New oppression of LGBTQ+ communities in Turkey - a timeline by ReportOut

ReportOut takes a two-minute look at recent oppression in Turkey against the LGBTQ+ communities with mass arrests and censorship.  It poses serious questions for the freedom and security of our communities not just in Turkey but anywhere populist government weaponise the LGBTQ+ communities for their own gain.

Turkey Timeline (2014-2026) 

As of September 2026, it has been reported that throughout Turkey, raids, arbitrary detention, event bans, and censorship have been used in an attempt to ‘crackdown’ on the LGBTQ+ community. This has resulted in raids, hundreds of arrests and internet censorship. At ReportOUT, we strive to stand with the LGBTQ community of Turkey, amplify their voices, document injustice and advocate for their right to live safely, freely and with dignity. 

2014 

In 2014, approximately 100,000 people attended the Pride march in Istanbul [1]. In the following years, communities that attempted to celebrate Pride were met with devastating forces of violence from authorities, such as water cannons and tear gas. This demonstrates the beginning of the unnecessary violence that the LGBTQ community in Turkey has faced. 

2017 

On the 18th November 2017, the capital city of Turkey, Ankara, placed a ban on all LGBTQ events, including festivals. Despite homosexuality being legal in Turkey, this ban followed an increase in governors wanting to ‘protect public order and sensitivities’. Evidently, despite the fact the LGBTQ+ community should be protected in Turkey, their right to celebrate is being diminished, catalysing the events that later put many people's lives at risk. 

2025-2026 

In 2025, Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, introduced the ‘Decade of Family and Population’ policy, an initiative that places emphasis on traditional family structures and marriage, that further restrict LGBTQ+ rights and expression. This policy comes in the wake of a dangerous time for LGBTQ+ people in Turkey and demonstrates the further ostracization of this community.

2026 

In 2026, in Turkey, we are currently witnessing the severe culmination of the past decade of violence against the LGBTQ+ community. Turkish police have been carrying out raids on the offices of LGBTQ+ rights organisations and HIV advocacy groups.

It is believed that over 62 people are currently being held on remand, whilst 100 people were detained [2]. The scale of these actions underscores the urgent need to protect LGBTQ+ people and those who support them. The people of Turkey deserve to live safely and with dignity, without fear of discrimination or violence.

ReportOUT will continue to amplify LGBTQ+ voices, share their stories and stand in solidarity with communities working for equality and safety for all. 

Sources:

1. Amnesty International, Turkey: Pride march ban is a new low, 30th June 2015. 2. The Guardian, Turkey detains dozens in crackdown on LGBTQ+ activists and journalists, 17th September 2026.