Yesterday, Club Pera, organized the first (!!) Turkish gay and lesbian party in Amsterdam nightclub Paradiso. It's not that long ago that in Turkey, homosexuals were doomed to lead their life in secrecy. But nowadays, Istanbul is a hip and ultramodern city, without having lost its traditions. Istanbul is a great city to party for gays, lesbians and straight people. And that is exactly the thought behind the Pink Istanbul-party.

I thought it is a huge breakthrough in the Turkish gay scene. The party stressed the connection between Amsterdam and Istanbul, and besides partying, there has been place for serious matters as well:

Before the nightprogramme, there has been a debate with Turkish-Dutch politicians and homo-activists from both Istanbul and Amsterdam. Subjects as 'Is İstanbul the youngest gay-city of Europe?' and 'How is homosexual-tolerance in İstanbul, in comparison with Amsterdam?' have been discussed.

In the nightprogramme, there have been performances of Arkin Allen (Mercan Dede), Onur Özer, When Harry met Sally, DJ Sertan, DJ Ipek a.o. DJs were accompanied by dance-groups from Amsterdam and Istanbul, and there was a lounge with the theme 'From nargile to oil-wrestling in the hamam'.

The event was supported by COC Amsterdam en Nederland, UNK and GAY.EU

- I wish I had been able to go there, as the doors were open for everybody.



Source: (what I typed is merely translation of the Dutch webpage below)
http://www.clubpera.nl/pinkistanbul

Wow, this is really fantastic! I'm curious whether there were any negative comments from the Turkish/religious community in Holland or any violence... Really, great news and sounds like a great event!

I thought there were no gays in Turkey. I wonder if they can still fight in the Turkish Military if they are homosexual..

I am just curious....why do they play better music at gay clubs than at straight clubs?

In any case, the first time I went to Istanbul...I thought everyone was gay. I saw many men walking around arm in arm. I said to my husband, "Wow, I didn't think Turkey was so progressive about homosexuals!" He looked at me like I had two heads and asked me what I meant. I told him, "all the men are walking arm in arm". HAHAHA...he got very angry with me and told me, "they are NOT GAY. Many men do that in my culture...it is normal!" The level of his anger told me that gays still must have it pretty difficult in Turkey, although I think it may be getting better.

I am so glad other people saw this too. American men would rather walk on fire than touch eachother. I still find it a little funny when I see it. But the same goes for a few other Turkish traditions. I remember being offered someone elses slippers when I entered their home. I knew I had to take my shoes off but I have to say....I can't handle wearing someone elses shoes! I find it very strange...oh, and kissing someones hand...only if they wash first!! hahaha...What can I say..I am a germophobe!

Thanks for illuminating us everyday we learn many things from Turkish class.

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