Can You Be Gay in Turkey?

Turkey has a complex history when it comes to LGBTQ rights. While homosexuality has been legal since the Ottoman Empire decriminalized it in 1858, LGBTQ individuals still face many challenges in Turkey today. This article examines the legal status, social climate, and living conditions for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in modern Turkey.

Brief History

During the Ottoman Empire, homosexuality and homosexual acts were not explicitly illegal. However in the late 19th century attraction to young girls became more common than attraction to boys.

When the Republic of Turkey was established in 1923, the new government under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk introduced reforms that impacted societal views on homosexuality. However, discrimination and hostility towards LGBTQ individuals persisted.

In the 1980s and 90s, the LGBTQ community in Turkey began organizing and campaigning for equal rights. Organizations like Lambda Istanbul were established to advocate for LGBTQ people However, gay pride events were often banned by the government, citing concerns for “public morality”

While homosexuality is legal today, LGBTQ individuals continue to face challenges in Turkish society. Let’s examine the current situation.

Is Homosexuality Legal in Turkey?

Yes, homosexuality is legal in Turkey. The Ottoman Empire decriminalized homosexuality back in 1858.

Today, the law does not explicitly prohibit homosexuality or homosexual acts between consenting adults over the age of 18. There is no sodomy law in Turkey.

However, Turkey’s civil rights laws do not prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. So while being gay itself is not illegal, LGBTQ people lack legal protections in Turkey.

Can You Get Married as a Gay Couple?

Unfortunately, same-sex marriage is not legal in Turkey. The country only recognizes marriages between a man and a woman.

There are also no legal protections for same-sex couples. Unmarried partners cannot receive legal recognition as a couple, including rights such as shared property ownership or medical decision-making for an incapacitated partner.

Some cities, like Istanbul, offer “certificate of companionship” for unmarried couples. However, these certificates do not provide any substantial rights. They are merely symbolic.

What Is the Social Acceptance of LGBTQ People Like?

Despite homosexuality being legal, social acceptance of LGBTQ people in Turkey remains relatively low. A 2013 Pew Research study found 78% of people in Turkey believe homosexuality should not be accepted by society.

Negative social attitudes persist due to the conservative nature of Turkish society. The majority religion is Islam, which traditionally condemns homosexuality.

LGBTQ people frequently face discrimination, harassment, and even violence due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Honor killings of LGBTQ individuals have been reported.

Police crackdowns on gay pride parades are common, although events still take place annually in Istanbul and Ankara. Authorities often cite vague “public morality” reasons to ban LGBTQ events.

Overall, Turkey remains a challenging place for openly gay individuals. Caution is advised, especially when displaying public affection. However, some large cities have vibrant underground gay scenes.

What Are Gay Rights Like in Turkey?

Legally, gay rights in Turkey remain limited:

• There are no laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, housing, education, and access to services.

• Hate crimes based on sexual orientation are not recognized under Turkish law.

• LGBTQ organizations and events are frequently banned or disrupted. Activists face prosecution.

• Censorship and restrictions on freedom of expression limit the ability to advocate for LGBTQ rights.

• Same-sex couples have no partnership rights. Gay marriage and civil unions are prohibited.

• LGBTQ couples cannot legally adopt children. Only married couples (man and woman) may adopt.

• No anti-bullying laws protect LGBTQ youth in schools.

On a positive note, transgender individuals have been allowed to legally change their gender since 1988. Sex reassignment surgery is also legal. However, transgender people still face widespread social stigma.

What Is Life Like for Gay People in Turkey?

Life for LGBTQ individuals in Turkey varies greatly depending on location. More accepting attitudes may be found in progressive cities like Istanbul and Izmir. However, discrimination still occurs.

Conservative towns and rural areas tend to be less tolerant of homosexuality. Extreme caution is advised for openly gay people in these regions due to risks of violence.

In general, life remains challenging for openly LGBTQ individuals across Turkey. Threats of violence and loss of employment are concerns. Social isolation and mental health issues are common due to lack of acceptance.

For these reasons, many LGBTQ people remain “in the closet” and conceal their sexual orientation from all but close friends. For those who are openly gay, finding safe housing and tolerant communities is a priority but not always possible.

What Does the Future Hold for Gay Rights in Turkey?

The future of LGBTQ rights in Turkey remains uncertain. Despite opposition from authorities, activists continue pushing for equality and societal acceptance.

The best hope lies with increasing globalization exposing Turkey to more progressive LGBTQ attitudes, especially among young people. Generational changes in societal values could bring gradual improvement.

Continued pressure from human rights groups and potential EU membership requirements may also push the government to legally protect LGBTQ individuals from discrimination.

However, recent political developments do not point towards imminent change. The current government continues cracking down on LGBTQ activism and events.

Real progress will likely depend on changing social mindsets over time. Younger generations seem more open-minded, portending hope for the future. But conservative attitudes remain deeply entrenched in much of Turkey.

Summary – Can You Be Gay in Turkey?

• Homosexuality is legal in Turkey but anti-discrimination protections are lacking.

• Social acceptance is low, especially in conservative rural regions.

• Legally, LGBTQ couples have almost no rights. Gay marriage is banned.

• Life remains difficult for openly gay individuals, but urban gay communities exist.

• The future of LGBTQ rights is uncertain. Acceptance may increase gradually over time.

So in short – yes, you can be gay in Turkey. But obstacles and risks for LGBTQ individuals remain substantial compared to many Western nations. The path to full equality will be long, requiring much work to change social attitudes and prejudices.