Promoting LGBT Rights in Turkey Through KAOS

A guest blog by Peter Spoor, Head Press and Projects Team at the British Embassy in Ankara, Turkey

KAOS GL is a small but perfectly formed Turkish organisation which is seeking to overturn prejudice in Turkey on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LBGT) issues.  KAOS’ aim is to ensure that the country’s LGBT citizens can benefit from the same rights and freedoms that are granted to other Turks.

I was proud to represent the British Government at KAOS’ annual symposium last week. In a crowded conference hall in the basement of the Ankara Bar Association on Saturday morning, Turkish MPs, academics and trade unionists came together to relay a key message for Turkey’s EU accession prospects: that the lack of recognition for the rights of LGBTs is an obstacle to EU membership. The United Kingdom supports KAOS’ call for a reference to LGBT rights to be included in the draft constitution being debated within the Turkish Parliament.

Using our project funds this year and next, the British Embassy in Ankara will continue to support Turkish LGBT organisations seeking to make their voices heard. For too long, the cause of LGBT rights in Turkey has been in the shadows. KAOS and other committed organisations are determined to put an end to this. We’re keen to help. We see our involvement on this as an integral part of our overall approach to promoting human rights around the world.