Dear friends,
This summer, Pride was banned in Istanbul. We marched anyways. And were met with tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons.
My name is Görkem and I'm an organiser for Istanbul Pride. My friends and I were traumatised. Some were physically wounded or scared for their lives.
Then something beautiful happened. In a show of solidarity for us here in Istanbul, All Out members like you from around the world threw the world’s biggest virtual Pride flag wave.
It inspired us to keep fighting. It gave us strength and dignity. But the government continues its crackdown and hate groups keep attacking LGBT people. As we head into next year, it’s clear we need a global movement.
All Out needs 3,000 people to donate before midnight on December 31 to help cover costs to campaign for love and equality in Turkey and around the world next year.
Many of us in Turkey live in constant fear. In August, Hande Kader, a transgender activist, was brutally murdered in Istanbul. In November, Levent Piskin, a famous LGBT activist and lawyer, was arrested.
I’m afraid that bigoted politicians and hate groups here will only feel justified and empowered by the rise of anti-LGBT politicians in the U.S. and Europe.
That’s why it’s so critical that All Out has enough funding to continue to work with activists like me next year. When All Out mobilises their huge global membership, it can make an incredible difference in our fights on the ground.
I’m not giving up and I hope you aren’t either. The solidarity of people like you gives me hope that love can win here in Istanbul.
In solidarity,
Görkem
Istanbul Pride Volunteer
