‘Haters gonna hate’: anti-LGBTI+ rally attracts few despite Turkish state support

Duvar English

On Sept. 15, the third anti-LGBTI+ "Big Family Meeting" rally, organized by the Islamist and nationalist Big Family Platform, was held in Saraçhane Park in Istanbul’s Fatih district.

Following the rally, a "silent" march with few dozens took place to Beyazıt Square. 

The ruling Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) Fatih District municipality distributed soup throughout the hate ridden meeting.

The state-TV TRT and state-run Anadolu Agency broadcasted the entire rally live. Previously, Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) has authorized the broadcast of a “public service announcement” promoting the anti-LGBTI+ hate.

Üsküdar University Rector Nevzat Tarhan, known for his advocacy for deadly conversion therapy, also made a speech in the rally and claimed that “LGBTs occupy (the country) as a gang.”

Although grassroots protestors typically bring their homemade placards to demonstrations, participants in the hate rally were seen carrying identical placards with uniform messages, many of which were borrowed from foreign far-right groups and Christian Evangelist organizations but reframed within an Islamic narrative.

The people in the square carried same size Turkish flags and banners reading "Halt this disgraceful assault,” "Protecting the family is a matter of national security," "Stop sociocultural terror," "We want constitutional protection for our family," "Don"t let those who declare war on the family pass," "Don’t turn your head when the family is in the target," "Raise your voice for children."

Not only Islamists but also nationalists attended the hate rally. Tülin Oygür, Chair of the Republican Women's Association said in her speech that they want a law to be introduced to ban LGBTI+ associations and “LGBTI propaganda.”

The participants also demonstrated their support for a constitutional change, that has been advocated by the AKP and its far-right partner Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) for a while.

LGBTI+s against hate

Social Policy, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Studies Association (SPoD) distributed lokma (traditional sweets) in front of Fatih Mosque for Ahmet Yıldız, who was killed by his father because he was gay.

Ahmet Yıldız was shot and killed by his father, Yahya Yıldız, on July 15, 2008. Since his family did not claim his body, he was buried in a common grave for unknown and unclaimed bodies as per the Turkish law.

Despite 40 court hearings, Ahmet Yıldız's father has not been brought to justice as he remains a fugitive.

Families and Friends of LGBTI+ in Turkey (LİSTAG), and three other family organizations from İzmir, Ankara, and Antalya on Sept. 13 released a statement against the hate rally.

“We are families who love their children unconditionally and always stand by them, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The so-called ‘Great Family Gathering,’ organized as an anti-LGBTQ+ march, is an act that promotes discrimination and hate speech in society. This march is not only an attack on LGBTQ+ individuals but also an attempt to spread hatred and discrimination toward their families," they stated.