İstanbul Trans Pride March faces aggression amid heavy police presence

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Early in the morning, the İstanbul police erected barricades on all roads leading to Taksim Square ahead of the Trans Pride March, marking its first occurrence in the city in six years.

The authorities took action by closing down the Taksim and Şişhane metro stations, as well as the Kabataş-Taksim funicular line as of 10 a.m., effectively limiting access to the area "until further notice."

Citizens attempting to pass through the barricaded checkpoints were subject to e-Government assignment document checks, with only those working in Beyoğlu being granted passage. Meanwhile, some activists gathered in the Cihangir quarter despite the blockade.

Around 5 p.m., activists gathered in a tucked-away side street in the Osmanbey quarter of Şişli district, approximately a kilometer from Taksim. Representing the Trans Pride Committee, an activist named Yusuf read out a statement, emphasizing that their years of struggle had not diminished their resolve.

"Kurdistan exists, queers exist"

Highlighting the government's anti-LGBTI+ rhetoric during the campaigning for the elections in May, Yusuf remarked, "The distorted reality of the AKP-MHP fascism, which claims to offer a 'bright future,' and Erdoğan's speech targeting us from the balcony, signify the increasing severity of the policies imposed upon us.

"Those who target the Kurds are the same ones who persecute us transgender individuals. We declare here once again that Kurdistan and our existence matter. Kurdistan exists, queers exist."

"Transgender people are raising their voices again, demanding an unlimited, classless, non-violent, genderless, and exploitation-free world. This state must realize that we are equal citizens and provide us with secure employment opportunities, or they must create a safe environment for us to work on the streets.

"We are not afraid of the violence of law enforcement; we resist with all our dignity! Well, maybe we are a little scared, but we are still here, proudly standing our ground! Did you really think the streets belonged solely to you?"

Following the statement, the group began to disperse, but encounters with shielded police officers and hostile shopkeepers led to clashes with queer activists. At least six people were forcefully detained, subjected to restraints.

Restrictions on Pride Month events

The decision to restrict the Trans Pride March comes after a subtly worded tweet by the governor of İstanbul, Davut Gül, on Friday. He made it clear that permission would not be granted for the event, saying, "No activity that threatens our family institution, which is the guarantee of our nation and state, will be allowed. Groups engaging in unauthorized demonstrations will never be permitted."

The ban on the Trans Pride March is part of a broader pattern of recent restrictions and attempts to marginalize the LGBTI+ community by the government. Since the start of the Pride Month, various events, ranging from film screenings to tea gatherings, have faced prohibitions imposed by the authorities.

Notably, the last LGBTI+ event officially permitted in Taksim was the renowned Pride March held in 2014, which saw a massive turnout of thousands of participants.

Taksim Square and İstiklal Avenue have long served as vital hubs for various social movements in Turkey, particularly for left-wing causes. However, over the past decade, the government led by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has consistently denied permission for numerous events, including May Day celebrations, International Women's Day Marches, Saturday Mothers/People gatherings, and LGBTI+ marches, often accompanied by forceful police response. (EMK/TY/VK)