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Transsexuals in Turkey Take to the Stage to Defend Against Discrimination
January 21, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Lifestyle News
A unique play in an Ankara theatre ended with a standing ovation this week as the little-known actors transsexuals and gays raising their voice against discrimination fought back their tears on stage.
Their play, 'Pink And Grey,' put the spotlight on the plight of transsexuals in mainly Muslim Turkey, in the latest initiative of a fledgling but increasingly vocal movement for rights by a community long ostracized and often harassed.
Beaming with pride and excitement, the amateur stars, male-to-female transsexuals Derya Tunc and Sera Can, received congratulations in the boisterous backstage, taking a welcome respite from their actual jobs as sex workers.
'Despite all the discrimination we face, I have no regrets for what I am,' Can cheerfully told AFP. 'My only regret is having ended up in the prostitution sector.'
Almost all transsexuals and transvestites in Turkey make their living as prostitutes. They say they have no other option in a society where homophobia is strong and often accompanied by violence.
Three quarters of Turks say they are 'disturbed' by homosexuals, a recent opinion survey showed, although many gays today are recognized as being among the country's most prominent singers and fashion designers.
Notoriously harsh against transsexual prostitutes, police have been accused of arbitrary round-ups, mistreatment, torture and rough 'clean-up' operations in several Istanbul neighbourhoods popular with transsexuals.
Activists say police abuse declined in recent years as the homosexual and transgender movement became organised and Turkey's bid to join the European Union made human rights a priority issue.
Their play, 'Pink And Grey,' put the spotlight on the plight of transsexuals in mainly Muslim Turkey, in the latest initiative of a fledgling but increasingly vocal movement for rights by a community long ostracized and often harassed.
Beaming with pride and excitement, the amateur stars, male-to-female transsexuals Derya Tunc and Sera Can, received congratulations in the boisterous backstage, taking a welcome respite from their actual jobs as sex workers.
'Despite all the discrimination we face, I have no regrets for what I am,' Can cheerfully told AFP. 'My only regret is having ended up in the prostitution sector.'
Almost all transsexuals and transvestites in Turkey make their living as prostitutes. They say they have no other option in a society where homophobia is strong and often accompanied by violence.
Three quarters of Turks say they are 'disturbed' by homosexuals, a recent opinion survey showed, although many gays today are recognized as being among the country's most prominent singers and fashion designers.
Notoriously harsh against transsexual prostitutes, police have been accused of arbitrary round-ups, mistreatment, torture and rough 'clean-up' operations in several Istanbul neighbourhoods popular with transsexuals.
Activists say police abuse declined in recent years as the homosexual and transgender movement became organised and Turkey's bid to join the European Union made human rights a priority issue.
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