Gay rights in Turkey: Halil Dincdag

Since may 2009, Turkey has become more than ever centre stage when it comes to gay rights in countries with a muslim majority. Unlike in most countries with a muslim majority, homosexuality is not illegal in Turkey. There are an increasing number of gay rights organisations throughout whole Turkey. The two most active of them are LambdaIstanbul in Istanbul and the Ankara based KaosGL.

There are also an increasing number of gay bars and gay discoteques in cities like Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Bodrum. Although homosexuality is not illegal in Turkey and the growing number of gay rights organisations and gay venues, there are also no laws that protect gays, lesbians, transvestites and transsexuals from becoming a victim of discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Homosexuality is still a huge taboo in Turkey.


Foto:Halil Dincdag

In may 2009, football referee Halil Dinsdag, 33, who lived in Trabzon, got sacked by the Turkish football association for being homosexual. Halil Ibrahim Dincdag was excused from his compulsory military service when he was listed as homosexual in a medical report. Gays are barred from serving the Turkish military. Anyone who can't perform their military service for medical reasons is not allowed to be a referee.

The Turkish football association therefore refused to renew Halil's licence.

Stories began appearing about his alleged homosexuality after Halil wrote a letter to the Turkish football association to question his dismissal. Halil Dincdag decided to fight back and to blow the whistle on the discrimination of gays. He made his appearance in a famous sports programme on KanalTurk, a national television channel.

During this interview Halil said; "Yes, i am homosexual and i will fight this discrimination. Please stand tall against the unfairness against you, say it is wrong. I will fight my dismissal. I will take this matter to the courts, the European court of human rights if necessary".

In later interviews he said; " They thought i am an ant that they could crush. But they have destroyed my life and i will fight them till the end.. I will continue my legal battle"

After receiving threats Halil moved house to Istanbul. He also lost his job as radio presentor.

Halil Dincdag has got the support of the two major gay rights organisations LambdaIstanbul and Kaosgl and the support of his family in Trabzon, including his brother who is an imam.

Thousands and thousands of people signed an online petition on the website of one of the biggest national newspapers to support Halil Dincdag in his battle .

Although the situation of gays , lesbians, transvestites and transsexuals is often difficult, the fact that Halil Dincdag fights back and the growing number of gay rights orgainisations and gay venues, the annual gay pride week, including the gay film festival and the gaypride shows that the civil society is becoming stronger and stronger and won't keep silent when it comes to unfairness.