LGBTQ+ protesters defy crackdown in Turkey to march with Cop31 activists
LGBTQ+ protesters in Turkey defied a government crackdown to lead a civil society climate march in Antalya, where international activists formed a protective cordon around them as they unfurled rainbow flags.
Turkey's LGBTQ+ groups have faced increased persecution since September, with police targeting activists in their homes or at the offices of NGOs advocating for their rights. Despite this crackdown, queer and gay protesters led a civil society climate march on Saturday in Antalya, the city hosting this year's Cop31 climate summit.
International climate activists formed a protective cordon around the Turkish LGBTQ+ protesters as they unfurled rainbow flags during the march in Aydin Kanza Park. The entire route was cordoned off with steel barriers, and attendees were frisked twice with their bags searched.
Another protester, who identified only as Beren, revealed that her friend was currently detained for being transgender. "I feel very excited about being able to wave the flag, but I would love my friend to be here. She is detained right now because she is trans."
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