Gay Pride March: Homosexuals Exist

The fourth Gay Pride March took place at the weekend (1 July) along Istiklal Street, the central pedestrian precinct in Taksim, İstanbul. Carrying rainbow banners, gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transvestites and transsexuals and their supporters shouted slogans such as "Homosexuals will not stay silent".

Gay rights associations, as well as pacifists and feminists were present at the march.

Also marching in support were the independent parliamentary candidate for İstanbul's second constituency, Baskin Oran, the president of the Turkish Physicians' Union, Gencay Gürsoy, writers Roni Marguiles, Feza Kürkcüoglu, and Ali Bayramoglu, as well as Italian MP Vladimir Luxuria. Foreign press was also present.

One of the issues addressed in the march was the continuing discrimination transvestites and transsexuals face on the part of the police. "We are not exhibitionists, we are transvestites" and "You cannot ignore the Transvestite identity" were slogans shouted.

One marcher, speaking to bianet, said that "being a transvestite or transsexual means being punished. We want to walk without pressure, without criticism, without discrimination, not just today, but everyday."

According to independent candidate Baskin Oran, "fear is as contagious as bravery. Kurds must defend homosexuals, Alevis must defend the handicapped, feminists must defend transvestites. Oppressed groups in society are heartened by these kinds of activities. I see this march as a signal flare which increases courage."

At the end of the march, the "Hormone Tomato Awards" were announced for homophobic people, among them a journalist, a musician, a politician, and also the Bursa Traders and Craftsmen Association, which has strongly opposed the formation of a gay rights association in Bursa. There was also a call on marchers to be present at the opening of the Hrant Dink murder trial on the following day. (AÖ/AG/EÜ)