İnter Dayanışma: Navigating Challenges, Empowering Intersex Individuals in Turkey

İnter Dayanışma is a pioneering intersex organization in Turkey that has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights and visibility of intersex individuals. Founded on the heels of the intersexualshalala blog in 2009, the organization began its journey by connecting with established LGBTQ+ organizations in Turkey. Over the years, İnter Dayanışma has tirelessly worked to raise awareness, provide support, and drive legal and societal recognition for intersex individuals.

Early Years and Advocacy Efforts

Initially operating on an amateur basis, intersex activists associated with İnter Dayanışma actively engaged in various activities. They participated in panels, created a short film showcased at the France Douarnenez Film Festival, gave interviews to newspapers, and worked tirelessly to elevate the visibility of intersex issues.

Apology from Lambdaistanbul

In a significant milestone, Lambdaistanbul, one of Turkey’s earliest LGBTQ+ organizations, issued an open letter in 2012, offering a heartfelt apology to intersex activists for not having included them in their efforts until that point. This gesture marked an important step towards inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ movement in Turkey.

Integration with May 17 Association

Since 2020, İnter Dayanışma has been operating as a registered association under the umbrella of 17 Mayıs Derneği (May 17 Association). This strategic move has provided the organization with greater organizational stability and capacity to expand its impact.

Team and Activities

Currently, İnter Dayanışma operates with one salaried employee and a dedicated team of 13 volunteers. The organization pursues its mission through a multi-faceted approach, including providing intersex rights education to professional groups, generating Turkish-language intersex content and publications, offering peer counseling and psychosocial support to intersex individuals, organizing empowering events, and advocating within the medical community.

In a landscape where intersex rights have long been marginalized, İnter Dayanışma stands as a beacon of hope for intersex individuals and their families in Turkey. Through a multifaceted approach encompassing education, legal advocacy, psychosocial support, and community-building events, İnter Dayanışma strives to create a more inclusive and supportive environment. However, the organization faces numerous challenges, including funding issues exacerbated by the current authoritarian regime in Turkey.

Education and Professional Training

One of İnter Dayanışma’s foundational initiatives involves providing crucial education and training on intersex rights to a diverse array of professional groups. This includes lawyers, social service workers, mental health professionals, medical students, and others. These training sessions serve as a powerful tool for disseminating accurate information, challenging stereotypes, and fostering a deeper understanding of the unique experiences and challenges faced by intersex individuals.

Legal Advocacy and Workshops

İnter Dayanışma’s commitment to establishing a legal framework that protects the rights of intersex individuals is a testament to their dedication. The organization’s plans to conduct workshops with lawyers and doctors signal a crucial step towards bridging the gap between legal expertise and medical knowledge. This collaborative approach is pivotal in creating a legal framework that is comprehensive, sensitive, and reflective of the unique needs of intersex individuals.

Psychosocial, Legal, and Peer Support

Understanding the multifaceted needs of intersex individuals and their families, İnter Dayanışma goes above and beyond by providing psychosocial, legal, and peer support. This vital aspect of their work creates a safe and supportive space for intersex individuals to share experiences, seek advice, and access necessary resources. Additionally, İnter Dayanışma offers legal support in situations where intersex individuals face discrimination or challenges in areas such as employment and education.

Community-Building Events and Resilience

İnter Dayanışma’s efforts extend beyond education and legal advocacy. The organization organizes camps, bringing together intersex individuals to strengthen their sense of community and resilience. These events serve as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of creating spaces where intersex individuals can connect, share experiences, and find support.

Challenges Faced by İnter Dayanışma

While İnter Dayanışma’s work is undeniably impactful, it is not without its challenges. The current authoritarian regime in Turkey, coupled with political tensions surrounding local elections, has led to funding issues for LGBTI+ organizations, including İnter Dayanışma. Intersex organizations, already among the least funded, face heightened vulnerability in this political climate, threatening the continuity of their vital work.

