22/08/2016 | Writer: Kaos GL

Those who came together, in spite of a police barricade in Istanbul against transphobia, said ‘Trans murders are a political matter. We want to die of natural causes.’

Those who came together, in spite of a police barricade in Istanbul against transphobia, said “Trans murders are a political matter. We want to die of natural causes.”

Reactions against trans woman Hande Kader’s murder by burning continue. Led by Istanbul LGBTI Solidarity Association and upon the call of LGBTI organizations, hundreds of people condemned the murder of Hande Kader and commemorated those who lost their lives due to homophobic and transphobic hate murders.

Photo: afa

“Justice for Hande, justice for all”

Those who come together in Beyoğlu Tünel against homophobia and transphobia opened the banner that reads “We won’t lose one more. Justice for Hande, justice for all”.

In the demonstration, participated in by women’s associations and many political parties as well as LGBTI organizations, slogans such as “Trans murders are political” and “Hande Kader’s here, where are the murderers?” were chanted. The names of those who lost their lives due to hate murders were announced as well.

MPs were present too

Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) Istanbul MP Filiz Kerestecioğlu and Republican People’s Party (CHP) Istanbul MP Sezgin Tanrıkulu were present at the demonstration for support. Kerestecioğlu indicated that LGBTI rights were essential for democracy and Tanrıkulu stated “We have to respect gender identities.”

President of Istanbul LGBTI Solidarity Association Ebru Kırancı and trans activist İdil Su read the press statement. The declaration demanded legal protection against hate murders, and it was stressed that transphobic hate murders were political. The declaration also commemorated those who lost their lives in the attack on a wedding in Antep yesterday.

The demonstration took place with police surrounding the participants, the participants dispersed in Istiklal Avenue, chanting slogans.

Photos: Barış Paksoy & Yıldız Tar

Translation: LGBTI News Turkey


Tags: human rights
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