Gays Forced to Pretend As Heterosexuals

Lambdaistanbul Homosexual NGO Initiative, on Saturday (April 1, 2006) introduced a book they prepared called, "We Are Neither Wrong, Nor Alone!" The book includes the results of a research Lambdaistanbul conducted in 2005 in Istanbul through face-to-face interviews with 393 homosexuals and bisexuals.

The research reveals that a large majority of those surveyed are faced with at least one form of social violence such as verbal abuse and exclusion, because of their sexual orientation. Almost half of the participants are scared of being left all alone because they are homosexuals or bisexuals.

Lambdaistanbul, which argues that the problems are multi-dimensional, intents to go to non-governmental organizations and state institutions with the results of the survey.

"They are seen as wrongdoers in society, and are made to feel alone"

Yesim Basaran and Sedef Cakmak made spoke on behalf of Lambdaistanbul at the meeting on Saturday. Cakmak said they conducted an 11-month survey on the problems of homosexuals and bisexuals and compiled the survey results in a book called, "We are Neither Wrong, Nor Alone!"

3,000 copies of the book are published. The book compiles the results of a survey conducted with 393 homosexuals or bisexuals in Istanbul through face-to-face interviews.

Homosexuality is still seen as a disease

Basaran presented the following survey results:

* 38 percent of the 393 participants were women, and 62 percent were men. 83 percent hide from some or all of their immediate family that they are homosexuals or bisexuals. 70 percent are faced with pressure to get married.

* 88 percent of the 268 participants who work, hide their sexual orientation from all or some of their employers, bosses, or coworkers. 10 percent of the 242 male participants were forced to go to a brothel.

* 63 percent are forced to pretend that they have a lover of opposite sex. 23 percent are faced with physical violence because of their sexual orientation. 87 percent are faced with at least one form of social violence, such as verbal abuse or exclusion.

* 62 percent of the 27 men who applied for military exemption, were asked to undergo anal examination, and 29 percent were asked to present photographs of sexual intercourse. When coming clean about their sexual orientation, 66 percent were asked, "Are you sure?" 52 percent were told to consult a psychologist or psychiatrist, 75 percent was told they don't look like 'them' (homosexuals) and 50 percent were forced to change the subject.

* 33 percent of the 178 participants who have been to a psychologist or psychiatrist, go because others want them to. 67 percent were forced by their psychologist or psychiatrist to become a heterosexual, to use medication, or were given false information about homosexuality.

"We are Neither Wrong, Nor Alone "

Lambdaistanbul is an institution which has been working on the problems of the homosexuals, bisexuals and transsexuals for the last 13 years. Lambdaistanbul's culture center is a place where people gather to chat and share their problems.

"We felt the need to go beyond sharing our problems and systematically compile our problems to be able to generate permanent solutions," said Lambdaistanbul, which took support from academicians to plan the survey.

Lambdaistanbul found the participants by its own means. "Thus, the research may not reflect fully the problems of all homosexuals and bisexuals in Istanbul, but may give an idea," said the group.

Advisory Hotline

Lambdaistanbul drew attention to the growing violence against homosexuals, bisexuals, transvestites and transsexuals. "We believe our problems can only be solved through communication and mutual efforts of understanding," said the institution, which also set up an advisory hotline.

The telephone number for the hotline is: 212 244 57 62. The book can be obtained free of charge at Lambdaistanbul. (EZO/AD/EA/YE)