Trans People, Go to Polls!

Turkey’s trans people have troubles voting due to the discrepancy between their ID colors and their id genders - an issue that impedes their right to vote. Most of them choose not to vote in order not to avoid discrimination.

T-Der (Transsexuals Advice Center Association) released a statement on the troubles that trans citizens are facing. It also urged YSK (Supreme Election Commission) authorities and political parties to take necessary precautions. T-Der also emailed this statement to Sadi Güven, chairman of YSK. 

The association called the trans citizens to vote for in spite of their worries about discrimination and reminded that this is their constitutional right (Article 67) to elect and to be elected.  

“Trans citizens’ aspirations to live in a pleasant city must correspond to the polls. YSK should inform their polling clerk about trans citizens’ existence and they must pay attention to this subject. LGBTI activists should support their fellows while they are voting,” said the association in a statement.

Two trans men, Aras Güngör and E.M. told bianet about their troubles as they were voting.

“If your case for id change has been concluded but your new id hasn’t been arranged, you must take your court decision with you before you go for voting,”  E.M. said. 

If the case still goes on, I suggest that you should take their trial records with you. If you haven’t initiated the procedure yet, you will live through like me, unfortunately…”

“I’m 30 but I’ve never voted“

Aras Güngör, one of the co-founders of T-Der  said he would vote for the first time this year. He told bianet why he never did so before 

 “I’m 30. But I have never voted in any elections. The most important reason is I always have to prove that my id is genuine and convince them about this. I haven’t faced a virtual obstacle but people’s staring and their misbehaviors can be condescending.”

 “This is a situation where my right to ‘reveal’ my identity is being taken away. Having to disclose my identity compulsorily prevented me from voting so far.”

“But I will vote this time because I feel more powerful about this and I want to support my other trans fellows. I think this is vital for transsexual people to be more visible in the community.”

“They don’t believe your ID is yours”

E.M, a 28 year-old trans man, said that he voted in every election but he had several troubles when voting until he changed his ID:

“When you go to the polls, they immediately say, ‘Is this you?’ because my ID photo and my physical appearance don’t match. No matter how persistent you are trying to tell your situation but they don’t understand. They dispute between each other whether they should permit or not.”

“Initially you feel totally wrecked amongst those people, you want to leave that place. But then you feel guilty, as if you are escaping from something…”

“Despite all, I insisted and voted.” (ÇT/BD/BM)