Internasjonalt seminar:
LGBTQ+ Rights Under Pressure - What Is Happening in Turkey?
The Turkish government has declared 2025 the “Year of the Family.” In practice, however, this seems to be a euphemism—another way of saying “a year of resistance against LGBTQ+ rights.”
According to reports by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International published in October 2025, a leaked draft of proposed amendments to Turkish law and the penal code reveals how the authorities are escalating their attacks on LGBTQ+ people. If these proposals are adopted, the mere “visibility” or “promotion” of LGBTQ+ identities could be criminalized—putting both queer individuals and LGBTQ+ activism at risk of prosecution. Moreover, the legal process for gender transition would become significantly more restrictive.
What will these new laws mean for the lives and happiness of LGBTQ+ people?
How will rainbow families and queer children be affected?
And will it still be possible to be an LGBTQ+ activist in Turkey if these laws are enacted?
We are joined by Zeynep Şanlısavaş and İlayda Doğa Karaman from Ankara, both of whom are engaged in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in Turkey. They will share their hopes, fears, and dreams for the future in conversation with Patricia Kaatee, political advisor at Amnesty International.