Despite officials in Istanbul banning the city’s Trans Pride Parade, activists still took to the streets to protest against the discrimination faced by trans individuals. The authorities cited concerns about threats to family values as the reason for the ban.
However, the police successfully blocked parade participants from demonstrating at Taksim Square, the central location for such events, by setting up extensive roadblocks. The interruption of metro connections further hindered protesters’ access to the square. Activist association Kaos GL reported that police engaged in what they described as “attacks” on the demonstrators.
Governor Davut Gül of Istanbul had already made it clear in a tweet on Friday that he would not permit any events that could potentially undermine the institution of the family.
Not only Istanbul but also other cities in Turkey banned pride marches and related events during the annual pride month, observed worldwide in June to promote visibility and support for the LGBTQ community.
The Turkish government, under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has a history of prohibiting such events and has consistently expressed strong anti-LGBTQ sentiments.
