LGBTQ+ groups defy repression in Türkiye to march with Cop31 activists

Queer and gay protesters today defied the crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights in Turkey to take part in a climate demonstration in Antalya organized by activists in the city hosting the COP31 summit. The Guardian reports it.

LGBTQ+ groups have been in the sights of the Turkish authorities since last September with the police checking activists in their homes or in the offices of NGOs fighting for their rights. But this afternoon, civil society activists from around the world, gathered in Antalya for the UN climate summit, formed a cordon around themselves while waving rainbow flags.

Turkish police mounted a massive security operation around the demonstration. Participants were searched twice and their bags were checked at the entrance to Aydin Kanza Park, where the protest gathered. The entire route was cordoned off with steel barriers to prevent anyone from entering or exiting until the end.

Police examined slogans on protesters' signs and in some cases photographed them. The participation of LGBTQ+ activists in the march was carefully planned in advance. Protest organizers made sure the flags were available, but they were not unfurled until the activists were safely surrounded by civil society groups and the media.