Turkish authorities shut down transgender exhibition amidst LGBTQ+ crackdown
Turkish authorities have blocked an exhibition that celebrates the art and history of the transgender community in Turkey, amid a wider crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights in the country. The exhibition, titled “Turn and See Back: Revisiting Trans Revolutions in Turkey,” was forced to shut down by police on July 11th. The government accused the show of inciting hatred, a claim refuted by organizers.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been targeting the LGBTQ+ community, labeling them as “deviants” and withdrawing from international treaties against gender-based violence. Istanbul Pride has been banned since 2015, with the government describing participants as “illegal groups.”
The exhibition aimed to showcase the presence and history of the LGBTQ+ community in Turkey. Despite promoting the show discreetly, it attracted hundreds of visitors during its two-week run. However, the ban on the exhibition reflects a broader trend of censorship against LGBTQ+ events in the country.
The crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights extends beyond art exhibitions, with reports of protests disrupting other cultural events that address LGBTQ+ issues. Notably, the imprisonment of philanthropist Osman Kavala, who has been targeted for supporting anti-government protests, exemplifies the government’s suppression of dissenting voices.
Overall, the ban on the exhibition at Depo Istanbul highlights the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community and artists in Turkey. The government’s restrictive policies and censorship tactics continue to hinder freedom of expression and artistic expression in the country.
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Leonie Schultz completed her studies in Digital Media and Design at the Berlin University of the Arts. She focuses on digital installations and interactive art, often incorporating elements of sound and light to create immersive experiences. Leonie has been involved in several digital art festivals and is known for her innovative approach to storytelling through technology.