LGBTI+ seafarers: 'Heterosexism is a storm that settles over seafaring'

Photo: Alex Shadyuk

 (We did not use the real names of the people interviewed for security reasons)

Click to read the article in Turkish

Not too long ago, in June, during Pride Month, they reminded us of their existence and were visible on social media with the hashtag "LGBTİ+denizciler vardır" (There are LGBTI+ Seafarers). They said:

"We are on the ship, in the harbor, on the streets against efforts to demonize LGBTI+ individuals... We are transsexual*, and we are here! Happy Pride Month to all LGBTI+ individuals..."

Transpacific, Atlantic, Maritime, Marine Spice...

Sailing across vast oceans, journeying between continents, seafarers...

They are working in the traditionally male-dominated maritime industry as LGBTI+ individuals. So, what are they experiencing? What challenges do they face? How does the need to conceal their identities make them feel? 

LGBTI+ seafarers spoke to bianet: "With my queer existence, I am a breakwater shattering this system. What I feel is that I am a hopeful rainbow that emerges in the rain, in the waves hitting the shore, above the sea."

"Our solidarity is the organization that we have"

Are LGBTI+ individuals among maritime workers organized?

TransPacific:

I'll answer not very certain about what organization means; partly yes, partly no. Until now, LGBTI+ seafarers who didn't know each other and had to hide are now meeting, feeling that they are not alone.

Like in every country, in every profession, we are trying to overcome the discrimination we face through conversations and sharing our experiences. I believe this solidarity is a form of organization.

Atlantic:

As far as I know, we are not organized.

Maritime:
In our country, most LGBTI+ maritime workers have to hide themselves, so as far as I can observe, there is no established organization.

Marine Spice:
No, we are not organized yet.

“We have limited spaces”

How do you define yourselves? How did you connect with each other?

TransPacific:

I define myself as Queer. The maritime industry is a place where rumors and discrimination are rampant. Therefore, I find it important to create a trustworthy environment for finding each other.

In this regard, the Maritime Workers Platform plays a catalyst role in getting to know each other.

I write articles about the discrimination LGBTI+ maritime workers face in the MayDay magazine published by the platform, and we try to reach people like us through these articles, posts, and social media.

Atlantic:

I define myself as gay. I got to know others through social media.

Maritime:
I'm a trans man who hasn't started transitioning yet. I got to know LGBTI+ colleagues through social media.

Marine Spice:
I define myself as queer or "lubunya."

Are you working in a homophobic and transphobic environment? What can you say about your working conditions?

TransPacific:

Yes, I am working in an environment with LGBTI+ hostility. The ship is a space where my workplace and private life are intertwined. Unfortunately, I have a very limited space to be myself. Also, some country ports can be problematic for LGBTI+ individuals. At ports we dock at, authorities conduct searches in cabins, so I can't take all my belongings with me so that they will not realize I'm LGBTI+.

Atlantic:
Because I don't show my true colors and the subject is rarely discussed, it wouldn't be accurate to use a definite statement. Also, I am a captain, and I work with foreign crew members, so there is inevitably some distance. But I can't say there is no phobia. Occasionally, there are expressions and attitudes that contain phobia, even if rarely.

Maritime:
I haven't worked in such an environment. The conditions provided among the crew and on the ship are equal. Currently, I don't face any discrimination, even though I have a feminine appearance and a masculine demeanor.

Marine Spice:

I've worked in homophobic/transphobic environments, and sometimes in LGBTI+ ally environments as well. Ignorance is a problem of our age, and it can appear anywhere. Sometimes it can be very challenging. Individuals in patriarchal societies often find it easier to blame the opposite sex or minorities without realizing that they are the source of the problems, rather than taking self-criticism, and you can find yourself in a struggle for existence. Sometimes vocally, sometimes silently.

"I have to remain silent to avoid trouble"

What problems do you encounter the most?

TransPacific:
I frequently encounter discriminatory language. Gossip is rampant. My femininity has been used as a subject of mockery to my face, and there have been many instances of imitation. Sometimes, what I say is not taken into consideration. I've been physically harassed twice. Unfortunately, in order to avoid trouble in finding a job, I had to remain silent.

Atlantic:
I cannot express myself as I am.

Maritime:
Misunderstandings related to my appearance can naturally occur. Although it doesn't pose a big issue for me, I can in fact understand the questioning

Marine Spice:
I can't say "the most," but problematic statements about gender equality are a significant issue, even if I'm not required to take them personally; it's frustrating to just have to listen.

What does Pride Month mean to you? What do you do on that day?

TransPacific:

Pride Month is important for our visibility. However, visibility is not currently possible on the ship. Instead, I try to increase visibility on social media. Just like when we say that LGBTI+ seafarers are here during Pride Month, we continue to put forward our existence, and grow solidarity on June 25 for seafarers, on February 28 for LGBTI+ seafarers, and on May 1.

Atlantic:
I'm usually on the ship. When I'm not on the ship, I might be on vacation. I haven't attended any events during Pride Month yet.

Maritime:

I think Pride Month is very significant. I see it as a month to shout out that we are equal, not different. It brings me great happiness and pride to realize that we are not alone during this month. However, many individuals or groups who do not support our visibility and unfortunately some who engage in actions not fit for the purpose prevent this day in Turkey. 

Marine Spice:
I see Pride Month as a struggle for LGBTI+ individuals who cannot access fundamental rights such as housing, education, work, health, and security because of their existence.

“I am a breakwater breaking up this system”

What does it feel like to be a maritime worker and LGBTI+?

TransPacific:
I feel like a force that shatters norms. Heterosexism is a cursed storm that looms over all of maritime, and with my queer existence, I am a breakwater that breaks this system. What I feel is that I am a hopeful rainbow that emerges above the sea in the rain, in the waves hitting the shore.

Atlantic:
Alongside working, I live on the ship. When I leave the cabin, I become the captain, and I live in a repetitive cycle of being myself only inside the cabin

Maritime:
Being a seafarer is my greatest dream and passion. Doing this job is a source of pride. However, in the future, I certainly have concerns as a trans individual. The worst is seeing unethical behavior, exclusion, or being perceived differently. Moreover, it's a concern to not be accepted even in companies in my own country, and I'm worried about how the crew will look at me, even if I'm accepted.

Marine Spice:
Being a seafarer and queer makes me feel like I have to leave a part of myself on land when I go on a ship. Moreover, leaving behind my favorite part.

“Life against hate”

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

TransPacific:
I call on all LGBTI+ seafarer friends to grow solidarity and organize. Let life continue against exploitation, exhaustion, occupational accidents, LGBTI+ hostility, and hate!

Atlantic:
I have nothing to add.

Maritime:
Finally, I want to say that no matter where you are or what circumstances you're in, don't give up on being yourself. Your identity, your orientation, and your pride! Don't forget the rainbows on the seas. Embrace your colors. No one is alone anywhere.

Marine Spice:
As a last word, #lgbtidenizcilervardır (LGBTI seafarers exist.)

*In the original statement, the term used was "Dönmeyiz", derived from dönme, which is a pejorative expression for trans people in Turkish. Dönme literally translates as "turned," as in transitioning from one gender to another. However, the LGBTI+ community in Turkey has since reclaimed this term.

(EMK/PE)