METU students defy bans at graduation ceremony to display rainbow, trans flags

Photos: Social media

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Students at Middle East Technical University (METU) defied the administration's prohibitions during the graduation ceremony by proudly carrying a rainbow flag and blue, pink, and white outfits tied to a rope, symbolizing the transgender flag.

The university administration had announced "extensive measures" for the ceremony, including inspections of banners and posters by departments and security personnel. Students were also informed that only the Turkish flag, flags of foreign students' countries, and the METU emblem would be allowed during the graduation walk.

METU is one of Turkey's most prestigious universities, and its graduation ceremonies have traditionally been a forum for students to hold sarcastic banners related to the country's political agenda. The administration's measures were aimed at preventing such displays.

In response, some students decided to draw attention to the LGBTI+ bans at graduation ceremonies in Turkey by walking with outfits representing the trans flag tied to a rope at the Devrim (Revolution) Stadium.

In addition to the representation of the trans flag, a 25-meter-long rainbow flag was also unfurled at the ceremony.

Numerous other banners and posters were displayed during the event, including one in support of Can Atalay, an MP from the Turkey Workers' Party (TİP) who has not been released from prison despite his election. He had been sent behind bars in the case concerning the 2013 Gezi Park protests for "aiding an attempt to overthrow the government." (TY/VK)