This chapter explores the convergence of the 100 + 1 anniversary of the Turkish Republic with the escalating repression of queer activism and the growing impact of digitalisation in everyday life. After providing a brief historical overview, the chapter primarily focuses on the events following the Gezi protests, which sparked heightened public interest in queer issues. Drawing from a literature review, this chapter illustrates how the increased public interest in queer issues after the Gezi protests has transformed the nature of queer activism. It explains how it has shifted from being predominantly centred in urban public spaces to a form of queer visibility that is primarily digital or digitally coordinated. The chapter also demonstrates that this transformation of queer activism from physical to digital spaces should not be idealised as a sign of new opportunities that digital media may offer to vulnerable and marginalised communities. While the queer movement increasingly uses digital media to raise awareness and establish transnational networks of solidarity, it has also facilitated the transnational mobilisation of anti-LGBTI+ politics, as evidenced by recent demonstrations organised by groups such as “concerned families” in Istanbul.

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Turkey’s Queer Struggle: Digital Media and Nightlife as the New Frontiers

  • Yener Bayramoğlu

摘要

This chapter explores the convergence of the 100 + 1 anniversary of the Turkish Republic with the escalating repression of queer activism and the growing impact of digitalisation in everyday life. After providing a brief historical overview, the chapter primarily focuses on the events following the Gezi protests, which sparked heightened public interest in queer issues. Drawing from a literature review, this chapter illustrates how the increased public interest in queer issues after the Gezi protests has transformed the nature of queer activism. It explains how it has shifted from being predominantly centred in urban public spaces to a form of queer visibility that is primarily digital or digitally coordinated. The chapter also demonstrates that this transformation of queer activism from physical to digital spaces should not be idealised as a sign of new opportunities that digital media may offer to vulnerable and marginalised communities. While the queer movement increasingly uses digital media to raise awareness and establish transnational networks of solidarity, it has also facilitated the transnational mobilisation of anti-LGBTI+ politics, as evidenced by recent demonstrations organised by groups such as “concerned families” in Istanbul.