, and hierarchical structure,” and included the following remarks:
“In recent times, we have learned that many LGBTI+ activists have been contacted by individuals who introduce themselves as officials from various state institutions and units. These individuals ask activists questions about the advocacy work of the LGBTI+ movement, the solidarity they have built together, the activities they carry out, and their forms of organisation. From the content of these questions, it is clear that the LGBTI+ movement is being perceived as if it were an illegal, secret, and hierarchical structure. Let us be clear: being LGBTI+, fighting for rights, and organising are not crimes! You cannot criminalise organisation, nor can you turn LGBTI+ people into criminals!”
“Stop criminalising the LGBTI+ movement”
Calling on the public, the associations stated: “We do not give up our rights, our lives, our bodies, our loves, or our freedoms. We refuse to submit to criminalisation, isolation, and silencing” and said:
“Do not believe the rhetoric, lies, and targeting that seek to criminalise LGBTI+ people. Amplify the voices of LGBTI+ people who have been openly fighting for equality, freedom, and a life with dignity for years. Because what is being targeted today is not only LGBTI+ people, but our shared life, freedom, and future.”
The associations listed their demands as follows:
“Stop criminalising the LGBTI+ movement. End recruitment attempts. Stop pressure and threats against human rights defenders. End attacks on LGBTI+ people’s rights to life, organisation, and freedom of expression.”
Tags: human rights, media, life, lgbti