İnter Dayanışma’s steadfast commitment to advocating for intersex rights and providing comprehensive support is nothing short of heroic. Through their education, legal advocacy, and psychosocial support initiatives, İnter Dayanışma is paving the way for a more inclusive and empathetic society. As we reflect on the vital work of İnter Dayanışma, it is crucial that we recognize the urgent need for stable funding and support to ensure the continuation of their essential mission. Their efforts serve as a powerful reminder that every individual deserves recognition, support, and empowerment, regardless of their gender identity or intersex status.

The Erosion of LGBTI Rights in Turkey under Authoritarian Rule

Turkey, once seen as a beacon of progress for LGBTQ+ rights in the region, is witnessing a distressing regression in the recognition and protection of these rights due to the increasingly authoritarian regime. This report aims to shed light on the alarming decline of LGBTI rights in Turkey, fueled by the suppression of opposition media, threats to LGBTI organizations, the dissemination of homophobic propaganda, cancellation of the Istanbul Convention, anti-LGBTI hate marches, homophobic speeches by President Tayyip Erdoğan, police brutality towards pride marches, and the broader reduction of democratic values.

Suppression of Opposition Media:

The authoritarian regime in Turkey has systematically silenced opposition media, severely limiting the space for discussions on LGBTQ+ rights. This suppression stifles the dissemination of information and undermines efforts to raise awareness and promote understanding of the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community.

Threats to LGBTI Organizations:

LGBTI organizations in Turkey are under constant threat of closure and crippling legal fines. This hostile environment instills fear and hampers the vital advocacy work of organizations committed to safeguarding the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Dissemination of Homophobic Propaganda:

The regime actively propagates homophobic hate propaganda, perpetuating stereotypes and deepening societal intolerance towards LGBTQ+ individuals. This harmful rhetoric fosters an environment of discrimination and fear, making it increasingly difficult for LGBTQ+ individuals to lead authentic lives.

Cancellation of the Istanbul Convention:

Turkey’s decision to cancel the Istanbul Convention, citing concerns over its inclusion of LGBTQ+ rights, has far-reaching implications for the protection of human rights, including those of the LGBTQ+ community. This move signals a significant step backwards in the recognition and protection of LGBTQ+ rights in Turkey.

Hate Marches:

Family marches, which often carry anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment, have become more prevalent. These events amplify the hostile environment for LGBTQ+ individuals. Notable examples include the ‘Family and Values March’ held in Ankara in 2019 and the ‘Great Anatolian Family Meeting’ held in Konya in 2020.

Homophobic Speeches by Tayyip Erdoğan:

President Tayyip Erdoğan has made numerous public statements that perpetuate homophobia and transphobia. His rhetoric includes derogatory comments about LGBTQ+ individuals, such as referring to them as “against the values of our nation.” These remarks contribute to an atmosphere of discrimination and intolerance.

Police Assaults on LGBTI Pride Marches:

LGBTI pride marches have faced violent assaults by both counter-protesters and, at times, law enforcement officers. The police’s failure to adequately protect participants further endangers the safety of LGBTQ+ activists.

Reduction of Democracy:

The erosion of LGBTI rights is part of a broader trend of declining democracy in Turkey. The government’s tightening grip on civil society and suppression of dissent have created an environment where minority rights, including those of the LGBTQ+ community, are increasingly at risk.

Impact on Intersex and Trans Individuals:

Intersex and trans individuals in Turkey face even greater challenges. They often do not feel safe in their own communities and face heightened risks of discrimination, violence, and limited access to healthcare. This political climate exacerbates their vulnerability, making it difficult to envision a stable, safe, and bright future.

Conclusion

The erosion of LGBTI rights in Turkey under the authoritarian regime is deeply concerning and demands immediate attention from the international community. The suppression of opposition media, threats to LGBTQ+ organizations, cancellation of international agreements, spread of homophobic hate propaganda, assaults on pride events, and broader reduction of democratic values paint a bleak picture for LGBTQ+ individuals in Turkey. It is imperative that concerted efforts be made to support activists and organizations fighting for the rights and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community in Turkey, and to hold the government accountable for its discriminatory policies.