Last June authorities detained over 300 Pride participants at events in Istanbul © Kemal Aslan/AFP via Getty s
Turkish summers are appealing because they offer the possibility of boat parties and white sand beaches, making for the perfect summer vacation.
But with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s reelection last month, LGBTQ people believe they are hearing a message that Turkey is not a place where they will be accepted.
In his post-election victory speech at the end of May, President Erdoğan denounced the “LGBT forces.” ” ” “In our culture, family is sacred; no one can interfere,” he told supporters. “We will strangle anyone who dares to touch it. “.
Exploring Turkey as an LGBTQIA+ Traveler: A Balancing Act
Turkey, a land of rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, beckons travelers from all corners of the globe. However, for LGBTQIA+ individuals, the question of safety and acceptance often hangs in the air. While Turkey has made strides in recent years, the landscape for LGBTQIA+ rights remains complex and nuanced.
Understanding the Legal and Social Landscape
Unlike many Muslim-majority nations, homosexuality is legal in Turkey. However, same-sex marriage and civil partnerships are not recognized, and there are no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This means that LGBTQIA+ individuals can face challenges in various aspects of their lives, including employment, housing, and access to healthcare.
Navigating the Social Climate
Despite the legal framework, the social climate towards LGBTQIA+ individuals varies significantly across the country. Major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir tend to be more tolerant and have a growing LGBTQIA+ scene, with bars, clubs, and events catering to the community. However, in smaller towns and more conservative areas, attitudes can be less accepting, and LGBTQIA+ individuals may face discrimination or hostility
A Word of Caution: Recent Developments
It’s important to note that recent political developments have cast a shadow on the progress made in LGBTQIA+ rights. President Erdoğan’s re-election campaign and subsequent pronouncements have been interpreted by many as a signal of intolerance towards the LGBTQIA+ community. This has led to increased anxiety and uncertainty among LGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies.
Safety Considerations for LGBTQIA+ Travelers
While Turkey is generally considered safe for tourists, LGBTQIA+ travelers should exercise caution and discretion. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Public Displays of Affection: Avoid public displays of affection, as they can attract unwanted attention, especially in conservative areas.
- Solo Travel and Room Sharing: If traveling solo, be aware that you may be assigned a room with someone of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, inform the tour operator in advance to arrange appropriate accommodations.
- Choosing Accommodation: Opt for LGBTQIA+-friendly hotels or guesthouses, where you can feel more comfortable and accepted.
- Staying Informed: Keep yourself updated on the latest developments regarding LGBTQIA+ rights and social attitudes in Turkey before and during your trip.
Making Informed Decisions: Weighing Your Options
The decision to visit Turkey as an LGBTQIA+ traveler is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer, and it’s crucial to weigh your individual comfort level, risk tolerance, and travel goals.
Alternatives to Consider:
If you’re worried about LGBTQIA people’s safety and acceptance in Turkey, you might want to look into other places with more progressive laws and a longer history of defending LGBTQIA rights.
Supporting Local Businesses:
If you do decide to visit Turkey, consider supporting LGBTQIA+-owned businesses and organizations. This can help empower the community and promote inclusivity.
Staying True to Yourself:
Ultimately, traveling as an LGBTQIA+ individual is about staying true to yourself and finding ways to experience the world authentically. Whether you choose Turkey or another destination, prioritize your safety and well-being while embracing the opportunity to explore new cultures and connect with people from all walks of life.
Additional Resources:
- Intrepid Travel: Is Turkey Safe for LGBTQIA+ Travelers?
- Lonely Planet: Advice for LGBTQ Travelers to Turkey
- ILGA-Europe: Turkey Country Report
Remember, every journey is unique, and the decision to travel to Turkey as an LGBTQIA+ individual is yours to make. By staying informed, exercising caution, and being true to yourself, you can have a safe and fulfilling experience.
What’s the situation with LGBTQ+ rights in Turkey?
