The Turkish Community of Berlin Brandenburg (TBB) drew attention to the increasing concerns of Turkish-origin LGBTIQ+ individuals living in Berlin due to recent developments in Turkey, and called on political decision-makers and public institutions. TBB requested a more comprehensive assessment of the protection needs of queer individuals and the strengthening of existing support mechanisms.

The Turkish Community of Berlin Brandenburg (TBB) stated that current developments in Turkey have caused anxiety and uncertainty for the Turkish-origin queer community living in Berlin, and called for the strengthening of the safety of LGBTIQ+ individuals.

The statement made by TBB emphasized that the protection needs of individuals who may be at risk due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, if they come from Turkey or return to Turkey, should be taken into account.

TBB's Six-Point Demand

TBB specifically requested the following steps from political authorities and relevant public institutions:

  • Personal and comprehensive assessment of the protection needs of LGBTIQ+ individuals coming from Turkey,
  • Expansion of existing protection opportunities for queer individuals,
  • Non-deportation of individuals who may be at risk if they return to their countries due to sexual orientation or gender identity,
  • Increasing awareness in the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) and foreigners' offices regarding the special circumstances faced by queer asylum seekers,
  • Ensuring easy access to independent, intersectional, and queer-sensitive counseling services in the field of migration law,
  • Adequate and sustainable financing of counseling and support services for migrant queer individuals.

"Concerns Must Not Be Ignored"

At the end of its statement, TBB stated that the concerns experienced by the Turkish-origin queer community in Berlin should be taken into account.

TBB conveyed the message, "The concerns of the Turkish-origin queer community in Berlin must not be ignored," and requested that the special circumstances LGBTIQ+ individuals may face, especially in migration, asylum, and protection processes, be taken into account.

The statement also drew attention to the importance of strengthening counseling and support mechanisms for Turkish-origin queer individuals' access to rights and legal support.