Unlike many majority-Muslim countries, Turkey accepts homosexuality, and in large cities like Istanbul, tolerance is often the norm despite political hate speech.
Still, Turkey scores low on the LGBTQ+ acceptance meter compared to the rest of Europe. In 2022, ILGA-Europe ranked Turkey 48 out of 49 countries regarding LGBTQ+ equality. The absence of support keeps many locals in the closet: several people living in Turkey chose not to speak or to give only their first names when interviewed for this piece.
Erdoğan has said the LGBTQ+ community is “spreading like the plague,” and Pride parades regularly lead to arrests. In 2015, police sprayed Istanbul Pride marchers with tear gas and water cannons. Last June, authorities detained over 300 Pride participants at events around the city. Immerse yourself in the best experiences the world has to offer with our
Kaan, a gay man of Turkish descent who moved to the Netherlands in March, left his native country primarily because the capital city did not provide enough protections for LGBTQ people. He cites the right to marry and gender discrimination as two of his deciding factors. “Hidden governmental pressure to make LGBTQ+ people invisible on TV influenced my decision to move most,” he says.
Gay travel expert Mustafa Korkmaz, who runs two websites about LGBTQ travel in Turkey, is positive. He lives in Istanbul. “LGBTQ+ life is better than it was 20 years ago,” he says. “I live in Taksim, which is kind of a gay ghetto,” he says, using a phrase that was initially used in the 1960s to describe gay communities in urban areas such as San Francisco. “I have transgender neighbors. There are 10 LGBTQ+ bars nearby. “.
What should LGBTQ+ tourists know while touring Turkey?
Kaan and Mustafa believe Turkey is safe for LGBTQ+ travelers if they take certain precautions. “Same-sex couples can walk hand-in-hand, arm-in-arm,” says Kaan – a common way Turkish men express friendship. But public displays of affection like kissing are “not in the countrys culture, even for straight people. “.
Whats expected of locals only sometimes applies to tourists. Mustafa states that since “people in the travel industry are more liberal-minded, generally,” it is unlikely that they will experience discrimination when booking a hotel room or going on tours. However, it’s advisable to proceed with caution, particularly in small, conservative towns where implementing a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy about sexual orientation and gender identity can help to defuse tensions.
The majority of major cities, such as Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, Eskisehir, and Bodrum, are safe to visit, according to Kaan, but there aren’t many LGBTQ-friendly attractions outside of Istanbul.
But even in Bodrum, which Mustafa likens to rainbow flag-flying Mykonos, its possible to run into prejudice. In 2021, travel blogger Ben Schlappig disclosed that several surrounding hotels had anti-gay policies that forbade two men from sharing a room. Travelers worried about a potential issue should call ahead before booking a stay.
Life as an LGBTQ in Turkiye | The West Asia Post
Is Turkey safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?
Kaan and Mustafa believe Turkey is safe for LGBTQ+ travelers if they take certain precautions. “Same-sex couples can walk hand-in-hand, arm-in-arm,” says Kaan – a common way Turkish men express friendship. But public displays of affection like kissing are “not in the country’s culture, even for straight people.”
Does Turkey have a gay community?
While the Ottoman Empire, Turkey’s predecessor, decriminalized homosexuality in 1858, the current situation for the LGBT community remains concerning as anti-discrimination laws have yet to be implemented. This lack of legal protection affects the local population and LGBT tourists visiting the country.
What are the legal challenges faced by LGBT people in Turkey?
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender ( LGBT) people in Turkey face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents, though the general climate for LGBT people is considered to be less repressive when compared to most other Muslim-majority countries.
Is Istanbul LGBT friendly?
It is 100% a city that members of the LGBT community should feel comfortable in and excited to visit, but visitors should keep in mind the religious and political situation. This guide aims to provide a summary of the situation in Istanbul to help LGBT travelers prepare for a trip there.